6 fantastic reasons to consider a sabbatical
Young workers are more likely to take a career break from work than any other generation.
Sabbaticals are an extended break from your job that is agreed with your employer often range between a month and a year, although sometimes they can last longer. Some employers will continue to pay your salary during a sabbatical, but this isn’t always the case.
Recent research found that 34% of workers aged between 18 and 24 are planning to take a sabbatical and 29% are looking to take an extended career break, making them the most future-oriented generation when it comes to sabbaticals.
On the other end of the spectrum, only 13% of employees aged between 45 and 54 are planning to take a sabbatical, and 9% an extended career break.
If you’re contemplating whether the younger generation has the right idea, read on to discover six fantastic reasons why you should consider taking a break from work.
1. There are different types of sabbatical
There are several different types of sabbaticals you can take, so it’s important to choose the one that will serve your lifestyle and goals the best.
Working holiday
Some people take a temporary break from their job to pursue a different kind of work, such as volunteering for a charity, completing a passion project, or completing a course, certification or research.
The satisfaction of getting to work on something you care deeply about can help you return to your usual career with renewed passion, as well as more confidence, experience, and a sense of independence.
Exploration
Many people go on a sabbatical because they feel like their job is impeding other areas of their life.
It is very common for people to travel during a sabbatical, so they can experience new things and see the world. These kinds of explorations may help people on a journey of self-discovery, so they can return to work relaxed and with a greater sense of satisfaction with life.
Recovery
Some people choose to take a break from work so they can focus on taking care of their health and recovering from things like burnout. Without a break they might feel like they are being pushed away from their jobs by unsustainable expectations or toxic work environments.
Once they have overcome the burnout and improved their health in one way or another, they can return to their job satisfied that they have taken the time required to look after themselves in a way that suited them best and didn’t need to be squeezed around a work life.
2. Stopping work could advance your career
While taking a break from your job will stall your career while you are on sabbatical. Once you are back from it, you could find that your career advances a lot faster than before.
This is because people who embark on a sabbatical often return with additional skills, confidence, and potentially new networking connections or business experiences that they can apply to their job to advance in their field.
3. Sabbaticals can improve your mental and physical health
Long working hours and stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Working in a high-pressure environment for long periods without ample breaks could lead to you dealing with burnout. There are many symptoms of burnout, but some of the more commonly seen ones are:
Fatigue
Irritability
Feelings of hopelessness
Digestive issues or stomach problems
Avoiding social events and interactions.
While away from work, you can prioritise your wellbeing and focus on exercising more, relaxing, and other healthier lifestyle choices that can boost your mood and wellness.
4. New experiences could help build resilience
Facing the unknown during a sabbatical, whether that’s pursuing a passion project or travelling around the world, can help you develop a stronger emotional resilience.
Overcoming challenges and adapting to new environments can teach you to gain new perspectives on the problems you face at work, as well as how to navigate their solutions with ease.
5. Sabbaticals give you the space to strengthen relationships
Work can often take over our lives, and we can spend more time trying to beat the next deadline rather than enjoying time with the people who mean the most to us.
As a side-effect dependent on what exactly you plan to do, sabbaticals could offer you the opportunity to spend more time with your friends and family. Doing so, especially when you’re using your sabbatical to recover, could help you to build up the crucial social support network you need to thrive when you get back to work.
6. Taking a break from work can improve your performance when you return
No matter how you choose to spend your sabbatical, a break from work provides the opportunity for you to rest and recharge, so you could return to work with more energy and a renewed passion for your work.
Plus, all the new experiences and skills you learn throughout your sabbatical can help you to improve the quality of your work and how well you can manage your workload.
A financial planner can help you plan for a sabbatical
While it can improve your work performance and overall health, taking a break from work can have serious implications on your short- and long-term financial goals.
For example, you might not be able to contribute as much to your retirement savings, especially if you are part of a workplace pension scheme.
A financial planner can help you continue saving towards your goals so you can make the most of your sabbatical without having to stress about money. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.