How To Take a Sabbatical From Work

1. Ask yourself why you’re taking the time off and what benefits you expect to gain. …
2. Select a time frame for your trip. …
3. Double-check your bank account. …
4. Present your ideas to your boss.

Two years ago, Michael Tieso, now 25 years old, was plotting his escape from his windowless UPS cubicle. He decided to set aside enough cash to travel for a year after being motivated by travel blogs. He sold some of his possessions on Craigslist, downgraded from a $1,400 apartment to a $200 bedroom in a Hackensack, New Jersey, and brought his lunch to work. J. , home. On just a $50,000 salary, he was able to save $15,000 in less than a year. Then, on a daily budget of $25, he set off for China, Southeast Asia, and South America. After 11 months, he ran out of money in his savings and had to rely on his artofbackpacking earnings to make ends meet. com, a website he launched before he left. This week, he departs for China with a part-time teaching job because “I knew that working in a corporate office wasn’t for me.” “However, through travel, I learned that there were a lot of other ways I could make a living.” “.

When the thought of taking even a week off can send many people into a frenzy of task delegation and calendar clearing, taking a lengthy break by quitting your job or going on an unpaid leave can seem completely insane. However, if you are determined to take one, a sabbatical (a word derived from the word “sabbath,” for rest), can have enormous long-term benefits. Today, hundreds of businesses, such as Boston Consulting Group, eBay, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, provide paid and unpaid sabbaticals for staff members who want to enhance their health, recover from job burnout, acquire new skills, or determine what they want to do with their lives. According to Elizabeth Pagano, cofounder of YourSabbatical, “the idea of working for 40 years and then retiring is outdated.” com. “People should be able to incorporate short breaks into their work schedules.” “.

To take a sabbatical, people frequently have to get past a lot of mental obstacles, particularly the worry about losing their jobs and financial security. According to Dan Clements, author of Escape 101: Sabbaticals Made Simple, “many people think that a bad economy is the worst time to take a sabbatical.” “I believe the opposite to be true, particularly for those with a strong track record.” Losing that talent during a downturn in the economy is difficult for employers. You can convincingly argue that going on an unpaid leave and coming back to work in a few months will be beneficial. You don’t have to spend all of your life savings or risk your career to take a sabbatical. And one of the best kept secrets about it is that taking longer breaks than one or two weeks is frequently simpler.

Once you’ve made up your mind to take some time off, consider what you really want to do and why. Do you want to study Italian, climb Mt. Everest, or give back to Haiti? The most important question is why you are doing it, according to Clive Prout, a life coach from Washington state who assists people with sabbatical planning. “Some people I see just want a longer vacation. They desire to return to their jobs because they enjoy them. Some people want a break for as long as they can because they are unhappy with their jobs. And it’s even better if they can move on to something else. Without considering your “why,” it’s simple to take a break for six months and return to your unfulfilling position.

Start carrying out your plan once you have determined why you want to take time off and have made the mental commitment to do so. Clements suggests three steps: initiate an automatic savings plan, and set aside $10 to $1,000 per month or more. Decide on a departure time and date, then mark it on all of your calendars. Then let a few people know about your sabbatical plans so they can assist you in planning and ensure that you stick to your decision. According to Clements, “If you don’t carve that time away, it tends to be taken from you.” “One of the world’s easiest things to avoid doing is taking a sabbatical,” “.

Next, figure out your employment situation. Make sure your employer values you highly if you want to come back to your current position after you leave. Instead of whining about being exhausted, list the benefits of taking a sabbatical for both you and your employer. It might result in cost savings for your business, a better comprehension of global markets, or an improvement in your language abilities. Give your boss plenty of notice. Continue your online networking after you return from your sabbatical, advises Michaela Potter, co-founder of briefcasetobackpack com. “Update your resume before you leave because you won’t remember what you did six months or a year from now,” “.

Start saving as soon as possible. Most people’s first significant obstacle is money, according to Clements But the price of a really great sabbatical can be much lower than the cost of your normal life. People on sabbatical typically travel to areas with lower cost of living Less infrastructure is needed when traveling; cable bills, manicures, and pricey steak dinners with friends are no longer necessary. Develop a plan for covering your responsibilities when youre gone. Ensure someone at home has access to your bank account so they can assist you with any necessary money transfers. Use Skype or prepaid calling cards to call home while paying your bills online. Purchase travel medical insurance from companies like Medex and World Nomads.

Sabbatical From Work | HOW TO PULL IT OFF

What does it mean to take a sabbatical from work?

