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Career break

What You Need to Know About a Career Break

A career break refers to taking time off from employment, either for family reasons, personal or professional development. A career break takes at least three months to two years.

A career break doesn’t mean a growth break! A break can be transformative not just for the short term but you can reap the rewards in the long term. The advantages include the chance to be refreshed, both personally and professionally. Also, it gives you the opportunity to expand your network and room to envision the future of your career. However, you are likely to have a gap in your career progress, immediate financial loss and the adjustments you have to make when you return to employment.

Reasons for a Career Break

The idea of taking a career break, may be fostered by different reasons. For some, it may be an emergency, while for others it’s a planned move. Some of the most common reasons people take career breaks include:

  • To raise children
  • Take care of a sick loved one
  • To reduce work related stress
  • Learn new skills
  • Pursue passions and hobbies
  • Discover a new career
  • Travel the world

Planning for a career break

“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Planning will help you make the most out of your break!

1.Inform your employer

Let your employer know your plans, once you have decided to take a break from your career. The conversation will help you adapt. your plan, budget and timeline accordingly. You can also find out whether you can return to your position after the break, if desired. Also, it allows your company enough time to plan for your exit.

2.Plan your Finances

It’s not about whether you can afford a career break instead your focus should be on working towards it! You will need to make a comprehensive budget and include all your expenses. Once you have come up with a budget, start saving towards your break. This will reduce any stress that may be brought about by financial strain from not having a consistent income. Also review your budget and see how you can reduce on your spending.

3.Define Your Goals and Objectives

Outline your goals and objectives, to ensure you make the most out of your break. Have a schedule that will entail what you will be doing and the period each activity will take. Whether you plan to travel, or pursue a hobby whatever the reason for your break, plan accordingly. During your break, it is crucial to monitor your progress.

4.Keep Tabs On Your Personal Development Plan

A personal development plan entails your individual goals and what you want to achieve. It also helps you to identify the areas you need to improve and develop to meet your goals; likewise, what you need to do to achieve your goals. While on your career break, be intentional about your personal development plan to ensure you can attain your goals, whether they involve being present for your family or pursuing your education or a healthy lifestyle.

5.Plan for your return

Planning for your return can make the transition easier. Determine if you want to go back to a similar job, change your career path entirely or start your own business. For instance, if you choose to go back to a similar job, you can keep contacts of people you have worked with or networked with in that field. This will help once you start job hunting, as they can give you leads.

Similar Articles: Passive Income Ideas You Can Start

In Summary

Going on a career break can be frightening but rewarding. Once you make the decision, plan accordingly and take the break. Use the chance to grow both personally and professionally. In addition, the skills and knowledge you gather while on your break can give you an upper hand when you return to the workforce.

A career break refers to taking time off from employment, either for family reasons, personal or professional development. A career break takes at least three months to two years.

A career break doesn’t mean a growth break! A break can be transformative not just for the short term but you can reap the rewards in the long term. The advantages include the chance to be refreshed, both personally and professionally. Also, it gives you the opportunity to expand your network and room to envision the future of your career. However, you are likely to have a gap in your career progress, immediate financial loss and the adjustments you have to make when you return to employment.

Reasons for a Career Break

The idea of taking a career break, may be fostered by different reasons. For some, it may be an emergency, while for others it’s a planned move. Some of the most common reasons people take career breaks include:

  • To raise children
  • Take care of a sick loved one
  • To reduce work related stress
  • Learn new skills
  • Pursue passions and hobbies
  • Discover a new career
  • Travel the world

Planning for a career break

“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Planning will help you make the most out of your break!

1.Inform your employer

Let your employer know your plans, once you have decided to take a break from your career. The conversation will help you adapt. your plan, budget and timeline accordingly. You can also find out whether you can return to your position after the break, if desired. Also, it allows your company enough time to plan for your exit.

2.Plan your Finances

It’s not about whether you can afford a career break instead your focus should be on working towards it! You will need to make a comprehensive budget and include all your expenses. Once you have come up with a budget, start saving towards your break. This will reduce any stress that may be brought about by financial strain from not having a consistent income. Also review your budget and see how you can reduce on your spending.

3.Define Your Goals and Objectives

Outline your goals and objectives, to ensure you make the most out of your break. Have a schedule that will entail what you will be doing and the period each activity will take. Whether you plan to travel, or pursue a hobby whatever the reason for your break, plan accordingly. During your break, it is crucial to monitor your progress.

4.Keep Tabs On Your Personal Development Plan

A personal development plan entails your individual goals and what you want to achieve. It also helps you to identify the areas you need to improve and develop to meet your goals; likewise, what you need to do to achieve your goals. While on your career break, be intentional about your personal development plan to ensure you can attain your goals, whether they involve being present for your family or pursuing your education or a healthy lifestyle.

5.Plan for your return

Planning for your return can make the transition easier. Determine if you want to go back to a similar job, change your career path entirely or start your own business. For instance, if you choose to go back to a similar job, you can keep contacts of people you have worked with or networked with in that field. This will help once you start job hunting, as they can give you leads.

Similar Articles: Passive Income Ideas You Can Start

In Summary

Going on a career break can be frightening but rewarding. Once you make the decision, plan accordingly and take the break. Use the chance to grow both personally and professionally. In addition, the skills and knowledge you gather while on your break can give you an upper hand when you return to the workforce.

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