The Sabbatical vs The Mini-Career Break

Taking a career-break can be extremely daunting. Firstly there’s the financial strain and then there’s the decision of what to do and where to do it. And, finally, once the experience is over, will it be easy to adjust back to the daily grind and will there still be a job upon return?

These are just a few of the problems facing a potential career-breaker. However, an increasing number of professionals are cutting their losses, hanging up their office-shoes and pursuing ‘life- changing’ experiences.

 A volunteer on the Trek Force career break scheme

According, to a UK career survey, 74% of respondents claimed that the main motive behind their ‘adult gap year’ was the desire to see the world and make a difference, rather than because they were unhappy with their careers.

Workers between the ages of 25 and 35 are most likely to take the plunge, primarily because of fewer family and relationship commitments. The second major trend towards career-breaks was found amongst the 50-60 age groups. With greater financial and professional security, the return to professional life after a gap was more fluid for those more established.

The survey, carried out by the Career Break Site, also found that almost twice as many career-breakers come from the IT sector as from any other sector, and that the south-east has a disproportionately high number of people planning a career break.

Founder of the Career Breaks site, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, says, ‘People today want more from their career than they are getting out of their day jobs- to travel, expand their horizons, and make a positive difference to other people’s lives. More companies are recognising the value of a career break, and are developing more loyal, experienced and well rounded employees as a result’.

The career-break can also be used as a time to reflect on past career choices and help you to make clearer decisions about the future. Whilst many ‘adult-gappers’ volunteer overseas, time-off can also be taken to explore other regions of work which may interest you. Volunteering in a school or hospital, for example, can provide an invaluable insight into a different field of work and provide a base for more informed future career choices.

A career break doesn’t always have to be spent travelling the world. Personal projects, such as a business idea, can be pursued or developed, also giving you new skills and experiences which will be valuable to future employers or even provide you…

The Rise of the Mini-Break

Whilst full career-breaks can be seen as risky luxuries, Mini Career Breaks, on the other hand are perfectly feasible alternatives. This new travel phenomenon is changing the way workers think about their holidays. In a shift towards the ‘ethical’ and ‘environmentally-friendly’ workers are conscientiously opting against vacations spent lounging on a beach. Mini Career Breaks are meaningful travel experiences that take less than a month and might involve volunteer work abroad, learning holidays (where holiday-makers learn new skills or go on specific training courses) or travel with a purpose (such as photography or writing a book)

In the lions den: a volunteer with Travellers Worlwide

A rising number of British professionals are opting for these ‘Mini Career Breaks’ as they offer overseas experience without having to commit to a long period spent away from work and family. Mini-Breakers also return refreshed, inspired and more confident knowing that they’ve done something positive both for themselves and the world.

What to do if you are considering taking career break or mini career break?

Good news. There’s a website dedicated to all you career-break needs. From activity suggestions, to planning to advice from former career-breakers- The Career Break site is a one-stop shop for anyone contemplating giving up work temporarily.

www.thecareerbreaksite.com

Further Resources:

www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk

www.projects-abroad.co.uk