Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals are a chance to give yourself some space and perspective. Many use these “grown-up gap years,” to reconsider their work-life balance and to ask themselves some questions about the career path they have followed and the corporate ladder they are currently on. There is nothing worse than climbing a ladder and finding it was leaning against the wrong building!

Why Take a Sabbatical

A sabbatical is the perfect time to consider doing something else with your life, ask yourself whether you are happy in your job or whether you feel the need for a change. As many go travelling there is a likely-hood you will be exposed to a different culture and a wide range of activities which you may not have previously understood. This can be a catalyst for change.

You may wish to change job or change industry or something smaller like changing within the company you currently work in. This could mean a change of position or maybe a change of department within your current job.

Once you’ve begun thinking like this you need to consider whether it is really possible to change job or position and what the ramifications of that may be. If you think it is an unrealistic idea then you should examine whether you have looked at all the options – it is all too easy to talk yourself out of change.

Taking time out doesn’t have to be all about career development, it can simply be a way to recharge and relax, to simulate yourself in a way which you may not have done for years – maybe by relaxing and reading or possibly re-entering education.

The Advantages of a Sabbatical for Your Company

The advantages for your employer of a sabbatical is that you are likely to return to work with extra skills and experience from your time away. You are also likely to return in a good mood, offering a positive energy to the workplace for the few months after you return.

The other benefit is that the company will keep hold of you for longer and find recruiting others easier. Companies which offer perks such as sabbaticals are more likely to attract business talent. Equally, denying a career break is a fine way to lose an employee very quickly, they will simply prepare themselves to leave and do so, meaning any previous investment in them will be lost.

If you are planning a sabbatical it is best to construct a strong and water-tight business case for your employer. This should outline the positive reasons for your leaving and the benefits which will be received upon your return, for example, if you travel you are likely to return with better communication skills.