Out of Office (for Real): Why a Sabbatical Might Be the Best Career Move You Haven’t Made Yet
Taking a sabbatical or an extended period of leave from work is not only for those who work in academia. Nowadays, people working across different industries have also seen the incredible benefits of a sabbatical in their careers and personal lives. Sure, taking time off work also has its drawbacks, but the pros still outweigh the cons. Still, it’s best to know not only the benefits but also the disadvantages and how to plan for one.
What is a Sabbatical?
A work sabbatical is longer than the usual annual leave which, according, to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is “10 to 14 days of paid vacation after one year of service.” This might not be enough to fully rest and recharge from work burnout, care for a newborn, or pursue further studies. It may be paid or unpaid, depending on the company’s policies. It can last a week, months, or even years.
What are the Benefits of Taking a Sabbatical?
Whether you’re thinking of switching careers, you want time to upskill, or you’re thinking of giving the digital nomad life a try, there are different professional and personal benefits to taking a prolonged leave of absence.
- Personal growth and development: Sabbatical can offer you time for soul-searching. When you’re not thinking about the financial report you need to do overtime for or to remind your colleague it’s their turn to order snacks and coffee for tomorrow’s meeting, you can focus on self-discovery and reflection. Now, you can reset and think about your life and career goals and whether you’re still on track to achieving those objectives.
- Skill development: Use the time off work to learn new skills, take courses, or pursue hobbies you’ve been putting off. This can also boost your creativity or even find a passion that can pay the bills. You might still need to go back to work after taking a sabbatical, but knowing you have another option as an income source can give you peace of mind.
- Mental health improvement: Taking an annual leave can also give you a chance to reduce your work-related stress and improve your overall mental well-being. However, how many times have you logged in to your work email or answered a chat message from a colleague over Teams because of an urgent work-related matter? Then, seeing you online, emails and messages started pinging your laptop and phone, and your planned annual leave became a work-from-home setup. When you take a sabbatical, you can set what your obligations are while you’re away.
- Reigniting passion for work: Distance from daily work routines can help reignite your passion for work. When you come back after fully recharging, you also bring a new level of enthusiasm and appreciation for what you do.
- Sparking creativity: Whether it’s travel, learning, or simply having time to breathe, sabbaticals can spark creativity and innovative ideas you can bring back to your job. Our mind functions well when we’re relaxed and happy, and that is why we have our best ideas while taking a shower. Now, imagine all the ideas you can come up with during a long, leisurely shower because you’re on sabbatical, not because you need to get ready for work.
What are the Drawbacks to Taking a Sabbatical?
Of course, there are things you need to consider before deciding to take a sabbatical.
- Financial impact: If your company does not pay for your sabbatical leave, you will not have a source of income for the weeks or months that you take the time off. This implication can strain your finances and deplete your savings.
- Career disruption: Stepping away from work can create gaps in your career progression. It might be harder to pick up where you left off when you return. You might even feel a bit envious of younger colleagues or those who joined after you, getting promoted while you were on sabbatical.
- Falling behind on industry trends: Long periods away from work may cause you to miss out on developing and emerging industry trends. While you might use your sabbatical to upskill and stay informed, the lack of hands-on experience or practical application can put you at a disadvantage compared to being actively involved at work.
- Job security concerns: Some employees worry that taking extended time off could make them seem less committed to their work, risking career progression. Returning to work after taking the time off can also be difficult, especially if team dynamics and organizational structures have changed. Your boss who approved of your sabbatical might have suddenly retired in your absence, and the replacement might not believe in the benefits of taking sabbaticals, jeopardizing your future at the company.
How to Plan for a Sabbatical?
Going on a sabbatical without a clear plan could prevent you from fully reaping its benefits. This is a career move you don’t want to just “wing it” or take on a whim. Planning and preparation are key to making the most of your time away.
1. Clarify your goals: Determine what you want to achieve during your leave. Defining your purpose will make it easier for you to plan the rest.
2. Discuss with your employer: Check your company’s policy and discuss with your employer the best time to take time off work without burdening those you will leave behind. Be clear about your plans and your timeline.
3. Create a financial plan: What will the impact be on your finances if your sabbatical is unpaid? Check if your savings will be enough to cover your living expenses and any costs for your extended period of leave.
Consider also doing some side jobs that aren’t stressful or won’t interfere with your plans, especially if you’re someone who panics when they see their savings slowly dropping.
4. Structure your sabbatical: Decide on the duration of your leave and create a realistic timeline for your activities. In this post in Forbes by Rebecca Fraser-Thill, a career coach, she had clients who felt bored, afraid, and uncertain only after two to three weeks. In addition to planning your day-to-day activities, make sure that you also accomplish the reasons for your extended leave without feeling rushed.
5. Set expectations: Explain to your employer, colleagues, or clients about your absence. Make sure they know how long you’ll be away and whether you’ll be available to communicate. If so, establish boundaries for when and how you can be contacted.
6. Prepare for re-entry: Think ahead about how you’ll prepare to return to work once your sabbatical ends. Plan how to effectively and efficiently take on your duties as if you didn’t leave. As also advised by Monster.com, an online recruiting company, allocate time also in honing your skills for re-entry.
