Pension contributions

What do people do when they take leave of absence from an EU fonctionnaire post? My situation is that I have almost 20 years accumulated pension, now on a short leave of absence (less than 1 year) and have the option to continue in the pension scheme or opt out during my time out. I can sort of afford to continue paying into the pension scheme but frankly prefer to pay down debts and mortgages and become debt free. I don't have dependents. In the bigger picture I don't think the impact of a couple of months non contribution is that great but the questions is what to do about a pension if I decide not to go back to my job? I have been asked to make a decision one way or the other so just looking for ideas and views to inform myself. Thanks