The Summer of Yes: Haley Close’s Freedom Retreat

At Clickstop, we believe in the power of investing in our people, not just through their careers but through their personal growth and life experiences as well. One of our most unique benefits is the Freedom Retreat—a sabbatical program designed to give employees the space to step away from work, recharge, and focus on the things that matter most to them. Employees with five or more years of service can take up to 12 weeks off with partial pay, while those with 10 or more years get a full 4-week sabbatical with full pay.

This summer, Haley Close, one of our employee-owners, took full advantage of this incredible benefit, embarking on a 12-week Freedom Retreat that not only rejuvenated her but strengthened her connection to her family and to Clickstop.

Here’s a look at Haley’s journey and how her Freedom Retreat became the “Summer of Yes.”

A Chance to Be Present

For Haley, the decision to take a Freedom Retreat came down to one simple thing—time. With two daughters, ages 5 and 8, Haley realized how quickly they were growing up and saw the Freedom Retreat as a chance to be fully present for them during the summer.

“I will be forever grateful to have had those 12 weeks with my kids,” Haley shared. “It was truly amazing. We did all the things—this was the summer of YES! We took trips to New York City and Toronto, spent nights at the campground, made a truly epic blanket fort, met our new nephew/cousin, and even adopted a new puppy!”

To make the summer extra special, Haley and her daughters created a “summer jar,” filling it with strips of paper that each held an activity, from lemonade stands to jumping on the trampoline. Anytime they had a free day, they would pull an activity from the jar and go on an adventure together.

Preparing for Success

Haley’s retreat didn’t just happen overnight. She started planning with her manager, Todd, more than a year in advance. “This gave us plenty of time to think about the priorities while I was out, and who might make the most sense to take them on,” Haley said.

In the months leading up to her time off, Haley fine-tuned her SOPs and recorded training sessions with her teammates, ensuring they had everything they needed to succeed in her absence. Her careful preparation allowed her to completely unplug for the entire 12 weeks, knowing her team was more than capable of handling things while she was away.

The Freedom to Recharge

For Haley, the Freedom Retreat was more than disconnecting from work—it was about connecting with her family and with herself. “I think the mom guilt is real for a lot of us,” she admitted. “Being able to put all my focus on my kids and my husband this summer was huge. The Freedom Retreat allowed me (and my family) to truly get the best of both worlds.”

Haley also found herself living more in the moment. “I had my phone in hand a lot less than I normally do, and it was so refreshing!” she said. “Even going back and pulling photos, I realized I didn’t take all that many! I was really present.”

Coming Back Energized

When Haley returned from her Freedom Retreat in late August, she felt a renewed sense of energy and connection to Clickstop. “It almost felt like I was starting a new job when I came back,” she said. “Stepping away allowed me to come back and not be bogged down by doing things one way just because that’s how we’ve always done it. I feel like I’m seeing everything for the first time again.”

The retreat also gave Haley a fresh perspective on work-life balance and how deeply Clickstop values its people. “This benefit just confirms to me that Clickstop’s values are more than words on a wall,” she said.

Advice for Others

Haley encourages anyone considering a Freedom Retreat to start planning early, even if it’s years away. “Start talking with your supervisor about what it would take, and begin to plan financially,” she advised. “And remember, you don’t have to take the full 12 weeks! If that feels overwhelming, take 4 or 8 weeks. You won’t regret it!”

Looking back, Haley cherishes the time she got with her kids the most. “They’re only little once, and this summer was one for the books,” she said.

As Haley reflects on her journey, it’s clear that the Freedom Retreat wasn’t just a benefit for her—it was a gift for her entire family. And at Clickstop, we’re proud to offer this sabbatical as a way to invest in our employee-owners, helping them find balance, recharge, and come back ready to tackle new challenges.