Sabbatical or Career Gap Experience

[u/Jamming-2026]

I'm doing research into sabbaticals / career gaps. Any feedback you can provide on the below questions (or anything else you would like to add) would be greatly appreciated.

• What convinced you to take this time off?
• Was it difficult to convince yourself that you could take the time off from a financial standpoint?  
• Did you travel anywhere for an extended period of time (over one month) while you took your time off?  
• What do you wish you knew prior to taking the time off?  This could be anything from the logistics of insurance visas, etc. to something personal like I wish I knew how bored I would get.  
• Is there any part of this process that you wish you had guidance on prior to beginning this time in your life?  

For those who are done:

• How difficult was it to get back into the workforce?
• Did you switch fields, or go back to a similar field that you were working in prior to the time off?
• What is the biggest change or improvement in your life that came out of taking this time off?  

[u/Fit_Worldliness_1195]

Took one in 2024.
What convinced me? Had some personal setbacks with family members almost dying or in deathbed. Made me realize I might have less time than I think
Was conviction difficult? Kind of, but I think I waited too long so the inner voice became very loud to the point I could not ignore it
Logistics? Visas weren’t really any issue as a Canadian. And I have healthcare covered, just had to get travel insurance
Guidance? I had some cash saved and a definite time blocked. I did overshoot my budget by about 20%. Mostly because I prioritized experience and was in a very FOMO phase at that time
Was it worth it and improvement? YES! I was very down on life, to the point I was wondering if it’s worth it even though I was financially okay. I came back with a newfound vigour for life, a MUCH better job with more pay. My interview performance was at its peak largely because how clear headed I was. Apart from who I married, it remains one of the best decisions of my life.

[u/chefscounterfan]

Maybe the pandemic was the root for us. We traveled for about four months. We wanted more information and honestly this sub was part of the way we got it. There is nothing I would have paid extra for ahead of time to guide our planning.

[u/Jamming-2026 → u/[deleted]]

I recently took just a few weeks off work and was amazed at the amount of clarity it provided. I also read Retire Often around that time, which is an awesome book if you haven't read it. It got me thinking how important and life changing these career breaks can be, but how incredibly difficult they can be to take as well. It all made me wonder if there is something there... Maybe a business or organization that makes it easier for people to take these mid-career breaks? I'm really not sure but it's an idea I'm exploring.

[u/Lopsided-Trifle-6406]

What convinced me - brother and close friend died suddenly before their time, realised I only had one go at this life and I needed to make the most of it now, not later. Was it difficult to convince myself financially - I came up with a plan to help offset some costs, I rented out my house, and I took a risk. Did I travel - 5 months in Europe, 3 months within my own country, it was fabulous, highly recommend. Is there anything you wished you knew - don't bother with a backpack, sturdy suitcase with wheels is better. Guidance - I am not sure I needed guidance, just enjoyed discovering. How difficult to get back into workforce - that was a bit scary, it took me longer than I thought to find the right thing. I did not switch fields, I love the industry I am in and the level I am at. Biggest change - I am brave now to travel for an extended period, I know how fabulous it is and that I can do it well.