Is It a Bad Career Move to Take a Sabbatical? Ask Johnny

Question: I’m feeling burned out and I’m eligible for a sabbatical at my company, but I’m hesitant to take it. Between artificial intelligence and the brutal job market, I’m worried that if I give them a glimpse of life without me, they’ll realize they don’t need me. Is it a bad move to take the time off I feel I’ve earned, or should I stay as visible and indispensable as possible right now? – Lawrence

Answer: I hear this concern more often than you might think. Let me start here: If your employer offers a sabbatical, it’s part of your total rewards package, not a trap. These programs are designed to retain high performers, not expose them. Don’t talk yourself out of using a benefit meant to sustain you over time.

The Fear of Being Replaceable

Now, let’s address what’s really underneath this: the fear of being replaceable.

If you’re burned out and choose to push through just to “stay visible,” you’re making a short-term decision that undermines long-term performance. Burnout doesn’t make you indispensable. It makes you less effective, less engaged, and ultimately less valuable.

I’ll be candid: Perception does matter. If your manager or colleagues don’t fully understand your impact, then yes, any absence can create questions. But that’s not a sabbatical problem. That’s a communication problem. And simply sticking around longer won’t fix it.

Take the Sabbatical — But Plan It Strategically

So instead of avoiding the sabbatical, approach it strategically.

Before you step away, make sure the right people understand what you’ve delivered and the business impact of your work. Align with your manager on how responsibilities will be handled. Demonstrate ownership. Reinforce your value. No overexplaining required.

And don’t think of a sabbatical as time away from your career. Think of it as time invested in it. Many professionals use sabbaticals to build new skills, take a course, pursue a certification, or work on a project they wouldn’t otherwise have time for. Done right, you don’t just return rested — you return sharper and more valuable.

What Your Concern Is Really Telling You

And here’s the reality: If you take a sabbatical and your role disappears, the issue isn’t the time off. It’s something deeper. Healthy organizations are built to function even when key people step away. That’s resilience. No organization should be so fragile that it can’t withstand a temporary absence.

On the other hand, if your role truly feels at risk, that’s important information. But skipping a sabbatical won’t fix that. It’s a signal to reassess your role, your impact, or even the organization itself.

Let me challenge one more assumption. The goal is not to be indispensable every day. That’s not sustainable. The goal is to deliver consistent impact and develop others so the team gets stronger, not weaker, in your absence.

So, take the sabbatical. Plan it well. Communicate clearly. Step away with intention, and come back ready to perform at your best.