Asking your work for extended time off, especially in these tough times, is no mean feat and should be delicately handled.

Karen Meager, managing director of Bristol-based consultancy Monkey Puzzle Training has the following tips on negotiating leave:

- Check if your company has a policy for sabbaticals: And also listen out on the grapevine as to whether they are generally viewed as a positive thing or not - sadly some companies are still stuck in the dark ages on these things. Very often you have to have been in employment for a period of time and different businesses have limitations on the time you can take off, depending on type of job you have.

- When asking for a sabbatical: It is best not to say something like, "I'm knackered and need a break, you've worked me into the ground and I need some time off," as this is unlikely to be received well. Instead do your homework, present a plan for how you aim to use it and, if appropriate what benefits the company might see as a result of your sabbatical.

- One thing to watch for when considering a sabbatical is: Where are you in your career? If your career in on the rise at the moment remember that even though companies will hold your job open for you, if you are gone for say a year, you will become a distant memory quickly and so in return will have to work to build up your contacts and networks again. Be clear you are OK with this before heading off - remember six months or a year off is a long time in businesses.

"The key to asking for something you really want is to be clear, specific and focused on the outcome," says Merrick-Lawless. "Approach it in a positive way and be clear about the advantages to both you and your employer. Think about the objections they may have and how you would overcome them e.g. helping them to recruit someone or restructure the team to cover your leave or helping them to understand that you will come back refocused and invigorated and ready to take your career to the next level.

"Or pitch it on a more practical level with a new skill that could help the company e.g. imagine three months in Brazil where you get to take an adventure whilst also learning the language and on your return being able to open up business opportunities for your employer in this growing market."

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