Sabbatical

[Lakitu]

Is there a minimum and maximum period of time I can take as a sabbatical?

[Lakitu]

Thanks Zacsmaster, it doesn't really say anything about it other than it can be taken either paid or unpaid.

I guess it wouldn't be any skin off their nose if I took it unpaid and got a temp to cover my position.

Do you think there would be repercussions if I took a 6 month sabbatical and then decided not to go back? Could they sue me for something?

[buildersmate]

It would be bad form to do this, but as a former Personnel Manager I wouldn't bother to sue you - just not worth the effort.
It is actually skin off an employer's nose to let someone have unpaid sabbatical - one has to advertise the position, recruit, train etc. A sabbatical is basically an agreement on both sides to suspend the contract for an agreed period. Technically you would have to give your notice period at the end of the sabbatical and work out your notice.
A paid sabbatical would normally be mentioned within the employment contract - in the Company handbook, polices or wherever. It is a significant employee benefit, and some companies offer them as a reward for long service (IBM, for one, used to do it).

[Lakitu]

Yes, I guess you're right RE the advertising / training etc Mind you, in my line of work, it's pretty specialised and you need to know your stuff before you could consider taking up my position.

I guess all I can do is ask, if they say no, then I just go ahead and hand in my notice straight away, my reasons for needing it are purely selfish.