Vantage Point: Finding a work/life balance

As days go by, I find myself feeling more disconnected with the world around me outside of work and school. From assessing myself against this wheel (above) I really only am living 1/4 of my life. This got me thinking. For years, I have submerged myself in work and school. At some point, I want to quit my job for 6 months to a year and force myself NOT to work or go to school and to develop all other aspects of my life that I feel are missing or underdeveloped. This would be hard for me as I love staying busy, but the only real way I know how to stay busy and enjoy myself, is at work. I really don't know what to do with myself outside work and school. As I was talking to my sister about this, she said she felt the same way she had her first summer vacation as a highschool Social Studies teacher. She didn't know what to do with herself. Sadly, I know I would have a similar reaction. A situation like this would initially cause me a great deal of discomfort but after I replace my need to work with a hobby or start focusing on other aspects of myself instead of limiting myself to work and school, I think I will find the balance I am looking for. However, I don't think this will necessarily involve technology.

I actually know only one person who has the best work/like balance that I have ever known a person to have (that I wish I had for myself). He is a physician who has a passion for enjoying life (family, friends, baseball games, cars, and travelling). I have always envied his ability to live life so fully & so well (actually I think most people who knew him felt the same too). Every year he has made it a point to travel overseas to various exotic countries (either by himself or with friends) for a few weeks. If that wasn't enough, he also made time to travel within the US and go to a few baseball games as well AND spend all other free-time with friends and family. That was when he was a resident. Now, as an attending physician, he makes a buttload of money, he loves what he does (apparently is very good at it too) and STILL really knows how to live life to the fullest! That is such a cool trait. To top it, if that wasn't enough, off he has an endearing personality- he's sweet, happy, giving ; the sort of guy who would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it. For as long as I knew him, I wanted to be like him (or at least learn to live my life like him) because he was so balanced personally, socially, and professionally. Not to mention one of the nicest human beings that I have ever met. For as long as I have known him, though, I still haven't figured out how he managed to balance everything, but one thing is for certain, his pie is full! This is what I want to develop for myself...

Yes, I think an extended period of time off from life as I know it (work/school) would be scary yet beneficial. Anyone else go though a life experience like this?