Turn a Career Break into a Career Fix

Intro

Are you trapped in a cycle of burnout and unfulfillment? Feeling stuck in a career rut with no escape in sight? If so, it might be time to consider a career break – a powerful reset that could be exactly what you need to re-discover your passion and put you back on a path to success.

In today's fast-paced world, the idea of hitting pause may seem counterintuitive. But an intentional career break can provide the much needed recharge and perspective to unlock new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. I know that’s certainly been the case for me and countless others.

The transformative power of a career break.

According to a LinkedIn survey in 2022 of 23,000 , a significant 62% of employees have already taken a career break, with an additional 35% expressing interest in doing so. This trend prompted the platform to introduce its "Career Break" feature, acknowledging the growing demand for professional sabbaticals and allowing members to be transparent on the breaks in their profile history using a drop down menu of reasons ranging from bereavement and caregiving to career transition and full time parenting.

But what exactly are the benefits of taking a career break? Here are five essential strategies that can turn this pause into a powerful career fix.

1. Clarify your "Why".

Before embarking on a career break, it's essential to identify your motivations and desired outcomes clearly. Are you seeking personal growth, skill development, or simply a much needed recharge? Getting clear on your "why" will help shape a purposeful and fulfilling experience.

For some, a career break may be an opportunity to explore new passions, travel the world, or dive into more creative pursuits. Others may use the time to focus on their wellbeing, prioritising self-care and addressing burnout. Whatever your reasons, clarifying your motivations will guide your decisions and help you make the most of this transformative period.

2. Plan ahead.

Proper financial planning is critical to ensuring a smooth transition and reducing concerns about stability during your break. Create a comprehensive plan that accounts for your expenses, savings, and any potential income sources. Research your company's policies and benefits related to sabbaticals or unpaid leave, and explore options like freelancing or consulting to bolster your income if needed.

Maintaining a solid financial strategy will allow you to approach your career break with peace of mind, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the experiences and opportunities it presents.

3.?? Stay connected.

While a career break provides a respite from the daily grind, it's essential to maintain strong connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Not only can they provide support and guidance, but these relationships can also facilitate a smoother reintegration into the workforce when you're ready to return.

Attend industry events, join professional associations, or participate in online communities to stay updated on trends and developments in your field. Nurturing your network during your break can open doors to new opportunities and ensure you remain relevant and competitive.

A big fear of leaving an organisation (for whatever reason) is the going it alone. However, it doesn’t have to be, build yourself your own board of directors to help support your career and personal growth. Find a mentor and coach who you trust and will not only listen, but be best placed to challenge and guide you to reach your goals. This and other connections are super important also to help reintegration into a workforce when you decide the time is right.

To create a balanced personal board, you’ll need a Confidant, Cheerleader, Challenger, Champion and Coach (if you want to add a Conrad into that mix then do reach out ??)

4.?????? Invest in yourself.

A career break presents a unique opportunity to invest in your personal and professional development. Pursue passions, learn new skills, or volunteer in communities that align with your values. Engaging in activities that energise your mind, body, and soul will allow you to return to work with renewed vigor and a broadened perspective.

Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures. Stepping beyond your comfort zone and embracing new challenges can really unlock hidden talents and foster personal growth.

5. ? Improve wellbeing and work-life balance.

One of the primary benefits of a career break is the opportunity to prioritise your overall wellbeing and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Stepping away from the constant demands of work allows you to replenish your mental, emotional, and physical reserves.

Use this time to nurture your relationships, engage in activities you enjoy, and establish mindfulness practices. By addressing burnout and prioritising self-care, you'll return to the workforce feeling energised, focused, and better equipped to navigate the demands of your career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

What to do on a career break?

The key is to do what energises you, embrace new experiences and stretch yourself. The possibilities really are endless – get creative! From traveling the globe and volunteering in communities to rediscovering your love of art or new entrepreneurial pursuits.

My first career break came in 2006 when I was unfulfilled in my job at the time and searching for something more. I was introduced to Raleigh International by a good friend of mine. Raleigh has been around for around 40 years and has a clear mission to deliver life enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people through international volunteering and I can highly recommend them or similar volunteering opportunities.

