How to Plan a Worry-Free Sabbatical

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Dreaming of taking a sabbatical (boating or otherwise?), but feel intimidated about the potential consequences? How will it impact your finances and your career? Here’s how to set yourself up for a worry-free sabbatical that actually helps you along toward your goals.


Get Your Finances in Order

Unless you are fortunate enough to have a workplace that offers paid sabbaticals, you will need to figure out how to live comfortably during your time away. Sun Life Financial suggests looking into saving funds to put toward your break, but there are other financing options as well. You can borrow against a line of credit, or request your employer to spread your income over a longer period of time, in essence handling some of the budgeting on your behalf.

It’s also important to examine your credit situation before you take your break. If you have existing debts, it’s in your best interests to try to pay them off completely before your sabbatical, or at least minimize them. Taking an ill-timed break in your career could also influence lenders to see you as unreliable, so examine your situation through their eyes and make choices accordingly.

Some people elect to have an alternative source of income during a sabbatical. You can take on a side gig in something that sparks your interests but you couldn’t otherwise do, like freelance bookkeeping. Pick something you can do while you’re mobile since the last thing you want is to create a situation where you’re tied down during your break. As noted by some experts, one of the blessings of a traveling sabbatical is the freedom to flex your schedule as needed, so make choices that will allow you to make the most of your decision.

Another idea is to rent out your home. Since you won’t be there, it makes sense to have it become a source of income rather than a drain on your finances. With that in mind, Angie’s List explains it’s important to prepare your property thoughtfully so you attract good renters. Clean it from top to bottom, and bring any maintenance concerns up to speed. Stage it in a way that makes people feel comfortable and not like intruders, as you want them to feel like it’s their home away from home, not that they are staying in a stranger’s place.
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Prepare, Career-Wise

Regardless of how you decide to finance your sabbatical, you need to put time and energy into preparing your career as well. Since there will be an obvious interruption at your workplace, some experts suggest that the more notice you can give your employer about your plans, the better. Think through the many ways your break could be a boost to your career, and be ready to explain that information for your supervisor. Once you have an understanding with your employer, be sure to get details in writing to protect yourself and your career.

Refresh Your Perspective

Being able to spell out the benefits of a sabbatical can be challenging, but as some professionals point out, it can be the shot in the arm your career needs. People can return from sabbatical with enhanced leadership and more innovative ideas thanks to a refreshed perspective. It can reframe your outlook, avoid job burnout, and help you to be a more productive contributor to your team.

Planning Your Return

You might decide to leave a job or career with the intention of reinventing yourself when you return. There is nothing wrong with that, but that puts how you represent your sabbatical on your resume in a position of paramount importance. A cover letter can be an ideal place to note the advantages you gained. Also, a functional resume could be just the ticket, drawing attention to what you have done, rather than your time off.

A sabbatical could be the best move for your career. Be sure to plan carefully, and think through your preparations. When the time is ripe, you’ll be ready to hit the open waters, worry-free!

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