One of my colleagues qualifies for a sabbatical soon, and he mentioned to me over lunch the other day that he is thinking of 'getting a pilot's license' during the sabbatical. We discussed his options but he began to look concerned when I pointed out it was merely the first step, not a goal in itself. He hadn't considered the financial and time implications of maintaining the licence.
It is sad that so many people still see it like that - learn to fly, pass the test, then give up.
On the plus side, though - he's never shown any interest before, as far as I know (and all my colleagues know I have a PPL so I would have thought he'd have mentioned it) so I suppose he will be a genuine 'new' person.
Tim