[snel0075]

This is a little off topic of CPA review, but I was curious if anyone had experience taking some extended time off in order to travel. I jumped right into public accounting after graduation and I am currently half-way through getting my CPA license, but I am second-guessing my decision to start so soon. I want to travel and experience other cultures. PTO just isn’t sufficient for that, but my employer does offer sabbatical programs. Does anyone have experience with taking extended time off to travel? How was the decision received at your workplace? Did it have any affects, positive or negative, on your career? Is anyone else considering something like I am?

I don’t want to save travel for when I am old and financially well-off. I am young and want to see the world while I am able. The question is whether public accounting will accommodate my ambitions.

B - 86
A - 87
R - 81
F - 81

DONE.

[Anonymous]

It's going to depend on your company, and probably even your office if you're at a large firm.

I'm B4 and around here if you take a sabbatical it's basically assumed you're half-way out the door for good. Every person I know that has taken a sabbatical has ended up leaving within a month of returning. It's always been their own decision, but because of the history in our office it never looks very good asking for one.

But that's my office, and your company could be totally different. Is there anyone at work you can talk to about what you want to do? Anyone who might know how the company will react?

[snel0075]

Well I have to say, I don't really like hearing that. I don't know anyone in my office that has gone on a sabbatical, so there's no way for me to gauge how it would be interpreted without directly talking to a manager about it. I am B4 as well in a relatively large office, so it would probably be looked upon the same way as in your office.

Another possibility is to take some time to travel in between jobs if I decide to leave in the future. The downside to that is I don't know if I would be able to guarantee a job upon returning, and everything would be contingent upon leaving my current firm. That's a pretty damn big decision for traveling.

B - 86
A - 87
R - 81
F - 81

DONE.

[LSNYC]

Snel – I have never taken a sabbatical but was in a similar situation. I didn't use the summer before I started working the way I should have. I should have traveled instead I worked spent time with family and stayed in NYC.

However the past is the past and this is what I have done, I use my pto to travel every year 15-20 days while it isn't a lot it's better than nothing plus it allows you more money and the ability to do other things. Pick a country or two each year (seems look like you want international travel) and go, one time backpack, next time train, then bike. I know it isnt perfect and not what you're looking for but it's an idea.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[neika822]

I agree with @LYSNC. I didn't travel either (not sure how I could have afforded it after college) and I do regret it. But I think that's something everyone can regret at some point. I intend to travel each year with my PTO. This year, I'm going to Italy (woo!!), but since it was so expensive, next year I'll keep it more low-key. Save up your PTO so you can go on an extended trip each year. You'll probably feel better traveling and knowing you'll come back to a job than if you up and quit to travel.

I don't think my job offers sabbaticals. I had a client that offered 3-month sabbaticals (every 5 years? can't remember) to their upper management. People took advantage and traveled.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[LSNYC]

Snel – This was a conversation at my job today https://www.afid.org.uk/page/1/About

Maybe this is something you would want to look into?

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[SeattleAccountant]

@Snel

Took almost 3 month sabbatical to visit several Euro countries and all immediate family members went along. This was to celebrate my spouse's graduation from college. Unforgettable and always vivid memories. Everyone had fun and we all have fun stories to tell about some travel mishaps and quirks encountered.

Was able to afford it by flipping a property. Most of it went toward this once-in-a-life-time trip.

No regrets, wish could do more of these, it is a truly mind-changing at times. Workplace had no problems with it considering that have not taken vacation for almost 5 years, yeah, workaholic.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[neika822]

@LYSNC – I'm saving this link for later, when I'm eligible 🙂

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[snel0075]

Thanks for the input, everyone. It's something to consider in the future, but in the meantime I will probably just try to utilize my PTO the best I can. I'll be starting by going on a two week camping/hiking trip in three national parks this summer. Hopefully next year I'll be able to save up some of my time to go on an international trip.

@LYSNC – Thanks for that idea. It's certainly a possibility once I get some experience under my belt. That or WWOOF.

B - 86
A - 87
R - 81
F - 81

DONE.

[neika822]

@Snel0075 – That sounds like a great trip! Have a fun time! I'd really like to get out and explore the US more, as I've really only traveled along the east coast and internationally. Maybe next year 🙂

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Author]

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