Knowing your goals and values before you go on sabbatical is absolutely essential. It may seem obvious why you want to take a sabbatical – doesn’t everyone?? – but being clear about your motivations will help ensure you get the most out of your time. And make sure to discuss these issues with your partner. Being on the same page at the beginning of planning will pay off as the details become more real.
What are you hoping to accomplish with this trip?
It’s easy to respond to this question with a one word answer like “Rest” or “Language learning” and move on. Those are pretty straightforward, right?
You’ll have a better sabbatical experience, especially in the planning portion, if you are really clear on your motivations.
Why is that your goal?
Why do you want to rest? Why do you want your kids to learn another language?
How will you know the goal has been accomplished?
What does rest mean? Is it physical, spiritual, or mental? When you feel rested, do you act differently? How? Do you spend time on hobbies? Are you more patient with your kids?
What level of fluency counts as “enough” learning? How will you know if they’re at that level, especially if you don’t speak that language?
It’s also important for you and your partner to be on the same page about both the goals and the reasons behind them. Inevitably, there’s going to be some issue in the planning process that doesn’t go according to plan. If your priority is rest but the guide you meet in Colombia offers you an Amazon adventure package for 70% off, does that count as “rest” because it’s not work, or does it not because it’s physically demanding?
How will you act differently on sabbatical?
Do you have a vision of yourself as an ideal parent since you’re not exhausted from working so much? If you’re not working, how will you spend your days?
Is there a change you’re planning to make on your return? Job? Personal?
Is this an audition for retirement? Are you considering making a career change? Are you planning to dip your toes in to that new world while you’re away?
What is your biggest fear about taking a sabbatical?
Common fears: Money stress, being bored, being too busy, family being unhappy, it not being that fun
Why haven’t you taken a sabbatical before? What has changed?
Try not to just respond “money”. Sure, there’s some money component, but there always a way to make things work if you really want to. What’s making you commit now?