Taking a break: Tips on how to make a sabbatical work

702's Clement Manyathela speaks to Koketso Ndlebe, Shantal Moeko and Zanele Dywibiba.

Listen below: 

There are various reasons why one might consider taking a sabbatical - to study further, travel, burnout, physical or mental health, or even simply to rest and maybe figure out what your next move is.

Ndlebe shares how she chose to take a 'gap year' after her studies, while Moeko and Dywibiba were 'forced' into their sabbaticals due to burnout and health reasons.

But how does one plan for this financially, assuming you have the luxury to?

"Sit down, look at your finances, look at a time period that you want to go on a sabbatical for, and budget accordingly... it's very important for you to have a contingency plan - emergency funds, maybe access to a financial advisor."

- Shantal Moeko, Wellness Entrepreneur

Moeko also explains how she managed to scale back on her expenses and embrace 'minimalism' during her break.

Dywibiba adds how important it is to have support from your family.

"It was not an easy decision to take... our families depend on us... but when I took that decision, the support that I got from my mother and my sisters and my husband and my kids..." 

- Zanele Dywibiba, aspiring Life Coach

Ndlebe shared how her sabbatical changed how she approaches work/life balance...

"I always feel like I have to talk on behalf of kids from the townships... they are taught to work harder, and they're taught to work up until they're burnt to the ground - and I don't think it's sustainable." 

- Koketso Ndlebe, Marketing Strategist

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Listeners also shared their opinions and experiences on the topic - including an emotional tribute from Zanele Dywibiba's husband.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.