You both seem to be making the exact same point from different directions. Being a burnt out husk is terrible for your career and work performance. You both feel like the sabbaticals are restoring the life side of the work-life balance. Therefore taking a break is actually enhancing your career. Just like sleeping at night helps you accomplish more during the day.

Sabbaticals are beneficial in all sorts of ways, and it's possible those benefits may confer benefits to your profession.

It is not safe to assume those potential benefits will outweigh the substantial negatives of not participating in the competition while your peers continue without you.

I have a similar mindset and experience as you. American society is ridiculous in how rigid it is on this aspect. I essentially need to quit to get the balance I truly desire. I have no issues working for 6 months all day everyday totally dedicated and focused but then I need about 3 months to recharge. Trying to become sort of a “supertemp” but it’s not that easy. I am about to quit again, have been working for 8 months, 60 hr weeks, saved $25k and am going to do whatever I want for awhile. I am a top performer but I work in 6 month spurts of focus. I need that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, focusing me and my efforts to the freedom that awaits.