Should I stay or should I go - things to consider when taking a sabbatical

A sabbatical, often understood as a longer break from work, is becoming increasingly popular. Whether for a trip around the world, personal development or simply to relax - there are many reasons for taking such a break, but also things to consider when taking a sabbatical.

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The term “sabbatical” originally comes from Hebrew and refers to the biblical concept of the Sabbath, a day of rest that is celebrated every seven days. In the biblical tradition, there is also the year of the Sabbath, which is celebrated every seven years, in which the land is to come to rest and renewal. In the modern context, a sabbatical refers to an extended period of time away from work, often used to further one's education, travel, work on personal projects or simply rest and recalibrate. It is often offered by academic institutions or companies to give employees the opportunity to regenerate and gain new perspectives. The term has become increasingly widespread in recent decades, particularly in professional and academic circles. However, as with any decision, there are both pros and cons. In this article, we look at the main reasons for and against taking a sabbatical:

Reasons for taking a sabbatical:

1. personal development: A sabbatical offers the opportunity to get to know yourself better, discover new interests or deepen existing skills. Many use the time to travel, get to know different cultures or learn new languages.

2. burnout prevention: Today's working world can be very stressful. A sabbatical can help to distance yourself from the daily work routine, reduce stress and recharge your batteries. This can even benefit your health in the long term.

3. career boost: A sabbatical can also be used as a strategic career tool. Targeted further training or the acquisition of new qualifications during the sabbatical can significantly improve career prospects and open new doors. (However, be careful about temporarily accepting a new job during your sabbatical - this may be ruled out by your previous employer, at least in Germany that's often the case, as your employment contract is just put "on hold", but not eliminated for the time away.)

4. family and friend time: Time for family and friends is often neglected. It is not until retirement age that many people realize that life has passed them by and that they would have liked to have more time with their loved ones or for a new hobby. A sabbatical can offer the opportunity to cultivate relationships and spend valuable time with loved ones.

5. new perspectives: By immersing yourself in new environments or experiencing other ways of life, you can gain new perspectives that can have a positive impact on your life and career.

Reasons not to take a sabbatical:

1. financial uncertainty: A longer sabbatical can quickly lead to financial bottlenecks. Many people are unsure whether they can afford to live without an income and whether they will find a secure job when they return. In Germany, the term “sabbatical” used to be closely associated with taking a full year off. However, this has changed, so that shorter or longer periods are also possible.

Especially in the case of a full year, many employers offer the option of a savings phase and a return phase of 1-2 years before and after the actual sabbatical. During this phase, only part of the salary is paid out while the employee is working full-time, and the salary continues to be paid during the sabbatical year so that there is no gap in income.

2. career risks: In some industries, an extended absence can have a negative impact on your career. The risk of losing touch or that professional conditions change should not be underestimated.

3. changes in the working environment: During a sabbatical, there may be changes in the company that make it difficult to return. New colleagues, different company structures or even a changed corporate culture can present challenges.

4. planning effort: A sabbatical requires thorough planning. From financing and organizational aspects to professional obligations, health considerations and family situation - preparation can be time-consuming and stressful.

5. difficulty of return: After a long absence, it can be difficult to reintegrate into everyday working life. Returning to your routine can be a challenge, especially if your priorities have changed during your time away. The phases of a reintegration shock follow the same as those expatriates face when posted abroad.

Sabbatical models:

There are now different types of sabbatical in Germany. It is not (or no longer) necessary to take a full year; shorter or longer periods are also possible and negotiable. There are different models and approaches for a sabbatical, which can vary depending on individual needs and company guidelines. Here are some common models:

1. unpaid sabbatical: The employee takes a sabbatical without pay. The employment relationship continues, but is suspended. However, employees often receive a written promise that they can return to the company at the end of their unpaid leave. As a result, it is important to take precautions - you must take out voluntary health insurance if you do not receive a salary for more than one month. This also applies to other contributions - you do not pay any social security contributions for this period and should also find out about your other social security contributions in advance and make arrangements if necessary.

Another important point - if the employee falls ill during the unpaid leave of absence, there is no entitlement to continued payment of salary from the employer. If you fall ill, the expensive vacation days are unfortunately lost without compensation. This is the big difference to regular vacation - if you fall ill, you can get your vacation days back, as the purpose of the vacation (regain power for your job) was not achieved due to the illness.

2. part-time sabbatical: The employee works part-time, for example, and has longer periods of time off. This enables a gradual reduction in working hours. Many use this option for the last phase of their active working life and thus extend their retirement period.

3. sabbatical with reduced remuneration: Here, the salary is reduced during the sabbatical to allow for a longer break while the employee continues to have some kind of income. There is a savings phase beforehand and a phase with a reduced salary afterwards. After a set period, the salary is then paid at 100% again. Many companies now have sabbatical programs. This is particularly interesting for expatriates, as they often need a longer period of time to visit their families in their home country.

4. educational leave: In Germany, there are legal regulations (BildungsurlaubsG) that allow time off for educational purposes. The employer may not refuse such a request and must grant paid leave. This can be used as a sabbatical to complete further training or studies. There are 5 working days per calendar year. Two years can be combined so that 10 working days (Mon – Fri) are possible as a block.

5. combination of models: Some employees opt for a combination of the above models in order to achieve their individual goals.

The choice of the appropriate model depends on personal goals, financial possibilities and company guidelines. It is important to talk to the employer in advance and find a joint solution.

Conclusion:

A sabbatical can be an enriching experience that brings both personal and professional benefits. However, it is important to keep the potential challenges and risks in mind. An informed decision should be based on a thorough assessment of the individual situation. Anyone considering a sabbatical should be clear about their own goals as well as the financial and professional framework conditions. Ultimately, a sabbatical can be a valuable opportunity to gain new perspectives and actively shape your own life.

I regularly publish articles on the topics of ‘living abroad’, ‘living in Germany’, „retirement“ and ‘expatriates’. If you would like to be coached on your individual path to make this phase in your life easier, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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