Sabbatical Planner
Plan a sabbatical: feasibility, total cost (cash + opportunity), and long-term retirement impact.
FAQ
Is opportunity cost real?
Yes. If you would have earned $50k during the sabbatical, that's $50k you didn't earn — gone forever. Plus deferred 401(k) contributions and missed employer match. The compounding effect over a 30-year career can be six figures.
What about healthcare during a sabbatical?
COBRA from your previous employer (expensive — often $700-1500/month), marketplace plan (income-based subsidies kick in once you have no income), or spouse coverage. Budget for it.
How do gaps look on a resume?
A planned sabbatical with a clear story (travel, caring for family, learning) is far better received than an unexplained gap. Be ready to articulate what you did and what you learned.
Should I get a part-time role during?
Some do. A modest income (consulting, teaching, freelance) extends runway significantly and keeps skills sharp. But it can also dilute the "reset" benefit of a true sabbatical.
Disclaimer. Financial estimates only. Career risk varies by field — some industries punish gaps, others don't care. Sabbaticals provide non-financial benefits (perspective, burnout recovery, family time) hard to quantify.