requesting 6-12 months off work?

ullu

I've been in my current job for a year or so.

I was lucky to get my job as I don't have anything more than a Leaving Cert(most of my peers have third level qualifications though they're not strictly necessary for the job).

In evaluations, I have been praised for my work ethic, contribution etc. and am told that I am a valuable member of the team with good promotion opportunities available to me.

However, I am looking to take 6-12 months off to travel as it's something I've never done and I wouldn't mind doing it while I'm still in my twenties.

There is a history of people in the company doing this and coming back but they've all got a parent/aunt/uncle or the like in a senior position in the company. Nepotism appears to be rife and I don't have that sort of connection.

So how should I approach this? I'm willing to wait for a year or two while I get my qualifications and establish myself if that is advisable.

If I was to get the green light, should I ask for some sort of confirmation that I have a job to come back to or is that totally ridiculous?

Thanks in advance.

Agent Smith

honnestly, you must be mad leaving a job when unemployment is so high


esp when you have no qualifications

ullu

Fair point but money isn't an issue and I'm fairly (but not totally) confident that I could return my job so that's why I'm asking how to approach it.

Sammag

If money isn't an issue for you, why do you need the job to be there for you after you come back from traveling about the place for 6-12 months?

Am thinking what with the current situation in Ireland, plus the fact you've no qualifications and only in a the job 1 year, you might run the risk of looking like a chancer expecting your job to be safe and sound upon your return... Cake-eat-it etc... You can only ask, but I wouldn't get your hopes up.

ullu

Fair enough assessment.

While I say money isn't an issue, I still want a career to come back to and I have already passed a number of difficult exams faster than would be expected so my employers have a good opinion of me. I certainly don't want to be seen as taking the piss at all.

I wouldn't consider it to be a serious option if there hadn't been a history of it occuring in the company, they seem fairly open to the idea in general though that was before there was a recession.

piby

It seems like you're doing pretty well in your job. If I were you given the current economic situation and the fact you've been there only a year I'd put it off. Work another few years, ride out this recession and then go travelling. The longer you've been in the company the more likely they are to take you back after your travels.

Nody

Look at it from the companies point of view; you're asking them to find an train a replacement for 6 months to a year. Why would they bother with all that extra cost (recruitment, training, have to gain experience so not as good etc.) only to allow a 1 year emplyee go for a joyride from which he may or may not actually return to the job and stay there? If you seriously think that you are that valuable to the company then ask them but don't be surprised if you get the cold hand.

AARRRGH

I would imagine the company deals with these requests on a case by case basis.

Personally I would wait until you get your qualifications. In the meantime you can save like crazy and treat yourself to an even better holiday when you eventually go.

SheroN

There is no harm in asking.

Mrs OBumble

AARRRGH wrote: »

I would imagine the company deals with these requests on a case by case basis.

Personally I would wait until you get your qualifications. In the meantime you can save like crazy and treat yourself to an even better holiday when you eventually go.

I'd second that. With quals, it's more likely that you could get a job elsewhere when you come back, so the company is more likely to guarantee you a job in order to increase the chance that you do come back. And even if they say "no", there's a better chance that you could just go, and get another job when you come back anyway.