In the last few years the UCCan has instituted a policy saying that every one in paid ministry is entitled to a 3 month sabbatical (at full salary and benefits) after 5 years of continuous service (and presumably every 5 years thereafter). Great, important thing to do.
But here is the thing. THe guidelines are such that you need to announce your intention to take this sabbatical 12 months beforehand, to allow for a plan to be developed (the plan needs to be approved by Presbytery 6 months beforehand). And this is a good thing, very sensible. Also the person needs to commit to remain in that Pastoral Charge for 1 full year following the end of the Sabbatical AGain this is very sensible, the Charge should get the immediate benefit of the Sabbath time, after all they pay you for taking it.
However, this means that the moment one gives notice of intent to take a sabbatical one is committing oneself to remain in situ for at least 27 more months (which really means at least 3 years). I understand and agree with the logic of the timelines. But I have trouble knowing where I want to be in 3 years...
Mind you I have no idea at present what I would do on Sabbatical anyway.
If you don't know what to do, you probably do not need sabatical.
ReplyDeleteI find that life takes care of that for you if you wait long enough. Life finds a reason.