If you’ve been feeling burnt out at work, a sabbatical could help you recharge and refocus on your goals. With careful planning, extended time off could be a life-changing experience. Let’s look at the three things to do before taking a sabbatical, so you can make the most of your time off and return ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.
Table of Contents
Establish goals
Professionals take sabbaticals for plenty of reasons—to focus on a passion, build a new professional skill, volunteer for a worthy cause, learn a new language, or just take time to relax.
To make the most of your time away, consider your personal objectives. A clear set of achievable, precise, and time-bound goals should guide your decision-making throughout the trip. For example, instead of taking a sabbatical to “focus on writing,” it’s much more advantageous to “travel in Europe to conduct research and complete rough drafts of the first three chapters of a book.” As you identify a destination, accommodations, and a timeframe, keep your goals in mind—someone who hopes to spend a few months volunteering may not want to stay at a luxury resort, for example. Your specific objectives will also help you pitch your sabbatical in the workplace.
Make arrangements at work
Some companies have formal sabbatical policies, allowing employees to take extended leave after working there for a specific number of years. Check the handbook or speak with HR to determine whether your employer offers sabbaticals. If not, you may be able to make arrangements with your manager and other company leadership team members. If you pitch your leave as a relevant opportunity to hone your skills, they may make an exception
Before you announce your sabbatical, consider how your work responsibilities will be managed while you’re gone. If a coworker or team will pick up the slack, try to leave them with detailed instructions for handling your projects. If possible, give advanced notice—at least a month—so you have time to answer questions, wrap up loose ends, and train the people inheriting your responsibilities.
Organize your finances
Managing personal finances and other administrative tasks are often the most challenging aspects of any extended leave, especially if you’re traveling. Depending on workplace’s sabbatical policy, you might only be making a certain percentage of your salary. Renters may consider subletting their apartments; homeowners, on the other hand, might want to rent out their space to cover mortgage payments. Some people choose to move out of their homes and put belongings in storage during sabbaticals to minimize expenses. To save money, you may pause unnecessary costs, like monthly subscription services that will go unused while you’re away.
Develop a budget for travel costs and necessary ongoing expenses, like your cell phone plan, utility bills, auto insurance, and premiums on your whole life insurance policy. Setting bills like life insurance, loans, and credit cards on autopay can save you time and potentially help you avoid issues if you ever lose internet access while you’re away. Organizing personal finances can take some effort, but can help you make the most of your time away.
The bottom line
For professionals who have dedicated years to their careers, a sabbatical may offer a much-needed change of pace. After you’ve identified goals and made arrangements, it’s time to take that step into the next adventure. With the right preparation, you could focus on the personal development awaiting you on the road ahead.