More people than ever are taking a career break, and taking time out of their working lives to do something completely different instead. Career breaks can be a choice that you make, or you can have one forced upon you, the reason why isn't really important - its what you do with your time out that counts. Some career breaks are structured, many larger employers offer a paid or unpaid sabbatical as a way of tempting graduates to work for them. Others may just be spur of the moment things, where you are not sure what you want to do next, so you take some time out to think things over. A career break can be a month, a year or even more - here are just a few ideas to get you inspired.
Volunteer for a charity at home or abroad
Travel to a dream destination and take an alternative holiday
Get work experience in a new field
Train to do something completely different
Escape the rat race!
Melissa Carter, 33, of Hull, took a year out of her career in marketing, to work with horses in Australia. "I went from working in a city centre agency in the middle of Hull to sleeping in a converted barn on a ranch in New South Wales. I was earning a fraction of my UK wage, but for once the money wasn't important. What was important was doing something outdoors, and physical, where you got up at dawn and went to bed when it got dark. I was working with people of all ages, and learnt more about communication skills than I ever did in my marketing degree! I totally rebuilt my self-confidence on my year out, testing my resilience and ingenuity every day. When I got back to the UK I started working for an equestrian organisation and haven't looked back since. I am so much happier and fulfilled now."
Will it hurt my career?
The short answer is no, but it depends on your circumstances. Taking a break from a career is no longer seen as a disadvantage on your CV, in fact many employers are starting to see it in a very positive light. Many larger employers are realising that the long term benefits of having staff return refreshed, revitalised and ready to continue their career far outweigh the short term loss - and smaller employers may well listen to what you have to say as well. If you are changing careers, a career break could be a perfect chance for you to slow down and really think about what you want to do, again, if you do something worthwhile that will improve your CV, it can actually help you in your new career - especially if you volunteer for something that is relevant.
How long should my "break" be?
It's up to you, a career break can vary from months to years - it depends on what you want. If you are taking a career break to see the world you should probably look at being away for no longer than 6 months. If however you are planning to work abroad or do some volunteering then your CV can stand a longer break. Basically we think that you should go for as long as you want, but always think about the effect your break will have on your career.
What should I do?
You can do pretty much anything you want! Some people just take a break from the rat race to see the world with no intention of doing anything but sight seeing, other people choose to voluteer on one of the many worldwide projects or even work their way around the world doing jobs they've never done. You could do all of the above, all we recommend is that you think about 2 things at all times:
How will what I am doing look on my CV
What am I going to do when I get back
Remember it is a "career break" - so you need to restart that career when you get back!
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