DEAR HARRIETTE: Balancing the demands of a high-stakes job and a personal life has become increasingly challenging, leading to burnout.
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In my quest for a fulfilling career without sacrificing overall well-being, I’m considering a sabbatical.
How can I approach my employer about this need for a break, ensure a smooth transition and use the time away to recharge and reassess my career goals?
— Need a Sabbatical
DEAR NEED A SABBATICAL: Being able to secure a sabbatical has everything to do with how you are viewed as an employee and the stability and policies of your company.
Giving an employee paid time off is a huge incentive that fewer companies offer today than in the past. Check with your human resources department to see if this is even viable. If so, apply for it, and be prepared to explain why you deserve it and how you intend to be refreshed and reinvigorated to do your job upon your return.
If your company does not offer this option, consider designing a sabbatical for yourself. Think through all of the needs that someone else must fulfill in your absence, and recommend how your job can be handled along with your commitment to return after an agreed-upon period of departure.
To secure this, you will have to prove your worth and loyalty to your company. You will also need to explain your state of mind and being so that they understand why you need time to refresh.
If they do not agree but you absolutely must take the time off, ask for an unpaid leave of absence. Otherwise, consider leaving the company and prepare to take on a different job somewhere else when you are ready to return to the workforce.
This may cause a detour in your career trajectory, but sometimes that’s required. It does not mean that your career will be derailed.
DEAR HARRIETTE: At 20 years old, I’ve been offered a remarkable opportunity for a fully paid academic program abroad in London for three years.
The thought of leaving my family in California for such a long time weighs heavily on my mind.
How can I emotionally prepare for this separation, handle homesickness and adjust to the new environment effectively?
I find myself tearful even at the prospect of this extended separation, and I want to ensure I make the most of this opportunity while managing the emotional challenges of being away from home.
— Preparing To Depart
DEAR PREPARING TO DEPART: Work with the program director to make sure that you fully understand the program, where you will stay, what everything costs, who is there to support students, etc.
Determine how much money you need, and work hard to get that — plus some. Take a job. Apply for scholarships and grants. Hustle to get what you need.
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Build in at least one trip home per year if you can so that you visit your loved ones, go to doctors’ appointments and participate in any other essential activities.
Talk to your family about your extended stay, and encourage people to visit during your time away. Talk to friends as well to see who might be able to cross the ocean to stay with you for a bit. Use technology to keep connected with loved ones: Cellphones, tablets, video services, etc. can help you stay close even on a limited budget.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.