A sabbatical, how do you arrange it? 11 answers

Are you ready for a break? Step out of the daily grind and take time for yourself? Perhaps it is time for a sabbatical. A sabbatical gives you the space to re-evaluate your life, set new goals or simply enjoy a long trip. In this blog, we answer 11 frequently asked questions about taking a sabbatical, so that you can start your period of freedom well-prepared.

What is a sabbatical and why should you take one?

A sabbatical – also called a career break – is a temporary pause from work. It offers the opportunity to re-evaluate your life, set new goals and promote your personal growth. Whether you want to travel, learn a new skill or just need time for yourself, a sabbatical can be the perfect solution.

Example: Jan has always dreamed of a long trip through Asia. He decides to take a sabbatical to make this dream come true and simultaneously reflect on his career and personal goals.

What is the difference between a sabbatical and a long holiday?

Although a sabbatical and a holiday are both periods of absence from work, there are important differences:

1. Duration: A sabbatical often lasts longer than a holiday, sometimes up to a year.
2. Paid vs. unpaid: Holidays are usually paid leave, while sabbaticals are often unpaid.
3. Purpose: A holiday is intended for relaxation, while a sabbatical is often focused on deeper personal or professional development.

Example: Marieke takes a six-month sabbatical to follow a photography course in Italy, while her colleague Pieter goes on holiday to Spain for three weeks to relax on the beach.

Do you always have the right to a sabbatical and how do you arrange this with your employer?

There is no statutory right to a sabbatical in the Netherlands. Whether you can take a sabbatical depends on your CAO (Collective Labour Agreement), personnel regulations and your employment contract. It is important to go into the conversation with your employer well-prepared. Be clear about your reasons and plans, and try to reach a solution together that works for both parties.

Example: Liesbeth works for a company that has no specific arrangement for sabbaticals. She discusses her plans with her manager and they reach an agreement whereby Liesbeth receives six months of unpaid leave.

How far in advance should you apply for a sabbatical?

Although there is no legal deadline for applying for a sabbatical, it is wise to discuss this well in advance. Ideally, you should start the conversation 8 months to a year before your sabbatical would begin. Think carefully about the timing – look, for example, at busy periods at work – and how your tasks could potentially be temporarily taken over.

Example: Karel knows his company is busy in the last quarter of the year. Therefore, he discusses his plans for a sabbatical starting in the summer, giving his employer sufficient time to arrange a replacement.

Do you have to tell your employer what you will do during your sabbatical?

You are not obliged to share your plans during your sabbatical with your employer. However, openness can help gain understanding and cooperation. Tell your employer broadly what your goal is with the sabbatical and why this is important to you. This contributes to a positive, supportive working relationship.

Example: Peter informs his boss that he wants to take a sabbatical to do volunteer work in Africa. By sharing his plans, his employer better understands why Peter needs this time and is willing to collaborate.

What is a customary period for a sabbatical?

The duration of a sabbatical can vary and depends on your personal and financial situation. Some people take a few months off, while others opt for a whole year. Consult with your employer what is realistic and acceptable for both parties.

Example: Anja decides to take a three-month sabbatical to attend a yoga retreat in India. She consults with her employer what a feasible period is and reaches an agreement that works well for both.

What about holiday days when you take a sabbatical?

During unpaid leave, you do not accrue holiday days or holiday allowance. If you take (partially) paid leave for your sabbatical, your holiday days and holiday allowance will continue. You can also choose to use up your accrued holiday days first and then take unpaid leave – this way you remain somewhat more flexible financially.

Example: Bas takes a six-month sabbatical, using his accrued holiday days for the first month and having unpaid leave for the remainder of the period.

Can you always return to your employer?

In principle, your employment contract continues during a sabbatical, which means you are entitled to your own position upon your return. However, it is wise to make clear agreements and lay them down in writing to prevent misunderstandings.

Example: Sophie makes clear arrangements with her employer in advance that she can return to her position as marketing manager after her nine-month sabbatical. These agreements are confirmed in writing.

Do you get paid during a sabbatical?

A sabbatical usually means unpaid leave – you do not receive a salary during that period. Only if you have agreed with your employer that (part of) your leave is paid will you receive wages during your sabbatical. For most people, this means they have to plan financially in advance to afford the sabbatical.

Example: Tom has agreed with his employer that he will receive four months of unpaid leave for his sabbatical. He prepares financially by saving extra money in advance so that he has a sufficient buffer during his leave.

Do you build up a pension during your sabbatical?

