US – The concept of waiting until you’re 70 before spending your retirement years volunteering or travelling is slowly becoming outdated in this new era. Many employees are now inclined to the idea of taking a sabbatical in the middle of their careers. Employees can do this either by quitting their jobs or taking paid or unpaid leave, reports Forbes.
And sabbaticals can even be beneficial, as taking time away from work may improve a person’s health, recover from job burnout, learn new skills or gain an understanding on what they want to do with their lives.
But for those planning a sabbatical, what are some of the factors you have to consider before taking the time off?
1. Understand the whys. After knowing what you want to do on your time off, think about the real reasons as to why you need the time away. Are you doing this just to have a longer vacation? Or are you looking for a new focus in your career? Without understand the reasons behind the sabbatical, it may be difficult to resume a positive outlook once the sabbatical is over.
2. Plan for it. Start putting away money every month. Also, choose a date and a length of time and plan for it. Enlist help from your friends to help you plan and to ensure that you follow-through with your decision.
3. What about work? For those looking to return to the same employer after your sabbatical, it is crucial to have a conversation with your boss spelling out the reasons why a sabbatical would benefit both parties. Whether it is through improving language skills, having a better understanding of international markets or helping the company cut costs, make sure that you and your boss are on the same page.
4. Plan ahead. Plan ahead for the responsibilities which need to be met when you are gone, such as your phone bills and regular insurance payments.