5 Things to Do When Planning a Sabbatical

NEW YORK, February 22, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Does navigating the daily hurdles of life and work leave you feeling unfulfilled and uninspired? If you think you are experiencing burnout, have had a change of heart about your career goals, or simply want to make time to explore your hobbies and personal interests, taking a sabbatical from your job can be a great way to rest, reset, and reevaluate your life. You'll want to think ahead about how to best prepare for your extended time away, and the following tips can help you plan, stay organized, and make the most of your time off the clock.  

Make arrangements with your employer 

Since the guidelines and requirements for sabbaticals differ from employer to employer, you'll want to research your company's official policy. Does your employer offer paid, partially paid, or unpaid time off? How many weeks or months can you take? What are the expectations for completing your work before you go, and who will fill in for you while you are away? Getting ahead of these questions will help make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. You can start by speaking with your supervisor or a human resource contact about your plans. 

Decide what you want to do  

Spend some time really thinking about your priorities for your time away from work. Do you want to relax, travel, volunteer in your community, reconnect with family and friends, further your education, or finish the novel you've been kicking around for years? The options are endless. Sift through your ideas and decide what will benefit you the most and support your personal growth.    

Set clear goals for yourself  

Once you've decided on your main priorities for your sabbatical, you'll want to define your goals. If you want to travel, where will you go? If you want to rest and recuperate, could a practice like yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise support your recovery? Put together a plan for how you will make the most of your time away from work.         

Get your finances in order 

No matter what you decide to do during your extended leave, it's important to consider the impact of a sabbatical on your short-term and long-term financial health. If your sabbatical is unpaid or partially paid, think through how this change will affect your lifestyle and budget.  

Make a plan for keeping up with your cost of living without breaking the bank. Calculate what you'll need to cover everyday items such as groceries and non-essentials, as well as monthly bills for your rent, phone, car insurance, and health insurance. Think through any other expenses—for example, do you have a permanent life insurance policy such as whole life insurance or universal life insurance that you'll need to make payments on? You'll also want to ensure you have a rainy-day fund in case of emergency.  

Enjoy your time off  

Remember to make the most of your extended time off. Have fun, discover new things about yourself, and see the world with fresh eyes. You've earned it.