What is a sabbatical?

by Amber Rolfe

Let’s be honest. Sometimes a two-week holiday in Spain just doesn’t cut it…

We’ve all been there. You love your job, but the Sunday night dread is creeping in a little earlier each week. You feel like you’re running on empty, or perhaps you just want to see a bit more of the world than your annual leave allowance permits. If this sounds familiar, handing in your notice isn’t your only option. It might be time to consider a sabbatical.

But what actually is it, how do you ask for one, and – perhaps most importantly – how do you pay for it? Here is everything you need to know about taking a sabbatical:

What is a sabbatical?

A sabbatical is an extended period away from work that is agreed upon by both you and your employer.

Think of it as an ‘adult gap year’ (without the pressure to stay in questionable hostels, unless that’s your vibe). Unlike quitting your job to go travelling, the key defining feature of a sabbatical is job security. 

The agreement is that you take time off and, at the end of it, you return to your role.

What does sabbatical mean?

Historically, the term comes from academia, where university professors were granted a year of paid leave every seven years to conduct research or study. The word itself shares roots with ‘Sabbath’, implying a period of rest.

In the modern corporate world, however, the definition has broadened. It’s no longer just for academics. It’s for anyone who needs to press pause, reset, and recharge.

Sabbatical vs. career break

You might hear these terms used interchangeably, but there is often a distinct difference.

A sabbatical usually implies a formal agreement that you will return to your specific job after a set time, often outlined in company policy. A career break is a broader term that often involves resigning from your post entirely to take time out, with no guarantee of a job to go back to – though some companies may offer a ‘right to return’ within a certain window.

Career break CV template

Why take a sabbatical?

Taking a few months off might sound great, but it’s a big decision. However, the benefits for your wellbeing, mental health, and career longevity can be massive.

Here are a few reasons why taking a sabbatical is a good idea:

To combat burnout

Workplace burnout is a major topic of conversation – and sometimes, a weekend isn’t enough to recover from long-term stress. A sabbatical allows you to fully disconnect, recharge your batteries, and return to work with a clear head and renewed energy.

To learn new skills

You don’t have to spend your time off sitting on a beach (though you absolutely can). You could use the time to master a skill that you simply don’t have time for during the 9-to-5 grind. Whether it’s taking a course in coding, learning a new language, or finally writing that novel, upskilling is a great way to justify the time off to your boss.

To make a difference

Volunteering is a fantastic use of a sabbatical. It allows you to give back to a community, gain a new perspective, and develop soft skills like leadership and empathy. Plus, voluntary work looks excellent on your CV if you do decide to look for new roles later on.

To travel

One of the most popular reasons for taking a sabbatical is simply to see the world. If you’ve always wanted to backpack across South America or road trip through New Zealand, a sabbatical gives you the time to do it properly. 

How to take a sabbatical

So, you’re sold on the idea. Now comes the tricky part: making it happen. You can’t just disappear one Friday and hope your desk is still there in six months.

Here is how to plan a sabbatical without burning bridges:

1. Check your company policy

Before you say a word to your manager, do your homework. Check your contract, staff handbook, or intranet. Does your company have a formal sabbatical policy?

• Eligibility: You usually need to have been with the company for a set period, often between two and five years.
• Duration: Check the maximum time allowed. Is it one month? Three? A year?
• Conditions: Are there restrictions on what you can do (e.g., working for a competitor is usually a big no-no)?

2. Plan your finances

Will I get paid to go on sabbatical?

In most cases, the answer is no. Most sabbaticals in the UK are unpaid. There are exceptions – some forward-thinking companies offer paid sabbaticals as a loyalty perk (e.g., four weeks paid leave after five years of service), or if the break is for work-related research.

However, if your sabbatical means not earning a salary, you’ll need to calculate:

• Your living costs (rent/mortgage, bills) while you are away.
• The cost of your sabbatical activities (travel, courses).
• A buffer for when you return (in case payroll takes a while to kick back in).

3. How to ask for a sabbatical

Once you have your facts straight, book a meeting with your manager. Don’t spring this on them in the hallway.

