Written by: Dr. Kapil and Rupali Apshankar, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
You’ve probably heard of teenagers taking a gap year, where they take a short break between high school and college to sort out their future plans. But now, a growing number of adults are taking a strategic break and putting their careers on hold during a sabbatical gap year.
Many recent graduates are taking longer to land their first job. Older professionals who have been laid off are facing retirement earlier than they expected. For others, it’s an intentional search for new adventures.
Whatever your motivation, these steps will guide you through your sabbatical year from planning to reentry.
Planning a Sabbatical Gap Year
Finance your dreams. The biggest question for most people is how to afford a year off. Build up your savings or plan to work while you’re away. You may even be able to raise funds through crowdsourcing and other methods if you’re doing something like nursing in an orphanage.
Get your family on board. Depending on your destination, you may want to take your family along. Changing schools is a big step for your children, but they may learn things they would’ve missed by staying home.
Talk with your boss. Figure out the odds for returning to your old job if that’s your plan. Depart on good terms with your employer, so you can at least count on a positive reference.
Learn from the experience of others. Reach out to those who’ve gone before you. Look for people who share your individual interests. If you’re traveling to a major city out of the country, ask for suggestions on how to get connected with the local expatriate community to help you find your way around.
Managing the Logistics
Set your own schedule. Your break can be shorter or longer than 12 months. Decide how much time makes sense for you.
Travel light. Pack only the bare essentials. You’ll get through airports more quickly.
Find accommodations. Explore all your options. You may be able to rent your condo out or find a house swapping arrangement. If you have a mortgage, remember to check with your lender to see if you meet the requirements or have to complete any necessary forms.
Protect your health. Talk with your doctor. You may need to get vaccinations or stock up on your prescription medications.
Enjoying the Experience
Do volunteer work. Browse through the many agencies that sponsor international volunteer services. Work on a farm or get involved with conservation work in the Amazon. These organizations may help you with living arrangements as well.
Turn your side hustle full time. Your sabbatical can be the perfect opportunity to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig. You will be able to wake up in your Ikigai zone every morning – and perhaps you will find your passion along the way, discover your true purpose and turn a handsome profit as the cherry on the top.
Pursue spiritual development. Retreats and pilgrimages are a major part of many faith traditions. Join a group trip or design your own itinerary.
Study abroad. Take drama classes in London or enroll in a Spanish architecture class in Madrid. Pick up new languages at every stop you make. Contact your alma mater or other universities about their foreign study programs.
Designing Your Reentry – Or Not
Make a permanent transition. You may enjoy your sabbatical so much that you want it to last for the rest of your life. You may be surprised to find how much you change.
Simplify everything. Whatever path you decide to take, prevent clutter and distractions from building up again. That way you’ll stay energized and ready to take off on your next adventure.
Ease back into old routines. Give yourself time to readjust. High-speed traffic and crowded stores may feel overwhelming at first if you’ve been exploring the countryside all year.
It takes courage and a willingness to accept risk when leaving your life behind and traveling down a new path. If you believe a sabbatical gap year is a good choice for you, go ahead and give it a try. It could turn out to be the start of a whole new life.
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Dr. Kapil and Rupali Apshankar, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kapil and Rupali are Amazon's 1 bestselling authors and globally respected business and life strategists. They are founders of Blissvana, a boutique personal development, self-growth, and success studio. Their coaching methods have been proven at the highest levels of success in every dimension of human life. Kapil and Rupali's lives revolve around love, happiness, abundance, and bliss ‒ at home and work. Kapil and Rupali's purpose is to create the highest possible quality of life they can for themselves, and the people they love while helping others around them do the same.
