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| Adrian Mastracci, president of KCM Wealth
Management, says "A sabbatical offers immense personal
satisfaction. It can be a time to reflect, a time to explore,
a time to slow the pace, a time to relax, a time for change."
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For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC (August 27, 2002): It’s already
here! The last week of summer vacation before the children make
their way to the halls of learning.
As the summer season draws to a close, we are reminded that vacations
can last a weekend, weeks, sometimes months. However, our priceless
memories and experiences last a lifetime.
Well, how many dream of arranging a sabbatical? Not just a vacation.
That is, a personal investment where the office is left behind for
a long time. Say, three months to a year.
For some, the events of September 11, 2001 have brought such personal
issues closer to the forefront.
Sabbaticals are better known among educational institutions. Members
of the teaching faculty often arrange one to conduct research and
pursue matters of personal interest.
We love to turn our attention away from the office, especially
during summer. The glossy photos of the vacation paradise visited
are still in prominent view. It may have been a cruise, a golfing
getaway, or a tour in a land of enchantment. We are always ready
to explore.
Often, the experiences embrace exotic settings, new destinations
and new passions. Or, perhaps, revisiting the familiar places that
we have grown to love and appreciate.
Now, wouldn’t it be heaven to stretch that vacation into
a sabbatical?
Sabbaticals have plenty of appeal. Imagine an extra long vacation
to pursue just about anything, without the ties to the office. Well,
only if it’s a must.
I can attest from personal experience that a sabbatical is magnificent.
It’s one of the best personal investments I’ve made.
I learned from my clients who ventured on sabbaticals before I
did. All of them recounted similar tales of happiness to me.
My seventeen months away from the office in the late 1990’s
were a series of very refreshing experiences. Let me see, no pressing
daily agenda, many long lunches with family and friends, pursuing
avenues of personal interest, some travel, and no need to rush anywhere.
A sabbatical offers immense personal satisfaction. It can be a
time to reflect, a time to explore, a time to slow the pace, a time
to relax, a time for change. Perhaps, all of these at once. Be careful,
it’s addictive.
It feels and sounds a lot like a dress rehearsal to a healthy retirement.
Arranging the finances to afford a sabbatical can pose some challenges.
Perhaps, a little creativity is called for.
A sabbatical can happen if it becomes a priority. Determining what
is important in life is the first reflection.
Let's assume the desire is for a one-year sabbatical five years
from now. Those who aspire to such a sabbatical may explore these
approaches:
- The first is an arrangement with the business or employer for
a remuneration level at 80% for the next four years. Then receiving
80% of remuneration in the fifth year during the sabbatical.
- Another is to set aside 20% of net remuneration for each of
the next four years, for use during the sabbatical.
- For those who can only obtain non-paid sabbaticals, dipping
into savings to finance the time off may be the preferred method.
Something splendid happens when we don’t have to have ties
to the office for long stints. We can experience and enjoy the fabulous
escapade to rejuvenate the mind. In the end we feel revitalized
and invigorated. Often, with a fresh and clear outlook.
A successful sabbatical can bring about many dividends. The benefits
are both immediate and longer term. Of course, the return on investment
is far more than monetary, year after year.
A little attention to the money stuff assists in translating the
dream of a sabbatical into reality. One which is truly satisfying
and memorable.
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