Despite some apprehension having never even been camping before, I was soon living in a tent in the Namib desert for four months and discovering a lot about what I am capable of. As a project manager, I was leading teams of gap year kids on local environmental projects where we not only learned how to survive in the harsh environment but we got to share amazing experiences and make great friendships. I added valuable layers to my leadership style and resilience, while also discovering purpose. It also gave me a love of camping which I now enjoy with my kids.

My second career break came soon after the financial crisis in 2009, where my wife and I got to travel (pre kids) for two months around far East Asia. Some great memories across some wonderful locations and it was a great time to just have some fun and reflect on what we wanted out of family life together.

Now in my third career break some 15 years on, I get to do more of the things that energise me: I’m learning via courses, writing, connecting, collaborating, creating and serving clients as a leadership and career coach. I also get to be a full time parent (skills enhanced: communication / negotiation / time management / creative play expertise).

Each career break has given me personal growth, energy, joy and boosted my career in a sustained way.

Context is everything.

Really it is up to the individual and their personal circumstances. Career breaks can be either planned or arise unexpectedly due to a redundancy or life event. A lot more people are experiencing burnout as a reason to take a break – the key is to listen to your gut and those loved ones around you as to when it’s right to.

This post pandemic world has for sure shifted a lot of employer attitudes, with an increase in empathy and understanding towards why professionals would want to have a career break and its benefits.

As my dad used to say when referring to learning from mistakes and working hard, “In a life of over 60 years, what’s six months?” Well, I’ve used his quote as inspiration to provide some context:

My point being, life is finite, our time and energy are finite. So how best do you want to use that time and energy? The current trade-off for a lot of people (if they are aware or not) is to work 45 years in order to enjoy a retirement of eight years (with a lot of assumptions around good health, financials and wellbeing).

?

There is also a strategic opportunity for organisations.

While career breaks offer numerous benefits for individuals, they also present a strategic opportunity for organisations to cultivate a more engaged, innovative, and sustainable workforce – providing a competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. By embracing career breaks, employers can proactively address critical challenges such as talent retention and employee burnout where according to a Gallup poll, 76% of employees experience burnout at work at some point, which we know leads to decreased productivity and lower retention.

Companies that offer structured sabbaticals or career break policies demonstrate a commitment to employee growth, development, and work-life harmony. All are factors increasingly valued by today's workforce, especially younger generations. Moreover, these initiatives position organisations as attractive employers in the competitive race for top diverse talent. career breaks can be a powerful tool for organisations to enhance their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. By welcoming back more diverse perspectives and experiences, companies can also counteract groupthink, foster innovation, and better navigate the complexities of modern business challenges.

Furthermore, career breaks provide employees with the time and space to upskill, explore new areas of interest, and cultivate a growth mindset. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptability which is is essential for organisations to stay ahead in rapidly evolving industries. By recognising the mutual benefits, companies that strategically harness career breaks can create a win-win scenario: fostering a more engaged, skilled, and future ready workforce while positioning themselves as innovative and appealing employers.

?

In the end...

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, an intentional career break to slow down can be a powerful investment in self-care, sustainable growth and creating the future you truly want. Embrace this opportunity to unlock your version of success by approaching it with creativity, bold thinking, and courageous action. Remember, no one will rescue you or hand you your dream job – it's up to you to take responsibility and agency over your career journey.

?

Unlock your potential with "Turn a Career Break into a Career Fix"

If you're intrigued by the idea of a career break but prefer a comprehensive guide in a printable, evergreen format that you can refer to in future, then "Turn a Career Break into a Career Fix" is the e-book for you.

I have enriched this article into an e-book in order to go much deeper into these strategies, providing additional insights, thought provoking exercises, and covers everything from the benefits of career breaks to overcoming potential challenges. It will provide value to anyone seeking a new perspective on their professional journey.

You can get your copy by clicking either of these links:

Link to purchase ebook on Amazon

Link to purchase ebook on Etsy

Take the first step toward a fulfilling career and life by investing in yourself. A well planned career break could be the career fix you've been searching for.

If you found it useful, please do share it with friends in your network who would also find value in it. Thank you.

?

?

To find out more and get in touch with me: ?https://conrad-da-cunha.com

#leadership #management #leadershipdevelopment #personaldevelopment #professionaldevelopment #strategy #diversityandinclusion #careerbreak