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Take a Career Break

TAKE A CAREER BREAK!

What is a Career Break? 
The ‘career break’ is most common in the UK where it grew out of the gap year concept and is sometimes referred to as an ‘adult gap year’. The concept has grown in popularity over the last few years and it’s estimated that around 75% of the UK workforce is actively considering such a break.
 
A career break involves taking time off after university, between jobs or even during your main career. Initially it was a discretionary idea that was adopted by some large employers as a way of encouraging women to return to work after an extended break for child care. The thinking was that, rather than lose the training and development investment already made in these employees, it would be better to offer formal career breaks in the hope that these valuable employees would eventually return to employment.
 
So is a Career Break only for Parents?
The career break is no longer restricted to parents. Many other employees now seek the opportunity to take an extended break from work. They may be bored at work and wondering whether to change careers; they may enjoy their job but regret that they didn’t have the opportunity to travel abroad or study in the past; they may have to look after older or sick relatives or they may just crave the idea of doing something more adventurous than the normal 9-5 routine. More and more employers are looking sympathetically on such requests. Again, by offering the career break employers have the opportunity to retain valuable employees who may need to take months or even years away from work.
As well as offering the chance to do something different, a well structured break that offers new perspectives, new skills and/or educational experiences can really boost longterm career prospects and add extra interest to your CV. Many employers are beginning to wake up to the positive benefits these experiences offer.  
Will I get paid?
Employees are generally not paid during a career break but may negotiate the right to either return to their job after the break or to re-apply for employment.   Although a career break may include periods of paid work, this is quite separate from the employees’ main career.
Can anyone take a career break and can I stay away for as long as I want?
A career break is a discretionary privilege and it’s important to work out an acceptable plan with your employer.   If you do plan to return to the same job you should discuss in advance with your line manager how long you intend to be away. You should try and make some arrangements at this stage for your return. If you’ve worked hard to gain qualifications and build up your career it’s important to ensure you don’t lose your job or damage your career because you haven’t taken the time to manage your break properly. If you’re a member of a professional institution you should try to keep up your membership. Particularly if you’ll be away for a few years this is an important way for you to remain part of your professional network. Some institutions have a reduced membership fee for those on career breaks
Discuss with your employer how much contact you’d like to have with them while away. Do you want to receive the company newsletter? Would you like to have the occasional invitation to meetings, conferences or seminars?
How can I convince my employer to agree to a career break?
A lot depends on how long you want to be away for and the company’s individual circumstances.  Some employers are more likely to endorse a career break if the employee will acquire a useful new skill or give something of value to a community. For example an international company might look favourable on employees who will have the opportunity to learn a language or if the employee will provide a service of value to a market the company is active in. Before approaching your employer it might be worth having a clear picture in your mind of how the break may be of benefit to the company -  even if it is just the possibility that they will have the opportunity to retain your knowledge and skills! Think hard about how you present your case – you may only get one shot at it. Depending on what you’ll be doing during you career break you could emphasise potential ‘benefits’ such as improved team-working, communication or leadership skills; experience of different ways of organising/working; the possibility that you’ll return to work restored and revitalised and that if the company is seen to be offering career breaks to staff this will not only potentially increase staff loyalty but could be seen as a benefit to others thinking of applying to join that company.   
 
Career Break Opportunities
As the Career Break concept has gained popularity, so many new companies have sprung up to offer exciting opportunities to adult ‘gappers’. These opportunities include teaching English, helping local people learn vital skills, constructing basic homes for the underprivileged, conservation work, coaching sports, planting trees or caring for children. Organisations like Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) recruit professionals from all industries with specific skills needed worldwide.
Some people do organise their own trips but most tend to approach companies who will help slot them into established projects. These companies can give advice on how to get the best out of the experience and can help organise practical things like visas, insurance and sometimes even flights. Some companies even have their own reps within or close to the various projects who are on hand to provide support.
How Much Will it Cost?
 
Some organisations don't charge at all, while some charge a fee which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.  It depends on the organisation, but often the fee is levied to cover things like flights, training, accommodation, visas, insurance and – in some cases – a bit extra as a contribution to the project. Many projects include an element of training such as a TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), training in particular skills e.g. diving, ecological preservation etc. Some projects offer additional activities such as expeditions/trekking and adventure sports.
 
Companies Offering Career Break Opportunities
 
Action Professionals specialise in overseas courses for fitness instructor training. Contact: www.actionprofessionals.co.uk
 
Bunac  - a not-for-profitorganisation specialising in both volunteer opportunities and paid work worldwide. There are projects in the USA, New Zealand, Africa, Costa Rica, Peru, Cambodia, Canada, Australia and China. Projects are available year round and range from 5 weeks to 12 months. Contact: www.bunac.org
Challenges Worldwide – specialise in sending skilled professionals on short-term overseas assignments to help develop better health, educational and environmental opportunities. They are currently looking for professionals in HR, Admin, Finance, Marketing/Communications, Law, Project Management and IT. Contact: www.challengesworldwide.com

Gap Year Traveller – arranges volunteer placements, study and adventure travel overseas. Projects include working with orphans in Thailand, conservation in Costa Rica and child care projects in South America. Contact: www.gapyeartraveller.co.uk

Outreach International – specialise in volunteer placements in a variety of areas including teaching English, working with orphans, street children and landmine victims, conservation and environmental work and humanitarian development work.

 
If YOU'VE had (or would like a career break) why not share your views with others?  Click here to visit our forums or why not post a quick comment below? 
 
 
 
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