How Unpaid Leave Pays Off

You love your career, but still daydream about taking three months off to travel the world. Once you contemplate the details – cost, what it will do to your career, and caretaking responsibilities – it’s enough to dash your dream.

Unpaid leave may be the best way to negotiate with your employer. Experts like Eizabeth Pagano say, “you need to show them that you’ve thought through what you’re going to do, how it will make you a better employee and how it will benefit the business.”

Ready to pack your bags?

Gap Adventures lists affordable tours around the world from a week up to two months. Traveling alone? They’ll even pair you up with a small group and tour guide.

Change of plans? Your deposit is good for a lifetime, ready to be cashed in whenever you’re available.

Idealist.org offers volunteer placements all around the world by organization and cause, including family volunteering.

Your Sabbatical provides a list of companies that offer sabbaticals along with their length and possible compensation. It also explains types of sabbaticals – from innovation to volunteerism – so you can perfect your plan.

Plus, CNN provides tips for sharing vacation details online without annoying your co-workers or friends, from choosing whether or not to reveal your location to Facebook updates.

Bonus PINK Link: Make your trip for business and pleasure with a company-paid vacation.

By Muriel Vega

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” Seneca