Asking for a Sabbatical as a Young Professional with Kim Nicol

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kim Nicol about the power and impact of asking for what you want. Specifically Kim share the story of how at age 24 she requested a 10-week unpaid sabbatical from her first salaried job. Kim is based in San Francisco. Listeners will gain insights into career pivots, self-advocacy at work, and the transformational value of travel and saying “yes” to yourself.

Kim Nicol is an Executive Mindfulness Coach for leaders in diverse industries. She talks about the human side of leadership on The New Manager Podcast, and teaches Communication Strategies on Maven.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Self-advocacy in early career: Why and how Kim asked for an extended unpaid sabbatical in her early 20s.
2. Overcoming fear in the workplace: Navigating the nerves and uncertainty that come with requesting big things from your employer.
3. The role of supportive work cultures—Kim’s experience in a small, tight-knit company with no formal HR.
4. Transformative power of travel: How living and learning in France expanded Kim’s worldview and triggered new personal growth.
5. The difference between sabbaticals, leaves of absence, and corporate culture in the U.S.
6. Lessons for managers: How leaders can approach unusual employee requests and foster growth.
7. Applying boldness forward: How early self-advocacy continues to impact Kim’s professional and coaching life, and how she encourages others to ask for what they need.
8. French culture, lifelong learning, and the “through line” of storytelling in Kim’s career.

Quote from the Episode: “You can ask for things, it’s okay. They might even say yes. Be willing to be Pleasantly surprised at what someone might say yes to.” — Kim Nicol

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Intro & where Kim calls home—San Francisco and Santa Cruz roots

[00:01:15] Childhood activities: tennis, college rowing, and the introversion of team sports

[00:02:08] Kim’s first post-college job and studying marketing

[00:03:12] Why marketing: the allure of storytelling and business

[00:06:13] The big ask: requesting a 10-week sabbatical as a 24-year-old

[00:07:16] Response & process: boss’s reaction, team structure, and no HR involvement

[00:10:13] What inspired the idea of a sabbatical, French art, travel dreaming

[00:11:14] No precedents: Kim's research, self-direction, and planning the trip

[00:12:49] The ask unfolds: process details and how Kim presented solutions

[00:15:28] Coworkers’ reactions: surprise, envy, and supporting young ambition

[00:16:28] Returning to work: changed perspective and inevitable next steps

[00:18:05] Manager’s perspective: Kim reflects on handling requests as a leader

[00:19:59] Corporate vs. personal sabbaticals; evolving U.S. work culture

[00:21:10] Long-term takeaways: power in asking and why it matters in professional development

[00:23:44] The impact of cultural immersion and expanded worldview

[00:25:40] Previous travel experiences and what inspired Kim’s French adventure

[00:27:44] Closing, Kim’s current podcast, self-advocacy worksheet, and rapid-fire fun questions (“no eggplant!”)

ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: https://kimnicol.com/ or listen to her podcast, New Manager Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-manager-podcast/id1482942451

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