Sabbatical Impact Simulator · Summary
1 year sabbatical · starting now · 20-year horizon
Long-term portfolio impact
$389K less wealth
at year 20 compared to no sabbatical
No sabbatical
$2.5M
With sabbatical
$2.2M
Portfolio recovery
0.9 yrs
Wealth impact
15.3% smaller
Net effect on portfolio during sabbatical
−$5,000/mo
Income $0 − Spending $5,000
Scenario assumptions
Current portfolio
$200,000
Annual income
$100,000/yr
Annual spending
$60,000/yr
Sabbatical start
Now
Sabbatical length
1 year
Sabbatical income
None
Sabbatical spending
$60,000/yr
External contributions
None
Expected return
7%
Time horizon
20 years
What’s driving this
During a 1 year sabbatical, there is no earned income. With spending at $60,000 per year, about $60,000 is withdrawn from the portfolio over the break. An additional $40,000 in contributions is missed while not working. After returning to work, the portfolio recovers to its pre-sabbatical level in about 0.9 years. The long-term gap is driven by compounding on the lost period, not the sabbatical itself.
This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Projections assume constant rates of return, steady income, and fixed spending. They do not account for taxes, inflation, market volatility, employer benefits, or individual circumstances. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.