Preparing Yourself For A Career Break

Are you considering a career break? Taking extended time off from work can be both exhilarating and worrisome, whether you're staying at home to care for children or traveling around the world for a year. 

How will you make ends meet while you're out of the office? And how can you be certain that your job will be there when you return?

The goal is to do as much planning ahead of time as possible before taking a career sabbatical so that you can focus your energies on other things and reduce stress when you return.

Here are some things you can do before taking a break:

✅ Save Money

The first step is to make a budget. How much cash will you require during your break? Consider your daily, weekly, and monthly budgetary requirements. Most people will need to save a year's worth of pay in advance. Or at the very least, be able to cover a year of expenses.

✅ Refresh your network

Reconnect with old contacts before venturing into the unfamiliar. Plan a nice outing with old pals or some networking coffee dates. Take advantage of this opportunity to get motivated to start making preparations. It'll be fun and you'll be renewing your ties.

✅ Have a Re-Entry Plan

Unless you're independently wealthy, you're likely aware of when your career break will finish. Don't put off thinking about how you'll get back into the swing of things at work until then.

Maintain a current résumé and be prepared to update your LinkedIn and other social media platforms to reflect your availability.

✅ Learn a new skill

Learn a new skill while you are on sabbatical. It can be something that helps in your work or an interest that you have been putting off pursuing. Who knows? It might be the start of your next career!

During Covid break, I tried baking, dessert art, and reading to advance my knowledge. Here are some of my newfound interests!