Yes, this. Though I am not sure if I would start at HR or with your manager/director because of the risk of telegraphing an intention you do not yet have, leaving the company behind.
If you have a very good relationship with your manager/director, I think I would start there, something along the lines of "I've got this germ of an idea, and it won't leave me alone. It's in a completely different area, and I've got such a strong urge to explore it... ...but I like this place so much, I don't want to just walk away."
Leave it open like that, see what they say. They might offer the sabbatical idea themselves.
Alternatively, if your co's HR policies are available for all to peruse, check for the aforementioned policy.
Another alternative, based on experiences friends and colleagues of mine have had....
If the owner or GM or insertHeadHonchoTitle here is very entrepreneurial, spend evenings and weekends working on a business plan or 7-10 slide pitch deck, then, when it is ready to go, let them know you are heading out on your own.
I know a few people who did this and, instead of being thanked for their service were offered their first angel investment. Their boss, Terry Matthews, knew he had good people and knew he could make more by funding them than either keeping or just letting them walk away.
If you have a very good relationship with your manager/director, I think I would start there, something along the lines of "I've got this germ of an idea, and it won't leave me alone. It's in a completely different area, and I've got such a strong urge to explore it... ...but I like this place so much, I don't want to just walk away."
Leave it open like that, see what they say. They might offer the sabbatical idea themselves.
Alternatively, if your co's HR policies are available for all to peruse, check for the aforementioned policy.
Another alternative, based on experiences friends and colleagues of mine have had....
If the owner or GM or insertHeadHonchoTitle here is very entrepreneurial, spend evenings and weekends working on a business plan or 7-10 slide pitch deck, then, when it is ready to go, let them know you are heading out on your own.
I know a few people who did this and, instead of being thanked for their service were offered their first angel investment. Their boss, Terry Matthews, knew he had good people and knew he could make more by funding them than either keeping or just letting them walk away.
Good luck!