How do you arrange a sabbatical? 11 answers

Do you need a break? Want to escape the daily grind and take some time for yourself? Maybe it's time for a sabbatical. A sabbatical gives you the space to rethink 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.

What is a sabbatical and why would you take one?

A sabbatical – also known as a career break – is a temporary break from your 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 at the same time reflect on his career and personal goals.

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

While a sabbatical and a vacation are both periods of absence from work, there are important differences:

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

Example: Marieke takes a six-month sabbatical to take a photography course in Italy, while her colleague Pieter goes on a three-week vacation to Spain to relax on the beach.

Are you always entitled to a sabbatical and how do you arrange this with your employer?

There is no legal right to a sabbatical in the Netherlands. Whether you can take a sabbatical depends on your collective labor agreement, personnel regulations, and your employment contract. It is important to be well-prepared when you talk to your employer. Be clear about your reasons and plans, and try to find a solution together that works for both parties.

Example: Liesbeth works at a company that does not have a specific sabbatical scheme. She discusses her plans with her manager and they come to an agreement whereby Liesbeth receives six months of unpaid leave.

How far in advance should you request a sabbatical?

Although there is no legal deadline for requesting a sabbatical, it is wise to discuss this well in advance. Ideally, 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. Therefore, he discusses his plans for a sabbatical that starts in the summer, so that he gives his employer enough time to arrange a replacement.

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

You are not required to share your plans with your employer during your sabbatical. However, openness can help to gain understanding and cooperation. Tell your employer in general terms what your goal is with the sabbatical and why it 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 cooperate.

What is a typical 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. 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 discusses with her employer what is a feasible period and comes to an agreement that works well for both of them.

What about vacation days if you take a sabbatical?

During unpaid leave, you do not accrue vacation days or holiday pay. If you take (partially) paid leave for your sabbatical, your vacation days and holiday pay will continue to accrue. You can also choose to use your vacation days first and then take unpaid leave - this will keep you a bit more financially flexible.

Example: Bas takes a sabbatical of six months, using his accrued vacation days for the first month and taking unpaid leave for the rest of the period.

Can you always return to your employer?

In principle, your employment contract continues during a sabbatical, which means that you are entitled to your own position upon your return. It is wise to make clear agreements and record them in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Example: Sophie makes clear agreements 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.

Will you get paid during a sabbatical?

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

Build your 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 when you are on unpaid leave, because you are not contributing anything temporarily. You may want to consider making voluntary contributions to your pension (if your pension fund allows it) so that you do not create a gap in your supplementary pension.
• Paid leave: If your sabbatical is paid leave (partially or fully), your pension accrual will generally continue as normal, because your employment and salary continue.

It is important to discuss this topic with your employer or pension fund so that you know exactly where you stand and whether you need to arrange anything to avoid a pension shortfall later. Also, check out our guide Building 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 contributions to compensate for the lack of pension accrual.

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

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 can 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 attendance officer a year in advance to request 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 costs and extras) and ensure you have enough savings to cover them. Also read the blog “Calculate buffer - how much do you need?” (internal link) to determine how much financial buffer is wise.
• Continue paying fixed costs: Make sure you can continue to pay your fixed costs (such as rent or mortgage, insurance and other bills) during your sabbatical. Set up automatic payments if necessary and take price increases into account.
• Coping with loss of income: Consider how you will cope with 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 makes a detailed budget for his six-month sabbatical, including rent, insurance and daily expenses. He makes sure he has saved enough to pay these costs without a salary.

Taxes and allowances

Depending on your situation, there may be tax 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. Check with the Tax Authorities what the consequences are of a (temporarily) lower income, so that you are not faced with any surprises.
• Utilize tax benefits: Some costs that you incur during a sabbatical (such as a study or training) may be tax deductible. This is worth investigating if you are going to take a course, for example.
• Pension contributions and tax rules: Making extra contributions to your pension, as mentioned earlier, can be fiscally beneficial (pension contributions are often tax deductible). Check whether you can and want to do this during your sabbatical to compensate for the lack of pension accrual.

Example: Sarah talks to a tax advisor about how her lower income during her sabbatical affects her entitlement to allowances and her tax return. On advice, she decides to take advantage of opportunities to pay extra pension contributions, which will give her a tax advantage later on.

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 give you new skills and insights (a plus for your CV), but you will be out of the running at work for a while. Make sure you are up-to-date again upon your return or can use new experiences at work.
• Networking: During your sabbatical, try to keep in touch with your professional network from time to time. Let colleagues and professionals know what you are doing (e.g. via LinkedIn or a sporadic update). This way you stay in the picture and the threshold is lower to reconnect after your return.

Example: Laura plans to visit a networking event now and then 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 record agreements about your sabbatical in writing. Consider the duration of your leave, the date of return, and what happens to things like holiday pay, bonus or other employment conditions. This way you and your employer both 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 jeopardized.

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

Conclusion

A sabbatical can be a great way to catch your breath, re-evaluate your life and recharge your batteries. By being well-prepared and making clear agreements with your employer, you ensure that your sabbatical runs smoothly. Take the time to plan everything carefully – from finances to any travel documents – and enjoy your well-deserved rest period.