For many people, taking a sabbatical sounds like the perfect way to step back from work, recharge, and focus on what matters most. But while interest in career breaks is growing, the reality is that many workers feel unable to take one.
Our research found that only 17% of UK workers have taken a sabbatical during their working life, despite 38% saying they’d like to. Among Millennials, nearly half (45%) would be interested in taking a sabbatical but haven't yet done so.1
So, what’s stopping people?
The answer is simple: money.
Are more workers prioritising wellbeing?
When asked about the biggest benefit of taking a sabbatical, the most popular response wasn’t travel or adventure. Instead, it was the opportunity for a health and wellbeing recharge.
More than a quarter (27%) of workers said this would be the biggest benefit, ahead of having time to travel or do things they enjoy (25%). Others said they’d value the opportunity to focus on family (14%) or gain a fresh perspective on their career (8%). 1
Among those interested in taking a sabbatical, almost three in five (57%) said they would hope to use the time to reflect and recharge.1
The findings suggest that today’s sabbatical is increasingly seen as being a wellbeing tool rather than simply an extended holiday.
The affordability gap
While workers recognise the potential benefits of taking time out, many don’t believe they can afford it.
Our research found that 45% of people who haven’t taken a sabbatical say the main reason is that they can’t afford to go without pay. That’s more than double the proportion who say their employer doesn’t offer sabbaticals (22%).1
For people aged 35-54, affordability is an even bigger concern, with more than half (52%) citing finances as the main barrier.1
This highlights a growing ‘sabbatical gap’ between the dream and reality. Many workers would welcome the opportunity to take a break but worry about the impact on their finances.
But affordability isn't always an all-or-nothing question. In the Money:Mindshift podcast, sabbatical coach Lyndall Farley explains how thinking about a career break in terms of time, money and activities can help make the idea feel more achievable.
Can you afford a sabbatical? Try thinking in three dials.
In this clip from 'how to plan a sabbatical', from the Money:Mindshift podcast, sabbatical coach Lyndall Farley explains why a sabbatical doesn't have to mean taking a year off or spending a fortune. Balancing time, money, and activities could be key to helping you find an option that works.
(00.01) And there's three main dials: time, money, and activities.
(00.05) If you dial up the amount of time you're going to be on sabbatical, you have to dial up your available money.
(00.14) If you dial up the number of activities, that has an implication on the budget.
(00.20) And so, if you desperately need a break but there's not a lot of available budget, you're dialing down the budget.
(00.28) Then you can either dial back on the time frame, right, so maybe a shorter sabbatical?
(00.33) Or you dial back on the activities.
(00.36) A sabbatical at home can be fantastic and really restorative if done in the right way.
4 financial questions to ask yourself
If you’re thinking about taking a sabbatical, it can help to ask yourself a few practical questions before making any decisions.
How will you cover your everyday expenses?
Consider your regular outgoings, including housing costs, bills and other financial commitments. Understanding what you’ll need each month can help you estimate what level of savings may be required.
Do you have an emergency fund?
Having money set aside for unexpected costs can provide an additional layer of reassurance while you’re away from work.
What happens to your pension contributions?
Depending on your employer’s policy, pension contributions may reduce or stop during a period of unpaid leave. Understanding the potential impact in advance can help you stay on track with your longer-term goals.
What do you want to get from the experience?
Whether your goal is improving your wellbeing, spending more time with family, travelling or pursuing a personal ambition, having a clear purpose can help you decide what type of sabbatical is realistic for your circumstances.
A career break doesn’t have to be all or nothing
A sabbatical isn’t necessarily a year-long adventure.
Many find that a shorter break, combined with careful planning, provides many of the benefits they’re looking for while reducing the financial impact.
The key is finding an approach that works for both your lifestyle and your finances.
Making a sabbatical possible
Our research shows that many workers would welcome the chance to take a sabbatical, whether that’s to recharge, spend more time with family, travel, or simply press pause and reflect. Yet for many, concerns about money means it remains an aspiration rather than a reality.
The good news is that a sabbatical doesn’t have to be something you either can or can’t do. With careful planning, it may be possible to shape a career break around your circumstances, goals and budget.
Whether you’re thinking about a few weeks away from work or something longer, taking time to understand the financial implications can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your plans.
If you’re exploring the idea of a sabbatical, you might want to check out ‘how to plan a sabbatical’, from the Money:Mindshift podcast. Dr Tom Mathar and sabbatical coach Lyndall Farley offer fresh perspectives and discuss how to balance time, money and personal goals, and why a career break doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision.
- Sabbaticals report by Opinium with 2,000 UK adults on behalf of Aegon UK. Data collected 16-20 May 2025.