A sabbatical, how to arrange it? 11 answers

Are you in need of a break? Stepping out of the daily grind and taking 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 begin your period of freedom well prepared.

What is a sabbatical and why should you take it?

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

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

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

Although 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: Vacations are usually paid leave, while sabbaticals are often unpaid.
3. Purpose: A vacation is meant to relax, while a sabbatical often focuses on 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 CAO, personnel regulations and your employment contract. It is important to be well prepared to have a discussion with your employer. Be clear about your reasons and plans, and together try to reach a solution that works for both parties.

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

How far in advance should you apply for a sabbatical?

Although there is no legal deadline for requesting a sabbatical, it is wise to discuss it well in advance. Ideally, start the conversation 8 months to a year before your sabbatical would begin. Think carefully about timing - consider busy periods at work, for example - and possibly how your duties can be taken over temporarily.

Example: Charles knows that his company will be busy in the last quarter of the year. Therefore, he discusses his plans for a sabbatical starting in the summer to give his employer enough time to arrange replacements.

Should you tell your employer what you will do during your sabbatical?

You are under no obligation to share your plans during your sabbatical with your employer. Nevertheless, openness can help you gain understanding and cooperation. Tell your employer roughly 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 volunteer in Africa. By sharing his plans, his employer better understands why Peter needs this time and is willing to consider it.

What is a usual period for a sabbatical?

The length of a sabbatical can vary and depends on your personal and financial situation. Some people take a few months off, while others opt for an entire year. Consult with your employer about what is realistic and acceptable to 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 is a feasible period and comes to an agreement that works well for both of them.

What about vacation days when you take a sabbatical?

During unpaid leave, you do not accrue vacation days or vacation pay. If you take (partial) paid leave for your sabbatical, your vacation days and vacation pay do continue to accrue. You can also choose to first use up your vacation days and then take unpaid leave - that way you remain more flexible financially.

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

Can you always come back to your employer?

In principle, your employment contract continues during a sabbatical, entitling you to your own position upon your return. However, it is wise to make clear agreements and put them in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Example: Sophie makes clear arrangements in advance with her employer 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 receive no salary during that period. Only if you have agreed with your employer that (part of) your leave is paid, will you receive salary during your sabbatical. So for most people, they have to plan ahead financially to pay for the sabbatical.

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

Do you accrue pension during your sabbatical?

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

• Unpaid leave: Often regular pension accrual stops when you are on unpaid leave. After all, you don't contribute anything temporarily then. However, you can consider making voluntary additional contributions to your pension (if your pension fund allows it), so you don't leave a hole in your supplementary pension.
• Paid leave: If your sabbatical is paid (partial or full) leave, your pension accrual generally continues as usual, as your employment and salary continue.

It is important to discuss this issue with your employer or pension fund so you know exactly where you stand and whether you may need to make any arrangements to avoid a pension shortfall later. See also our guide Building up extra pension (internal link) for tips on supplementing your pension.

Example: Els takes a six-month unpaid sabbatical and discusses with her pension fund how this affects her pension accrual. She decides to make voluntary additional contributions to compensate for the lack of pension accrual.

If you want to travel and take your children with you: can you request exemption from compulsory education for them as well?

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 the school of your child(ren) and the school attendance 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 trip around the world during their sabbatical. They contact the school and the compulsory education officer a year in advance to request an exemption from compulsory education for that period.

Financial planning during your sabbatical

A sabbatical requires proper financial planning. Consider the following:

• Budget your sabbatical: Create a detailed budget for the period you won't be working. Calculate your monthly expenses (fixed costs and extras) and make sure 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 to pay fixed expenses: During your sabbatical, make sure you can continue to pay your fixed expenses (such as rent or mortgage, insurance and other bills). 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 on savings, get support from a partner, or 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 cover these expenses without a salary.

Taxes and surcharges

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

• Surcharges and taxes: If your income drops during your sabbatical year, you may be eligible for certain benefits (healthcare benefit, rent benefit) or pay less tax. Check with the Tax Office about the consequences of a (temporarily) lower income so that there are no surprises.
• Take advantage of tax benefits: Some expenses you incur during a sabbatical (such as study or training) may be deductible. This is worth finding out if you are going to take a course, for example.
• Pension deposits and tax rules: Putting extra into your pension, as mentioned earlier, can be tax advantageous (often pension contributions are tax deductible). See if you can and want to do this during your sabbatical to make up 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 benefits and her tax return. On advice, she decides to take advantage of opportunities to make additional pension contributions, which will give her tax benefits later.

Professional considerations

A sabbatical can also affect your career:

• Career development: Consider how a long absence affects your career. A sabbatical can give you new skills and insights (plus for your resume), but you will be out of the running at work for some time. When you return, make sure you are up-to-date or can put new experiences to work.
• Networking: Try to keep in touch with your professional network from time to time during your sabbatical. Let colleagues and peers know what you are doing (e.g., via LinkedIn or a sporadic update). This will keep you in the picture and lower the barrier to re-engagement after your return.

Example: Laura plans during her six-month sabbatical to still occasionally attend networking drinks, and she stays active on LinkedIn. This keeps her connected to her professional network, which facilitates her return to work.

Legal considerations

Finally, some legal aspects to consider:

• Employment contract: Always put agreements about your sabbatical in writing. Think about the duration of your leave, the date of return, and what happens to things like vacation pay, bonus or other benefits. That 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 what visas, work permits or vaccinations are required. Arrange these in time so that your travel plans are not jeopardized.

Example: Mark has a contract stipulate that his sabbatical will last one year and that he will return to his current position after that. He also timely arranges the necessary visas for his trip to Australia.

Conclusion

A sabbatical can be a great way to catch your breath, reevaluate your life and gain new energy. By being well prepared and making clear arrangements with your employer, you will ensure a smooth sabbatical. Take the time to plan everything well - from finances to any travel documents - and enjoy your well-deserved break.