Having the opportunity for taking a sabbatical from work can be an exciting time.
However, whether you choose to spend it in London, Paris, Milan or Copenhagen, there are many considerations to make.
Continue reading for our suggestions if you are planning to spend yours in London.
Make a pre-visit
If at all possible, it is advisable to visit London in advance to ensure this is the place you feel able to spend the entirety of your sabbatical. It will allow you to find suitable accommodation and also put your mind at ease, knowing where you will be traveling to as well as transport routes.
Be sure to use temporary luggage storage, such as Safestore, to avoid having to drag cases and bags around the big smoke with you. You will gain a real feel for the city on a pre-visit and a better understanding of what you will be embarking on.
Accommodations
For longer sabbaticals of several months or even a year, renting a property could be the right option for you. For shorter periods of time, people tend to look for a room and there are home owners looking for tenants just like you.
It may also be possible to do a home swap with someone else who is spending time in your home city. London is an expensive city in which to do, so be certain to consider the following point fully too.
Finances
Not being able to rely on your usual income can make a sabbatical a tricky time. Ensure you have either saved enough to be comfortable on your trip to London or that you have some form of passive income meaning that money will still be coming into your bank account on a regular basis.
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It is possible to work while on a sabbatical and many people choose to do so. However, be sure to check out any work permit you may need to find a job in London, which may now be trickier following Great Britain’s departure from the European Union.
There are a few companies who do offer paid sabbaticals. If you are lucky to work for one of those, grab the opportunity with both hands and don’t let go!
Impact on your career
Even though your employer will have agreed to you taking a sabbatical, that does not mean that this might not have a negative impact on your career once you return.
Things can change very quickly in all industries, so the job you left behind may have evolved substantially before you return. Make sure you’re prepared for this possibility before making a final decision.
Be certain that you feel confident at being able to be versatile and adapt to the changed role. A sabbatical can also have an incredibly positive effect on your career too.
If you have spent time in London volunteering or even visiting and working for a company similar to your employer’s one, you may have gained skills that you can transfer to your existing role.
Furthermore, the experience can change your outlook on life for the better thus making you an even better employee.
