Inside Out Money 139. Can I afford to take time off? Financial considerations for a sabbatical or career break
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Dec 1, 2025 Wondering if you can afford a sabbatical? This discussion covers everything from rising interest in career breaks to calculating essential costs. Explore the differences between formal sabbaticals and unpaid breaks, and learn how to ensure job protection and rehireability. The hosts delve into the implications of debt, emergency funds, and even health insurance coverage, while highlighting the effects on long-term finances. Plus, get tips on proposing your break to your employer and consider testing the waters with short breaks first!
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Start With Bare‑Bones Budgeting
- Calculate your bare-bones monthly expenses before planning a sabbatical.
- Add planned sabbatical activities to estimate total cost for the intended duration.
Plan For Rehire Risk
- Plan for the worst-case scenario including job loss while you're on leave.
- Evaluate how rehirable your role is and whether gaps will hurt future prospects.
Length And Field Shape Reentry
- The length of a break strongly affects your attractiveness for competitive roles.
- Fast-moving fields penalize gaps more because recency of experience matters.