Taking a sabbatical—a prolonged break from work—is an exciting opportunity to recharge, travel, learn new skills, or explore personal projects. I quit my full-time job at the end of May this year and am in the middle of at least a year off, probably more. It’s been a fantastic way for me to recharge and focus on things that are far more fulfilling like writing, teaching, traveling, and spending time with my family.
In last week’s post, I talked about all of the reasons to take a sabbatical. This week, I want to talk about how to prepare to take a sabbatical. There’s a lot to consider to ensure that both your time off and your return to work go smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a sabbatical, covering everything from work logistics to personal goals.
Assess the Purpose of Your Sabbatical
Before doing anything else, take some time to think about why you’re taking a sabbatical. Clarifying your goals will help you plan the time off in a meaningful way. Are you looking to:
- Travel and explore new cultures?
- Pursue a personal or professional passion project?
- Focus on education or further learning (e.g., a degree, certificate, or skill)?
- Recharge and focus on personal health and well-being?
- Something else?
Once you know your purpose, it will be easier to structure your time away and decide on activities that align with your vision for the sabbatical. I’m really enjoying Jillian Johnsrud’s podcast Retire Often. It is filled with stories from people who have taken sabbaticals of various lengths and can be very inspirational for your own journey.
Check Your Company’s Sabbatical Policy
Before making any plans, check your company’s policies regarding sabbaticals. Some companies offer paid or unpaid sabbaticals after a certain number of years of service, while others may have no formal policy in place. I wouldn’t hold your breath that your company has a sabbatical policy, especially if you live in the United States, but it’s worth asking about. If your employer has a policy, make sure you understand the requirements, such as:
- How much notice you need to give (typically 3–6 months in advance)
- Whether the time off is paid or unpaid
- Any restrictions or conditions (e.g., work obligations before and after the sabbatical)
- How benefits such as healthcare or retirement contributions are affected
If your company doesn’t have a sabbatical policy, you may still be able to negotiate time off, especially if you’ve been with the company for a long time. Just be prepared for the possibility of unpaid leave, and discuss any concerns about job security or career progression upon your return.
You might also want to use this as an opportunity to switch jobs. Plenty of people take the leap of faith into a sabbatical by quitting their job and trusting that they’ll find a better one. I know I’ve gotten several job offers already and I haven’t been remotely searching. It seems that if you’ve got a good reason for taking time off and you’ve got in-demand skills, you’ll have no problem finding another job, even in a nasty job market like this one.
Prepare Financially
A sabbatical can last for weeks, months, or years, and the financial impact is one of the most important considerations. Make sure you have a clear budget for your time off and save accordingly. Here are some tips for financial preparation:
- Create a detailed budget: Estimate how much you’ll need for your sabbatical—consider housing, food, travel, insurance, and other expenses. If you plan to be unpaid, calculate how much you need to save in advance to cover living expenses.
- Emergency fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund in place in case something unexpected comes up during your time off.
- Cut back on spending: In the months leading up to your sabbatical, start reducing unnecessary expenses and building up your savings to create a buffer.
- Evaluate insurance: If you’re traveling abroad or leaving your current job for a long period, check whether your health insurance will cover you during your absence. You may need to buy travel insurance or look into other short-term coverage options.
I planned my sabbatical about two years in advance. I had saved enough to leave after one year, but stayed to see some projects I cared about through. By the time I left, I had plenty of money in savings, which gave me the confidence to cut the cord.
Set Personal and Professional Goals for Your Sabbatical
While a sabbatical is a great chance to relax and disconnect, it’s also a good time to reflect on personal or professional growth. Setting goals will ensure that your time off is productive and meaningful. Some ideas for goals include:
- Learning something new: Pick up a new skill or explore a subject you’re passionate about, such as learning a new language, mastering photography, or taking an online course in a different field.
- Personal reflection: Take time for self-discovery or personal growth, whether that involves meditation, journaling, or simply allowing yourself space to think about your future.
- Travel or adventure: Plan a trip that aligns with your sabbatical goals. This could be a solo backpacking adventure, a road trip to explore hidden gems, or volunteering abroad to give back to a cause you care about. Because I have kids, I’ve planned several shorter adventures so far: spring break in Hawaii, a month in Europe over the summer, and I’m writing this from my favorite place in the world: New Zealand.
