Traveling around the world for a year, finally writing that novel that's been floating around in your head for a long time or doing charity work in South America - whatever dream you have, you should make it come true! If only it weren't for studying or working, after all, you can't just disappear for a few months while you're at it. Or is it? Many companies such as Siemens, Audi and even medium-sized companies offer their employees the opportunity to take a paid break, known as a sabbatical, and students can take a chilled vacation semester. We'll tell you what a sabbatical is all about.
What characterizes a sabbatical?
The word "Sabbatical" is derived from the Sabbatical year in Judaism. This describes the time in which the fields lie fallow in order to regenerate. Analogous to the world of study or work, this means: you work hard and then give yourself a year off so that you can be even more productive afterwards.
The sabbatical doesn't necessarily have to last a whole year, you can just take a few weeks or months off - depending on what you have planned during that time. In most cases it is used to pursue personal goals, further professional training or complete a language course.
What are the advantages of a sabbatical?
Such a break from stress is not only tempting, but also brings you many benefits both personally and professionally. We have listed some of them for you.
Broaden your own horizons
A sabbatical allows you to break out of your usual environment and gain new experiences. This way you can discover foreign cultures, learn a language, attend training courses and meet new people. This will help you develop both personally and professionally, depending on what you do with your sabbatical.
More productivity
Studies show that not only are you less stressed during your sabbatical, but you are also much more relaxed when you return to study or work. This not only benefits you, but also the company you work for: with a suitcase full of new experiences, inspiration, energy and motivation, you are much more productive than if you just sit in front of your computer and wait for the time to pass until the end of the day .
Strengthen health
Do you constantly feel unfit, often have colds and are prone to listlessness or depression? Then you urgently need a break to regain your strength and counteract the threat of burnout. During your sabbatical, go within yourself, explore what makes you unhappy about your current life situation and change these things. After all, you only have one life and you should live it to the fullest by doing exactly the work that you enjoy.
Improve career opportunities
This aspect applies to both work and studies: If you spent a sabbatical or vacation semester in a foreign country and developed your language or skills in the process, that will look good on your CV. For example, you can argue that your time off made you more mature, you learned to organize yourself better and work independently.
You see, a sabbatical isn't a period of idleness - you're likely to be richer in experience and skills than before, and that's beneficial for both your personal life and your career. So make plans, pack your bags and say “Bye, I’m off!” If you’re interested in going on a language trip, we’ve put together an overview of the four best language trip providers .
Take a sabbatical and then tackle your career strengthened and fully motivated.
