Hear from On Leave clients.
On Leave can be meaningful in so many roles and phases of life, whether we identify as professionals, partners, caregivers, retirees, empty nesters, 30 year-olds or 70 year-olds, single, dating, married, starting a new chapter, she, he or they. The clients who've booked experiences with On Leave play all of these roles. You can go On Leave solo, with a buddy or with a group of your choosing. You can also gift someone an On Leave experience.
“I want to be clear on this. For me, this wasn’t just about the 4 days in New Orleans. It was about the entire process and the intentionality behind it.”
For Mary Kate, a mom, caregiver and professional in her early 60s from the West Coast: An illuminating journey to New Orleans
Background: Mary Kate reached out to On Leave at a crossroads in her life. She had always made decisions based on what was best for her children, but now, with grown kids and having recently left a job, she was searching for something illuminating to guide her own path forward.
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Experience: On Leave sent Mary Kate on a solo trip to New Orleans, with experiences like volunteering at an urban garden, a tarot card reading at a woman-owned business and a jambalaya cooking class.
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Results: The intentionality of the On Leave process was enlightening for Mary Kate, helping her realize she deserved to prioritize her own needs and desires. The entire experience bolstered her patience and trust that the right opportunities will come in time. Moving forward, Mary Kate is committed to making decisions that align with her own needs, both personally and professionally. Recently, she moved to a different state that’s where she wants to live.
For AnnMarie, a mom and professional in her early 50s from the Chicago area: A multi-dimensional, character-filled solo weekend in Greenville
Background: AnnMarie sought out On Leave for a re-energizing solo weekend amidst some transitions in her life, including her daughter’s upcoming departure for college. AnnMarie craved experiences that touched on different dimensions – spiritual, cultural, physical, and culinary – and wanted to be fully present, letting go of the need to make plans herself. (A big deal since she’s a project manager in her day job!)
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Experience: On Leave chose Greenville, South Carolina for AnnMarie's destination, a city that mirrors AnnMarie’s own evolution and growth. Her itinerary included a private olive oil tasting, a custom sound bath and meaningful conversations at a woman-owned B&B.
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Results: The trip allowed AnnMarie to connect meaningfully with the people she met, learning from their stories and perspectives while rediscovering parts of herself. The experience inspired her to continue seeking out opportunities for growth and connection.
“From a fellow bicyclist to a physicist to a retired tobacco executive, I’ve both shared and collected stories that will live with me forever. Shout out to Liz Coffey and On Leave Experiences for making this weekend as magical as it has been.”
“Overall, it was a great experience because you definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone! This was a great lesson in slowing down! The biggest push? Giving my mind and my body permission to relax, be present and SLOW DOWN. I’m so glad I did it. It's a reminder that I don't always have to go at top speed.”
For Theresa, a professional in her early 40s who recently moved back to Chicago: A gentle nudge outside her comfort zone in the Pilsen neighborhood
Background: Theresa was transitioning between professional opportunities and sought a fresh approach to self-care. Through On Leave's self-care style quiz, she identified with the "Wander" style, despite her typically fast-paced nature.
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Experience: On Leave curated a "Day of YOU" for Theresa in Pilsen, a Chicago neighborhood she hadn’t visited since moving back to the city. Her planned day featured visits to local small businesses, time to appreciate street art, a hands-on floral arranging lesson and leisurely meals.
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Results: The customized itinerary gently pushed Theresa beyond her comfort zone in a safe, supportive way. She discovered the value of taking time to appreciate details and learn a new skill, rekindling a sense of curiosity. This experience helped Theresa reconnect with herself outside of her professional identity, fostering a renewed sense of self during her career transition.
For Meredith, a mom and professional in her late 30s living an hour south of Boston: A creative retreat in the city
Background: Meredith was feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind and the blurring of work and home life, especially with a 2 year-old son. She reached out to On Leave for a restorative experience and discovered through On Leave’s self-care style quiz that she resonates with the "Create" style, finding joy in hands-on activities.
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Experience: On Leave curated a "Day of Meredith" in Boston, starting with calming aerial yoga and sound bath experiences and building to a 3-hour hands-on tufting (rug-making) workshop.
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Results: The completely customized itinerary left Meredith feeling seen and appreciated, and she discovered new activities she enjoys. The "Day of Meredith" showed her the value of prioritizing solo experiences to recharge and discover new passions, even amidst a busy life.
