Employers are increasingly inclined to allow employees of long standing to take a sabbatical over and above the annual holiday allowance. This can amount to a year's unpaid leave but is often less. Some companies would offer paid leave but typically they would want something in return; perhaps an understanding that at least some of the time would be spent doing something with a direct relevance to the day job. The willingness on the part of employers to offer this opportunity (even if is not always well publicised) is driven by an increasing tendency to take a career break at some point anyway: this way experienced staff are retained.
Broadly, there are three options for those planning some time out. The simplest idea, and the one that comes most readily to most people, is to travel the world. The options here are boundless and hinge wholly on the traveller's preferences. Some providers of gap year travel arrange whole itineraries. Others simply put the traveller in touch with third party providers of travel services. Online, gap year travel sites can offer advice through articles and forums (as well as the opportunity to meet up with fellow travellers).
Secondly, some people want to use their time away to learn something new. Typically projects might involve learning Spanish in South America. Others might want to develop a passion for a sport like scuba diving. Travel blogs are full of interesting stories in this direction and can be a source of inspiration for those wanting to take the plunge. Anything is possible: one person went out on a limb in Thailand and spent a year training intensively at kick-boxing.
Finally there are those who want to use their gap year to work on a charitable project. Restoration projects of one type or another are well favoured. Suitability generally depends on the particular skills the applicant can bring to bear but there are enough options to ensure that nobody willing need be excluded
11.4.2008