• Give plenty of notice: The longer you want to be away, the more notice you should give. Aim for at least three to six months.
• Make a business case: Don’t just say “I want a holiday.” Explain how it benefits them. Will you come back with new skills? Will you be refreshed and more productive?
• Have a coverage plan: Suggest how your workload could be managed while you’re gone. Could a colleague step up? Could they hire a temporary worker?
• Be flexible: If you want to leave in June but that’s their busiest month, be willing to shift your dates.

Five ways to supplement your income

What to do on a sabbatical

The world is your oyster, but having a rough plan helps you make the most of it. After all, you don’t want to look back after three months and realise you’ve just watched the entire catalogue of Netflix.

Here are a few ideas:

• Upskilling: Dedicate time to professional development.
• Passion projects: Renovate a house, paint, or start a blog.
• Mentoring: Use your professional skills to help a charity.
• Wellness: Attend a retreat or focus purely on fitness and health.
• Travel: Backpack, road trip, or explore new countries.
• Creative pursuits: Take a photography course, join a writing retreat, or finally master playing Wonderwall on guitar.
• Family time: Spend quality time with loved ones – visit relatives, help out at home, or even be the unofficial family chef.
• Personal challenges: Train for a marathon, hike a famous trail, or finally conquer that recipe you always mess up.
• Freelance work or side hustle: Dip your toes into freelancing, experiment with a business idea, or start selling your handmade crafts on Etsy.
• Language immersion: Move somewhere new and try learning the language on the ground (getting lost counts as practice).
• Slow living: Switch off from work chaos and truly enjoy the simple things – nature walks, daily journaling, or just a really long lunch.

10 of the best skills to learn

What companies offer sabbaticals?

While sabbaticals used to be rare, they are becoming a popular perk for employee retention.

Many large tech companies, banks, and consultancy firms now offer them. For example, some banks offer unpaid career breaks for staff with a few years of service. Tech giants often provide paid sabbaticals (sometimes called ‘recharge weeks’ or ‘long service leave’) as a reward for loyalty.

However, smaller businesses are catching on too. Even if it isn’t written in a policy, a good employer who values you might be open to the conversation.

Browse all sabbatical jobs

Could I be refused a sabbatical?

Yes. Unless it is written into your contract as a guaranteed entitlement, your employer has no legal obligation to say yes.

They might refuse your request if:

• It is a peak business period.
• They cannot find cover for your specific role.
• Your performance has been poor (a sabbatical isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card).
• You haven’t been with the company long enough.

If they say no, don’t panic. Ask if a shorter break is possible, or if you can revisit the request in six months. If a break is non-negotiable for you, it might be time to look for a new role that offers better work-life balance or to resign and take a career break on your own terms.

If you do decide to leave, make sure you check out our resignation letter templates to keep things professional.

Returning to work

The thought of returning might seem miles away, but it’s worth thinking about.

Keep in touch with your colleagues while you are away (a postcard or an occasional email is enough). This keeps you in the loop and makes the transition back easier. 

When you do return, schedule a re-induction meeting with your boss to catch up on what changed while you were away.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work during a sabbatical?

Generally, you cannot work for a competitor or a similar business, as this would be a conflict of interest. However, doing something completely different – like working in a bar in Australia or doing freelance photography – is often allowed. Always check your contract and get written permission first.

Does a sabbatical affect my pension?

If your sabbatical is unpaid, you and your employer will usually stop making pension contributions during that period. This creates a gap in your pension pot. It’s worth speaking to your HR team to see if you can make up the contributions when you return.

What happens to my continuous service?

Usually, a sabbatical agreed by your employer preserves your continuous service (which is important for redundancy pay and statutory rights). However, if you resign to take a career break, your continuous service resets to zero when you start a new job.

Can I take a sabbatical if I’ve only been there a year?

It is unlikely, but not impossible. Most companies require at least two years of service. If you are burned out after a year, you might be better off asking for unpaid leave or using your annual leave strategically.

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