I am eligible to take a sabbatical at my company - yay. Its a pretty big deal and only about 10% of the company qualifies (combination of tenure and how far up the career ladder u happen to have climbed).
I have the option to cash out the sabbatical - I get 8 weeks of pay. OR I can take 8 weeks off (paid).
I am torn! On one hand, I have dreamt of this day and thought I'd be excited to travel, etc. However, now that the day is here I am not so sure. I feel like the money will be handy to pay down some debt and reach FIRE that much sooner. Or perhaps do that backyard patio project DW has been asking for (it should enhance the home value and kids seem to like the idea as well).
With the cash option, I can take the cash and still take a long(er) vacation using my vacation days. Vs. just the paid time off which I will likely squander sitting at home (or spend a bunch of my "own money" to travel - not an appealing option for me at the moment).
Anyone faced such a dilemma? Love to hear from my fellow FIREbrands.
I have the option to cash out the sabbatical - I get 8 weeks of pay. OR I can take 8 weeks off (paid).
I am torn! On one hand, I have dreamt of this day and thought I'd be excited to travel, etc. However, now that the day is here I am not so sure. I feel like the money will be handy to pay down some debt and reach FIRE that much sooner. Or perhaps do that backyard patio project DW has been asking for (it should enhance the home value and kids seem to like the idea as well).
With the cash option, I can take the cash and still take a long(er) vacation using my vacation days. Vs. just the paid time off which I will likely squander sitting at home (or spend a bunch of my "own money" to travel - not an appealing option for me at the moment).
Anyone faced such a dilemma? Love to hear from my fellow FIREbrands.