5 things to consider when planning a career break
Thoughts of tropical islands, adventurous treks and unforgettable experiences might be tempting you towards having a career break. However, it isn't as easy as hopping on a plane and exploring the world; here are just some of the most important things to consider if you're heading abroad.
It's not easy leaving behind everything you know to spend a few weeks or months travelling the world, but if you think you're going to find the whole experience incredibly rewarding, you probably think putting your responsibilities aside for a while is the right thing to do.
However, it isn't something to be done without thorough thought, and here are five things you should consider before booking your flights:
Taking time off
Most of us have a job to go to, or commitments we have to attend, so just upping sticks isn't that easy to do.
The first thing you have to ask yourself when you're planning on having a significant amount of time away is: will you be able to have the time off from work?
It is advisable to speak directly to your employer when you begin to construct your travelling plans, as you will need to know what position you are in: will you have a job to return to or will you have to leave your role?
Some companies allow you to take a sabbatical so you can have extended time off with the security of knowing you'll have a position at the firm when you return. You could even find your company offers a paid sabbatical, which will help you fund your trip as well.
How long for?
Once you have spoken to your boss, you will get a good idea about how long you can spend travelling. You may discover your sabbatical is contingent on you returning on a specific date, which will help you work out the length of time your career break will last.
There are lots of shorter projects to take part in if you are only able to be absent for a month or so - so you can still enjoy the feeling of escaping the rigmarole of daily life while knowing that everything will go back to normal when you return.
However, the thrill of a longer trip away and the uncertainty of what the future may hold might excite you, in which case, look for trips around the world that last months on end - that is, if the British weather doesn't tempt you home first!
Look at your finances
How much cash you need for a career break abroad will depend on how long you want to spend away and where you are interested in going. Write down a list of what your travelling dreams are first, so you can refer to this when making important decisions and prioritising your schedule.
You might decide you'd like to do two weeks helping with giant panda conservation in China, where you get to help some of the 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Alternatively, spending months on end in a country where expenses are cheaper, such as India or Bolivia, could particularly appeal to you.
Where to go?
Of course, while dreaming of paradise islands and luscious forests, your mind is going to be consumed with deciding where you want to spend your time.
The world is full of fascinating places to see; from Uluru in Australia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Mayan ruins in Guatemala and the pyramids in Egypt, you won't be short of sites to visit - no matter how hard you try!
Think about somewhere you'd like to most see in the world - perhaps you've always wanted to see tribes in Fiji or you wish to hike through the Andean mountains in Peru - and then make an itinerary based around this geographical location.
Or, if you have enough time to spare, consider a round-the-world ticket, as this will save you money returning to the UK and booking outbound flights again and again in the future.
Think about your return home
It might sound strange but when you begin to plan your adventures abroad, do spend a little time thinking about what you want to do when you return.
This may help steer the course of your travelling plans; for instance, you might have managed to secure a sabbatical, but if you are unhappy in your job and may not want to return to it when you come back, it could be worth quitting and increasing the time you spend abroad instead.
Likewise, if you love your job, you could use your time away to enhance your skills in the area; teaching in a school in India is one such way you could improve your future prospects if you like working with kids.
Have you ever taken a career break? What tips would you give to someone about to embark on one?
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Tags:
- career break ,
- sabbatical ,
- travelling
