| Even in today's uncertain economy, many people | | | | This is entirely your call, but undoubtedly, |
| seem to enjoy bickering and moaning about how | | | | economic factors and considerations will be the |
| annoying their jobs are. Have you found yourself | | | | main basis for your decision. If you are a teacher |
| doing the same? How frustrated or tired are you | | | | and have saved in a teacher's fund strictly for the |
| from your present job? Are you thinking about a | | | | purpose of a sabbatical, then this is completely |
| career or job switch but just don't have the guts | | | | set out for you. (but even then, watch out as |
| take time off because you have found yourself in | | | | some teachers' funds are only a percentage of |
| a rather comfortable niche or because you can't | | | | their average years of work.) Other work |
| afford to due to today's uncertain economy? | | | | employees should consider their savings plans and |
| It is easy to stay and grow in your present job | | | | how they can [and should] supplement their one |
| without making any drastic career changes. You | | | | family incomes. Taking time off even for a few |
| should put your life in perspective. How deep | | | | months at a time, may be just the right amount |
| however is your drive? Do you have a desire to | | | | of time you need to explore other career options. |
| explore and realize your options? | | | | 2. How should I plan for taking time off? |
| What is commonly known in the teaching industry | | | | This long term planning needs special consideration. |
| as a teacher's sabbatical used primarily for | | | | Check with your bank to explore options about |
| furthering one's education is now becoming more | | | | special saving funds with high interest rates. |
| and more common in many work sectors. Taking | | | | Perhaps you can arrange for deductions through |
| a year out is healthy, important and can result in | | | | your work employer. Some even offer tax |
| exploring a variety of options. | | | | incentives. |
| Taking time off for many people however is a | | | | 3. How and when should I start the planning |
| scary thought and may not suit every type of | | | | process? |
| individual. Most people need the comfort and | | | | There's no better time than today! If you know |
| security of the framework of a job. Especially | | | | when you want to take a long period of time off, |
| today, people are holding unto their jobs to pay | | | | speak to your boss as soon as possible. Examine |
| the bills. But, time off from work could be the | | | | the alternatives. The earlier the planning, the more |
| difference of finding a new job that you now | | | | time you will have to decide how you would like |
| love, job security but in a completely different | | | | to spend your time off. Get online. Research your |
| sector than you are used to, different benefits | | | | programs. Analyze your cost framework. |
| and so on. While the economic times are different | | | | 4. How can I finance the sabbatical? |
| than they were just a few years ago, many | | | | There are many financial opportunities available |
| people are using this uncertain time to reexplore | | | | including applying for research and personal grants. |
| their life's path, who they are and where their | | | | There are low interest loans and scholarships for |
| professional calling is. | | | | those who qualify. |
| Here are some common questions most people | | | | Remember, taking time off or what's known as a |
| have in their minds when pondering the thought | | | | sabbatical for teachers,can open many doors in |
| of taking time off from work. | | | | your career. It may be yet the best investment |
| 1. How much time should I take? | | | | for your own professional and personal growth. |