Ready for a break? Stepping out of the daily grind and taking time for yourself? Perhaps it's 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 you can start your period of freedom well-prepared.
A sabbatical – also called a career break – is a temporary pause from your work. It offers the chance to re-evaluate your life, set new goals, and promote your personal growth. Whether you want to travel, learn a new skill, or simply 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 at the same time reflect on his career and personal goals.
Although a sabbatical and a holiday are both periods of absence from work, there are important differences:
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.
There is no legal right to a sabbatical in the Netherlands. Whether you can take a sabbatical depends on your CAO, personnel regulations and your employment contract. It is important to have a well-prepared discussion with your employer. Be clear about your reasons and plans, and try to come to a solution together that works for both parties.
Example: Liesbeth works for a company that does not have a specific arrangement for sabbaticals. She discusses her plans with her manager and they come to an agreement where Liesbeth gets six months of unpaid leave.
Although there is no legal term for applying for a sabbatical, it is wise to discuss this well in advance. Ideally, you start the conversation 8 months to a year before your sabbatical would begin. Think carefully about the timing – for example, look at busy periods at work – and possibly how your tasks can be temporarily taken over.
Example: Karel knows that his company is busy in the last quarter of the year. That is why he discusses his plans for a sabbatical that starts in the summer, so that he gives his employer sufficient time to arrange replacement.
You are not obliged to share your plans during your sabbatical with your employer. However, openness can help to 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 help think through things.
The duration of a sabbatical can vary and depends on your personal and financial situation. Some people take a few months off, while others choose a whole year. Discuss 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 about what a feasible period is and reaches an agreement that works well for both.
During unpaid leave, you do not accrue holiday days or holiday pay. If you take (partially) paid leave for your sabbatical, your holiday days and holiday pay will continue. You can also choose to use up your holiday days first and then take unpaid leave – this way you remain financially somewhat more flexible.
Example: Bas takes a six-month sabbatical, using his accrued holiday days for the first month and having unpaid leave for the rest of the period.
In principle, your employment contract continues during a sabbatical, which means you are entitled to your own position upon return. However, it is sensible to make clear agreements and record them in writing, to prevent misunderstandings.
Example: Sophie makes clear agreements with her employer in advance that she can return to her position as a marketing manager after her nine-month sabbatical. These agreements are confirmed in writing.
A sabbatical usually means unpaid leave – you do not receive a salary during that period. You only receive wages during your sabbatical if you have agreed with your employer that (part of) your leave is paid. For most people, this means they have to plan financially in advance to cover the cost of 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 sufficient buffer during his leave.
Whether and how your pension accrual continues during your sabbatical depends on your pension scheme:
It is important to discuss this topic with your employer or pension fund, so that you know exactly where you stand and whether you should arrange something to avoid a pension deficit later. Also view our guide Building up an 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 premium to compensate for the missed pension accrual.
Are you going on 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.
A sabbatical requires good financial planning. Consider the following matters:
Example: Tim makes a detailed budget for his six-month sabbatical, including rent, insurance, and daily expenses. He ensures that he has saved enough to be able to pay these costs without a salary.
Depending on your situation, there may be tax consequences during a sabbatical:
Example: Sarah talks to a tax advisor about how her lower income during her sabbatical affects her entitlement to allowances and her tax return. Following advice, she decides to take advantage of opportunities to make extra pension contributions, which will give her a tax advantage later.
A sabbatical can also have consequences for your career:
Example: Laura plans to occasionally visit 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.
Finally, some legal aspects to consider:
Example: Mark has it recorded in a contract that his sabbatical lasts one year and that he will then return to his current position. He also arranges the necessary visas for his trip to Australia in time.
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 well – from finances to any travel documents – and enjoy your well-deserved rest period.