Thinking of Taking a Career Break? I Did, and Here’s 7 Things I Accomplished.

I love being a CPG brand marketer, and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my career, but there were non-work-related things I’ve been needing and wanting to do. So, with support from my amazing wife, I took a bold step and left my great job four months ago. To my surprise, my co-workers and supervisors were extremely supportive when I resigned, and I will always appreciate how gracious and understanding they were.?

Now that my break is almost over, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished. For anyone considering it, here are 7 things I did over the last four months that you might consider. If you know me and are considering taking a break, please feel free to reach out to me.

1.?????I took care of myself.

I learned to take care of myself by exercising, being still, meditating, Bible study, and praying. There is a lot of research out there that shows all these activities have tremendous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. My own experience showed me it’s true! I feel more energetic, peaceful, joyful, and fulfilled.

2.?????I lived the truth of that old saying, “At the end of your life, you won’t regret not working more. You will regret time not spent with a friend, child, spouse or parent.”?

I spent quality time visiting my parents in Illinois and I helped my mom get out of bed and come downstairs and outside after being hospitalized. My dad was so happy to see her get out of bed and walk. We also visited my in-laws in Puerto Rico, and I was privileged to take my 80-year-old father-in-law to visit his older brother in Florida for the first time in 18 years and it blessed me as much as it blessed them. Spend quality time and take care of your family – it is a privilege and a joy.

3.?????I shared special moments with my children that I would have probably missed while working.

I spent hours teaching my two teens how to drive and I volunteered for school activities, including their 3-day offsite in the mountains. I proudly watched my daughter’s dance recital for 3 straight nights, and my son earn his second Tae Kwon-do blackbelt. I am so proud of both of them. Take time to be there for your children’s special moments.

4.?????I learned heroes are ordinary people facing difficult circumstances.

?After a year of weekly phone calls, I went to Michigan to visit my friend and hero, Manny, who is battling ALS. It’s hard to see him physically struggling, but his inner strength and attitude during our calls and my visit inspire me to face life’s challenges bravely and to suffer with grace and dignity. Look for those people in your life who are battling something hard and spend time with them. Not only for their benefit, but for yours.

5.?????I served my community.

My son and I filled sandbags for disaster relief several times, washed windows for a senior apartment complex, and I helped my local church think through how to relaunch after COVID. You can find a place to go serve locally and make your town a better place.

6.?????I learned that nothing refreshes my soul like nature does.

I spent 6 days backpacking in the Grand Canyon with a friend without checking for a single email, and I took my son on a 6-day back-country backpacking trip in Wyoming without looking at a screen other than to take pictures. That is heaven on earth! Take some time, even if it’s just a few hours to shut off your phone and get outside.

7.?????I found there are a lot of people who need a break.

During my time off, I grabbed lunch, coffee, dinner, beers and Zoom calls with friends and former colleagues. There are a lot of people who are tired and need some encouragement and want to take a career break, even if they can’t afford to take a career break, so give ‘em a break!

What could you accomplish if you could take some intentional time off from working?