"Don't tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you travelled." Mohammed

If you want to negotiate leave with an employer without a formal sabbatical scheme consider the following:

· What will my employment rights be while on the break?

· Will my job be guaranteed on return?

· How much responsibility will I have in putting replacement mechanisms in place?

· Can I do some work experience while on the break?

· Can I take part in training courses or undertake assignments?

· What contact can I have with my employer in order to keep in touch with changes at work?

· When do I want to return to work?

· What other benefits can I keep (e.g. membership of the social club)?



Establishing Your Value

Before approaching an employer, thoroughly identify the skills he or she needs most and think about the following:

· Your real value to your employer, i.e. how much has your employer invested in your recruitment, training and development?

· The skills shortages in your profession or area of work

· Your employer's future developments and planned growth

· What costs will your employer incur in replacing your skills, experience and knowledge?

· The value of employment breaks to improving employee relations, recruitment, and retention and public image.


Taking a career break offers a unique opportunity to experience an aspect of life that may otherwise be inaccessible to you in the course of your professional life. For some, taking a career break has had a profound effect on their values in life and on their futures.