In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to take a break from their careers. Maybe you take time off to raise your kids, care for an elderly relative or travel the world. Whatever your reasons for taking a career break, it can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. However, no matter how scary it may seem, there are ways to make things easier on yourself in the long run.
Tips on handling your career break
Here are some tips on what you can do if you have a career break coming up soon.
Decide on your reason for taking a break.
First and foremost, you should decide why you’re taking a break from work. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people don’t spend time figuring this out.
You may need a career break because of family or health issues, or you might want to travel and gain new life experiences. Whatever your reason for taking a break will help you determine how long you should be out of the workforce.
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Network, network, network
The best way to stay connected and engaged with the world of work during your career break is to network. This means staying in touch with your colleagues, former employers, and people who can help you when you’re ready to get back into the workforce.
If you’re planning on staying at home with your kids, ensure you keep up to date with your industry and field. You can do this by joining online groups, reading books, and following podcasts related to your field.
Know what you want to do when you get back
You will feel much more secure during your career break if you know what you want to do when you get back into the workforce. This can be something you’ve always wanted to do or may help you with your current situation.
For example, if you’re on a career break to care for an elderly relative, then you might want to get a job that requires shift work or be able to travel for work. If you’re taking a break to raise your kids, you may want to find a job that allows you to work from home or part-time.
Take care of your physical and mental health.
Taking a career break can be a great way to take a step back and re-evaluate your life. However, you may find that taking a break from work is more stressful than working full-time.
Taking a career break can be extremely stressful if you don’t care for your physical and mental health. Make sure you’re eating healthily, exercising, and getting lots of sleep. If you have any mental health issues, ensure you get the help you need.
Don’t neglect your skills and talents.
While on your career break, you’ll want to ensure you’re not neglecting your skills and talents. You may want to take this opportunity to learn a new skill or hone your skills.
You might consider getting a part-time job or freelancing to earn extra money. You may also want to spend some time volunteering with a cause that’s important to you. This will help you stay engaged with the world and make connections with people.
Factors in considering a career break
Are you thinking of taking a break to recharge your productivity? Before making any decisions, you must know why you’re having a career break. Here are some factors to consider:
- How will having a career break affect your career trajectory?
- How will a career break impact your finances?
- Will you lose touch with the industry if you take a break?
- How do you plan on spending your free time during a career break?
- What are the risks and rewards associated with taking a career break?
- Is there another option besides taking a career break? (e.g., switching jobs, working part-time, etc.)
- Can you afford a career break without impacting your lifestyle or savings account?
- What are the risks associated with not taking a career break? (e.g., can’t find another job when I’m ready to come back, get too rusty and fall behind industry standards, etc.)
By weighing all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not taking a career break is right for you!
Pros and cons of having a career break
Are you feeling burned out from your job? Are you daydreaming about taking a break to travel or just relaxing? You’re not alone. Many people need to take a break from their careers at some point. But is taking a career break the best solution? Here are the pros and cons of having a career break.
Pros #1. More time to spend with family and friends
One of the main advantages of taking a career break is that you will have more time to spend with your family and friends. You might have been neglecting your relationships if you worked long hours. Taking a break will allow you to reconnect with the people who are important to you.
Recommended reading: How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Pros #2. More time to travel
Another advantage of taking a career break is having more time to travel. If you have been working full-time, you may not have had the opportunity to see much of the world. A career break will allow you to explore new places and cultures.
Pros #3. More time to pursue hobbies and interests
Taking a career break will also give you more time to pursue hobbies and interests you may have neglected due to work commitments. This can be an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or to relax and enjoy your free time.
Cons #1. Can be expensive
One of the main disadvantages of taking a career break is that everything can be expensive. If you are used to having a regular income, you may find it difficult to adjust to living on a reduced budget. Additionally, if you plan on traveling during your career break, you will need to factor in the cost of accommodation and transportation.
Cons #2. It may be difficult to re-enter the workforce
Another disadvantage of taking a career break is that it may be difficult to re-enter the workforce after an extended period away from it. Employers may view your resume gap as negative, and you may find it difficult to compete with continuously working candidates.
Cons #3. Having outdated skills
Additionally, your skills and knowledge may have become outdated, making it difficult to catch up with your peers.
Will you have a career break?
A career break is a great way to take some time off, recharge, and explore new things. However, you should ensure you’re prepared for this break so you don’t feel stressed during the process. If you have a career break coming up, then make sure you follow these tips to help you stay prepared and engaged with the world.
