Q. I want to take off a block of time to pursue a lifelong dream — I’m not even 40 but my bucket list is growing. I want to travel for eight weeks throughout Asia, but I don’t want to take PTO and don’t want to work — I want to be fully engaged. How can I see if this is possible?

A. First, I commend you for pursuing your bucket list now without waiting, for living with a sense of urgency and priority. This sounds like an exciting adventure!

Next, do your homework before you approach your boss. Look online to see if HR has a policy about sabbaticals — that was my initial reaction when I read your question. Many companies are offering them. Some companies don’t — so first see what exists.

Next, approach your boss with a plan. When would you leave, when would you return and who would you train to pick up the slack while you’re OOO (out of the office)? Does your company do business there? I know you want to be fully immersed with the culture and experience without working, but if there is a way to tie it to your career, like stopping by your employer’s office overseas or taking a client or two to lunch, that could bode well as an extra selling point.

Lastly, if a policy doesn’t currently exist, that doesn’t mean your company can’t form one. Plus, there may be a way to get creative time if a sabbatical isn’t possible; maybe you can accrue personal time and take that time in conjunction with holidays. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Good luck!

Q. What are red flags I should spot during a job interview? I have my second round soon.

A. There are many flags to look out for and it’s a reminder that you’re interviewing the employer just as much as they’re interviewing you. Especially if it’s in person, it may be easier to spot problems. Keep in mind, you may not catch everything, so don’t be hard on yourself if you land the job and start thinking, wait are these the same people I interviewed with?

Observe their body language. Do the interviewers, especially the hiring manager, look you in the eye and pay attention to you? Or do they scroll through their screens while you’re talking? How do they talk about each other — with respect and praise or do they throw each other under the bus? You’ll learn a lot by watching them over what they’re saying, but what they’re saying can be insightful, too. How long have they been working there and why do they like working there aside from the people? (They always say “the people” so you can ask this question with a wink and a smile as in, “Why do you like working here aside from the people?”) See what they say. Take notes. Ask about career development — is there a plan? Is the job description vague when you get granular about the role, reporting structure and daily responsibilities? Also, notice if they look happy. Do they smile or do they look stressed out when nobody’s watching? Is there sunlight or are the offices and cubicles in a dark dungeon? Pay attention.

Hopefully with each interview, you will learn more about the company and its culture, the role/responsibilities as well as the people.

Tribune News Service