- Creative pursuits: If you’ve always wanted to write a book, learn to paint, or start a blog, a sabbatical gives you the time and freedom to explore creative endeavors.
Having clear goals can help you stay focused and motivated during your time away, and they will give you a sense of accomplishment when you return to work.
I can’t stress how important this part of the planning phase is. If you enter a sabbatical without a plan, you’ll very quickly get bored and might even want to go straight back to work. Don’t waste this wonderful opportunity. Use it to do a few things you’ve always wanted.
Create a Detailed Transition Plan
To ensure a smooth departure, it’s essential to communicate with your manager and team well in advance. This will help your colleagues manage in your absence and will also ensure that your workload doesn’t pile up while you’re away.
- Give ample notice: The more notice you give, the easier it will be for your employer to plan for your absence. A minimum of 3–6 months is standard for long-term sabbaticals, especially if you’re in a senior role.
- Delegate responsibilities: Identify key tasks that need to be managed during your sabbatical and make sure someone is designated to take over these responsibilities. This could involve training a colleague or preparing detailed instructions for ongoing projects.
- Set up an out-of-office plan: Set up an out-of-office auto-response for your email and phone. Let clients, colleagues, and other contacts know when you’ll be unavailable and how to reach someone else in your absence.
- Handover your work: Meet with your team or manager to discuss the transition in detail. This will help clarify expectations and ensure a smooth handover of your projects.
Of course, if you’re leaving your job, most of this still applies. You want to leave your ex-employer in a good place when you go. You never know when you may want to work for them or with some of your old colleagues at a new employer.
Plan for Your Return
I’m personally doing a terrible job at this phase. I don’t have to go back to work any time soon, so I’ve been largely ignoring this step, but most people can’t. While a sabbatical is about stepping away, it’s equally important to plan for how you’ll transition back into work afterward. A smooth return can help you reintegrate quickly and set you up for success in the future.
- Stay in touch: Depending on the nature of your sabbatical, you may want to check in with colleagues or supervisors periodically to stay updated on any major changes in the company or industry. However, respect the boundaries of your time off and avoid over-committing to work.
- Evaluate your next steps: Use your time away to reflect on your career path and what you want to accomplish when you return. You may decide to switch roles, take on new responsibilities, or pursue a completely different career path.
- Give yourself time to adjust: Coming back to work after a long break can feel overwhelming. Plan for a buffer period where you can ease back into your workload, catch up on industry news, and rebuild your routine.
And don’t be surprised if what you want to do post-sabbatical changes drastically once you’ve had time to think about what you really want! That’s part of the point of taking a sabbatical after all.
Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
A sabbatical isn’t just a break from work—it’s a chance to reset and focus on your well-being. Prioritize activities that nurture both your mental and physical health.
- Mental health: Whether through therapy, mindfulness practices, or simply spending time with loved ones, use your sabbatical to decompress and recharge. It’s a great opportunity to evaluate your overall work-life balance and make changes where needed.
- Physical health: If you’ve been neglecting exercise or self-care due to work stress, a sabbatical can be a great time to focus on your physical health. Consider taking up new fitness activities, cooking healthy meals, or getting into a regular sleep routine.
I thought this part would just take care of itself, but I am still the same person I was while working. I have the same habits — bad and good — and largely the same routine minus the commute and eight hours at my desk. I’ve found I need to be very deliberate about adding in the good habits I thought would just arrive naturally.
Get Some Help or Inspiration
A sabbatical is a unique opportunity to hit the reset button on your life and career. By taking the time to plan carefully—financially, professionally, and personally—you can make the most of this special time away. Whether you’re recharging your energy, exploring new passions, or gaining fresh perspectives, a sabbatical can be an investment in your long-term happiness and success.
For more information or help planning your sabbatical, check-out Annette Mason’s work on Trilogy Design Works. Annette has been speaking out about the power of sabbaticals for quite some time and I’ve enjoyed following her from the early days of her project, when I was writing my book and she was building her business, both of us using on a platform called Brainstorm Road. You can also check-out Jillian Johnsrud’s website where she offers group coaching sessions for people thinking about taking their first sabbatical. I hear they’re very good. And finally, working through your big ideas is always better with a coach or accountability partner. If you’ve been thinking about finding a life coach, check-out my husband, Graham’s, services at Your Story Life Coaching. He’s helped many people achieve their personal and professional goals (including me)!