A sabbatical from work is a protracted leave from your job that may be paid or unpaid. A sabbatical may last for a few weeks to a year or longer. Some people might prefer to relax, while others might fulfill a long-held goal, like hiking the Appalachian Trail or traveling through Europe on a backpacking trip.

Steps for how to take a sabbatical from work

The following eight steps will assist you in getting ready for a work sabbatical:

1. Decide why you want to take a break

People can have a wide range of different justifications for taking time off. You might feel exhausted in your present position and desire some time to rediscover your enthusiasm for your line of work. Others might need some time to consider whether they are in the right field or even the right job. A long break can give you the opportunity to consider your professional and personal goals and the best course of action to reach them.

Understanding the reasons behind your absence will help you plan how you’ll spend it. For instance, spending time in a tranquil, tropical location may be beneficial if you feel overworked and constantly stressed out. Consider taking a break from your career to complete a personal goal, such as participating in a triathlon, if you are not satisfied with your professional achievements.

2. Determine the details

Once you are certain of your motivation, start making plans for the specifics, such as:

Consider your financial situation, personal preferences, domestic obligations, and your idea of the perfect vacation as you make these decisions. You should also think about how others will be affected by your absence. If you have kids, for instance, your sabbatical might need to happen over the summer when they are off of school and can travel with you.

3. Start saving

Financing a sabbatical takes time. Before your break starts, you might need to save for six months to a year. Consider the following ways to set aside money:

4. Talk to your employer

Although approaching your boss about taking a sabbatical can be intimidating, honest discussion is essential for a successful sabbatical, especially if you intend to return to your position. Many businesses are starting to understand how giving their employees a long break can benefit both their employees and their bottom line.

Make a list of the advantages your sabbatical will bring the company, like:

Speak to your boss about any potential company perks, such as paid time off for a specific number of weeks. Whether you are willing to take unpaid time off should also be noted. Talk to your boss if you want to return to work after your sabbatical. Help develop a strategy for who will assume your duties going forward, and offer to train any new hires. The length of time the business will permit you to take off while holding your job may also be decided with the assistance of your boss.

Make sure to communicate with your boss and coworkers frequently while on sabbatical to make sure you stay in their thoughts. You could explain how your past experiences will affect how you perform on the job in the future. For instance, going on a solo trip may increase your confidence and inspire you to seek out more leadership positions at work.

5. Update your resume to include your current job

Update your resume with your current job responsibilities and any significant accomplishments before taking weeks off. If you decide to look for a new position after your sabbatical, make sure this information is on your resume. While this information is still fresh in your mind, you should record it to make sure you don’t forget to include anything crucial.

6. Delegate responsibilities at home

Think about how you’ll handle your obligations while you’re away. You may need to initiate the following services:

7. Connect with people who have been in a similar situation

There might not be many individuals who have taken an official sabbatical. However, you can look for individuals who have traveled similarly. Look for online groups specific to your interests, such as:

8. Maintain skills

Disconnecting from work-related stressors while on leave from employment However, you might think about keeping up with important aspects of your industry. For instance, maintaining any licenses or certifications can facilitate a smoother return to the workforce. You can avoid feeling behind upon your return by keeping up with any significant news and trends in your industry.

During your sabbatical, you might also think about applying your skills in a different way by teaching or volunteering. For instance, if you work in IT, you could teach teenagers how to code as a volunteer project. Through language learning websites, you can look up locals in other countries who are interested in learning English. Casual interactions can help people practice their English and gain proficiency in a foreign language. These may not be professional activities, but they show service, initiative, and dedication to potential employers.

FAQ

How do I request a sabbatical leave?

I am writing to you to ask for a sabbatical for the duration of (number of months). My name is [your name]. I have worked for this company for the past [number] years as [your designation], and even though I have learned a lot during that time, I feel the need to take a temporary break from work to care for myself.

Is taking a sabbatical a good idea?

Is It Worth It To Take A Sabbatical From Work? Research has shown that taking a break from work has many advantages, including lowered burnout, enhanced health, and higher employee retention.

How do I ask for a sabbatical job?

1. Step 1: Understand the Risks and Be Honest With Yourself.
2. Step 2: Outline How Your Sabbatical Will Benefit Both Your Company and You.
3. Step 3: Set a target date and tell your friends about it.
4. Step 4: Determine What You Will Do on Your Sabbatical.
5. Step 5: Prepare for the Worst and Build a Counter-Response.

What professions take sabbatical?

• Patagonia. …
• The Cheesecake Factory. …
• McDonald’s. …
• QuikTrip. …
• REI. …
• The Container Store. …
• Timberland.