Whether and how your pension accrual continues during your sabbatical depends on your pension scheme:

• Unpaid leave: Regular pension accrual often stops if you are on unpaid leave. After all, you temporarily contribute nothing. You can consider voluntarily making extra contributions to your pension (if your pension fund allows it), so that you do not leave a gap in your supplementary pension.
• Paid leave: If your sabbatical is paid (partially or fully) leave, your pension accrual generally continues because your employment and salary continue.

It is important to discuss this subject with your employer or pension fund, so that you know exactly where you stand and whether you should arrange anything to avoid a pension shortfall later. Also view our guide Building up extra pension (internal link) for tips on supplementing your pension.

Example: Els takes an unpaid sabbatical of six months and discusses with her pension fund how this affects her pension accrual. She decides to voluntarily pay extra premiums to compensate for the missed pension accrual.

If you want to travel and take your children with you: can you also apply for exemption from compulsory education for them?

If you are going to take a longer trip during your sabbatical and want to take your school-age children with you? Then you must apply for an exemption from compulsory education. You arrange this in consultation with your child(ren)'s school and the compulsory education officer of your municipality. Make sure you apply for this well in advance, so that everything is arranged in time for your departure.

Example: Carla and her partner want to take their children on a world trip during their sabbatical. They contact the school and the compulsory education officer a year in advance to apply for an exemption from compulsory education for that period.

Financial planning during your sabbatical

A sabbatical requires good financial planning. Consider the following:

• Budget your sabbatical: Create a detailed budget for the period you are not working. Calculate your monthly expenses (fixed charges and extras) and ensure you have sufficient savings to cover them. Also read the blog “Calculating a buffer – how much do you need?” (internal link) to determine how much of a financial buffer is sensible.
• Continue paying fixed charges: Ensure that you can continue to pay your fixed charges (such as rent or mortgage, insurance and other bills) during your sabbatical. If necessary, set up automatic payments and take into account price increases.
• Compensating for loss of income: Consider how you will compensate for the loss of your income. Will you draw from savings, receive support from a partner, or do you have other sources of income?

Example: Tim creates a detailed budget for his six-month sabbatical, including rent, insurance, and daily expenses. He ensures he has saved enough to pay these costs without a salary.

Taxes and allowances

Depending on your situation, there may be fiscal consequences during a sabbatical:

• Allowances and taxes: If your income decreases in your sabbatical year, you may be eligible for certain allowances (healthcare allowance, rent allowance) or pay less tax. Enquire with the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst) about the consequences of a (temporary) lower income, so that you do not face any surprises.
• Utilise tax benefits: Some costs you incur during a sabbatical (such as a study or course) may be deductible. This is worth investigating if you are, for example, going to take a course.
• Pension contributions and fiscal rules: Making extra contributions to your pension, as mentioned earlier, can be fiscally advantageous (pension contributions are often tax-deductible). Check whether you can and want to do this during your sabbatical to compensate for the missed pension accrual.

Example: Sarah talks to a tax advisor about how her lower income during her sabbatical influences her right to allowances and her tax return. On advice, she decides to use opportunities to make extra pension contributions, which will provide her with a tax advantage later.

Professional considerations

A sabbatical can also have consequences for your career:

• Career development: Think about how a long absence affects your career. A sabbatical can provide you with new skills and insights (a plus for your CV), but you are out of the running at work for a while. Make sure that upon your return you are up-to-date or can use new experiences in your work.
• Networking: Try to keep in touch with your professional network occasionally during your sabbatical. Let colleagues and peers know what you are doing (e.g., via LinkedIn or a sporadic update). This way you stay visible and the threshold is lower to reconnect after your return.

Example: Laura plans to occasionally attend a networking event during her six-month sabbatical and she remains active on LinkedIn. This way she stays connected with her professional network, which facilitates the return to work.

Legal considerations

Finally, some legal aspects to consider:

• Employment contract: Always lay down agreements about your sabbatical in writing. Think about the duration of your leave, the date of return, and what happens to things like holiday allowance, bonus or other employment conditions. This way, both you and your employer know where you stand.
• Visas and permits: If you are going abroad during your sabbatical, check well in advance which visas, work permits or vaccinations are required. Arrange these in time so that your travel plans are not jeopardised.

Example: Mark has it stipulated in a contract that his sabbatical lasts one year and that he will return to his current position afterwards. He also arranges the necessary visas for his trip to Australia in time.

Conclusion

A sabbatical can be a great way to catch your breath, re-evaluate your life, and gain new energy. By being well-prepared and making clear agreements with your employer, you ensure a smooth progression of your sabbatical. Take the time to plan everything properly – from finances to any travel documents – and enjoy your well-deserved rest period.

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