Even though you work in the travel and hospitality industry, how much time do you actually take for yourself to get away? Probably not nearly enough. But you should. Here are a few tips on how to plan the perfect sabbatical.

What’s a sabbatical? A sabbatical is more than just a vacation. It’s typically defined as stepping away from your professional responsibilities for six months to one year or more. A sabbatical may or may not include travel, but its purpose is so that you can rest, relax, and recharge. This is a great way to pursue your personal interest while learning new skills that can help you in your career upon your return.

Planning Your Time Away

Obviously, you’ll have to let your employer know as far in advance as possible that you’re planning to take the time off. But before you even bring it up, look deep in your company policies to see if they allow for a paid or unpaid sabbatical and whether or not they have policies in place that will protect your job while you are away.

Another step that you’ll have to take early on is planning a transition. Ideally, there are already multiple people who can take on part of your roles so that a singular person doesn’t have to step up in your stead. But if that’s necessary, train them well. This can actually have benefits for you upon your return. The HR Daily Advisor explains that having someone that can take over for you means you may be better able to shift into another position if an opportunity arises.

Invest In Your Away Space

If you already know that you plan to leave home for your sabbatical, it might be wise to invest in a vacation home. This way, you can always return to your favorite place when you need some down time. Before pulling the trigger on this investment, make sure that you have a budget in mind, and work closely with a mortgage lender to get the right type of financing for a second home.

Prepare Yourself Emotionally

Something you might not be prepared for during your time away is the emotional impact that not working will have on you. It’s an unfortunate reality in our world that we take work home with us each night. You probably answer emails and text messages at all hours. Not having this to do can feel like a loss. But, as Self explains, you have to be intentional about your down time. It can also help to learn how to enjoy fleeting moments of relaxation while you’re still working.

Get Organized At Home

You have lots of responsibilities at work, but home is probably never far from your mind, either. You have to get organized at home before you take an extended leave, even if you don’t have kids or pets. It might take a month or more to get your home cleared out enough so that you know you won’t come back to an overwhelming environment when you return.

Change Phone Numbers

It’s almost inevitable that someone is going to call you three weeks into your sabbatical to ask for your advice. And while you want to be helpful and continue to be a part of the team, the point of your sabbatical is to get away. Consider leaving your primary phone at home and buying a prepaid plan for the months that you are away. There are many providers out there that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Give your phone number to your closest colleague and family members, but leave it at that so that you can truly take your leave.

Planning a sabbatical is tough when you’re used to being the one in charge. But, sometimes, we have to get away, and a vacation won’t always cut it. So whether you choose to buy a vacation home in your favorite spot, travel the world with no plan, or simply stay at home, your work sabbatical may be the best thing that you ever do for your career.