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I took a (quasi) sabbatical recently. I worked 1.5 days a week for one year. I dialed down my expenses so it was enough to pay the bills. It gave me the opportunity to work on some hobby projects, spend more time with my family and just enjoy life. It was fantastic. Now I am planning to repeat this every 5 years at least. I only wish my overworked friends did the same so I could spend more time with them as well.

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How were you able to set this up? It seems like a rare employer that would be open to a role like this.

It was indeed a rather rare situation. I guess I got a bit lucky. On the other hand, in the current job market, it doesn't seem too extraordinary.

You did this as an employee rather than a freelancer?

I did almost the exact same thing in the last year. (2 days a week)

For me it came from handing in my 2 weeks notice to take some time off from a company I worked for for over 5 years at the time, and then being offered a schedule of my choosing instead. I didn’t even know it was an option, else I would have just asked instead of quitting.

So if you’ve been there a while, and can afford it, I’d suggest you ask your current employer.

How on earth did you sell that to your employer?

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