You know the drill. You’re supposed to work your entire life so that you can stash away enough money to retire and FINALLY enjoy your life and do all of the things you’ve been putting off.
RIGHT?
WROOOOOOOOOONG!!
I’m sorry but If you’ve worked for any length of time than you know that working like a dog until you are 65 is just not sustainable.
Sooner or later you will either get burnt out or bored with the monotony of spending all your days working and taking care of responsibilities.
What’s The Point?
Life was meant to be lived.
Not just on the weekends.
Not for two weeks out of the year to go on your annual vacation.
And not only after your 65th birthday.
Besides, who’s to say you won’t get hit by a car and die tomorrow? It happened to my father the year before he turned 65.
What if you are physically incapable of doing the things you want to do when you are 65 and older. I have a family member who is incapable of travelling now that she’s older.
That’s where a career break comes in.
So what is a career break?
A career break is an extended period of time where you STOP working to do something new and exciting. A career break gives you the time you need to recharge your batteries so that when you do go back to work and your normal routine, you are refreshed, enriched and hopefully you have a better perspective and outlook on life.
Think of it as a detour on the road of life where you stop the car and take alternate paths to your final destination but also enjoying all there is to see and do on your way there.
The term career break is closely related to the following terms but there ARE slight differences.
- Gap year
- Sabbatical
- Mini Retirement
- Adult Gap Year
- Leave of absence
I will explain the differences in future posts.
How Long Is A Career Break
Depending on who you talk to, some say a career break is between one month and two even three years long. The time you take off will depend on a lot of different factors and your unique situation.
Some things that will determine the time of your career break are your financial situation, your goals, whether you have a family, kids etc.
What Can You Do On A Career Break
Career breaks are not just about taking time off for the sake of it. Typically a career break can be life changing if used as a personal development tool.
Some things you can do on a career break are..
- Travel (live abroad)
- Volunteer, Volunteer abroad
- Learn (language, ski or sailing instructor, for example)
- TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language)
- Raise kids
- Start a business
- Train for a marathon,
- Learn a new hobby (painting, pottery, sewing)
- Staying up-to-date with professional skills
- Go back to school (get an advanced degree)
- Recover from an accident or illness.
- Look after a dependent
- Take time off to spend more quality time with your family.
- Write a novel
- Yada Yada Yada
The downside to Career Breaks
Unfortunately, in order to enjoy a career break, you will most likely have to quit your job and find a new one when you return to the work force. What that means is that you will have to save enough money to sustain your life for the duration of your break, plus have enough to do the activity that you want to do and support yourself during the time when you look for a new job. ( unless you’ve negotiated with your employer to hold your job for you when you return).
How To Take A Career Break?
Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world take career breaks.
With a little planning you can take one too. If you need help planning one or just don’t know where to start, I can work one on one with you and help you get you started.
Below is a video which talks about the “Power of time off”. You should watch it!!
Interested in taking a career break to do something more meaningful but not sure where to start. I can help you work through all your issues. I’ve taken several breaks over the last 20 years to do various thing. There’s a lot to consider from finances and kids, to how long, what to do or where to go. I can help you get some clarity so that you maximize your time away from life and returned, recharged, enriched and happy.
36 Responses to “What is A Career Break And Why Should You Care?”
May 16, 2012
Harleena SinghSounds wonderful Annie!
You are so right when you say that we shouldn’t really wait to retire or grow old to take a break away from work or do things we really want to do, because you never really know about the next moment whether you will really be alive to live it!
But yes, the problem with most people would be how do they leave their jobs or kids and families to just take off, even though they may want to, which includes me too. Because you need to be minds-free about your earning for the time when you take a career break or cater for funds. I guess till my kids are in school or not independent, one’s not really free to take a career break.
However, I do manage to take a few getaways for a few days when things get too monotonous, or we take the weekends off with a few more extra days to visit our relatives. Those times are also breathers, though you just enjoy and return refreshed. But you cannot really accomplish things you want to do, like writing a novel, or take out time for personal development or doing things you want to do.
Thanks for sharing, and this is a wonderful reminder to think how to take out more time and do things you really want to do
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May 16, 2012
Annie AndreHarleena,
it sounds like you despite being a mom and super busy you’ve found a way to recharge and enjoy your life.
And i agree, it’s not enough time to do the BIGGER things, like write a novel or take time out for personal development but you can take a mini retirement, or mini career break. It doesn’t involve quitting your job. But it gives you a chunk of time to focus on one big goal. These mini breaks typically last up to 3 months. You would need to negotiate with your employer to do it. thanks for stopping by.
I really enjoy your input.
May 16, 2012
LindsayLove this! I’m a huge advocate of career breaks (mainly because I took one myself). So many of my friends decided to pay $100,000 to go to business school for their career breaks without really thinking about whether they wanted to or whether there was another option.
I knew B-school wasn’t for me so I took 6 months off and moved to the Dominican Republic where I volunteered with a microfinance organization. Nothing like lack of electricity & no running water to make you reevaluate your priorities and direction in life!
May 16, 2012
Annie AndreI hear that Lindsay,
No electricity, no running water….
makes certain things seem so trivial…
Grad school is great but it’s not for everyone. Plus 100K? Cost was one of the major reasons i DID NOT go to Grad school. How can school be so expensive.. I digress.
Thanks for stopping by… Love having experienced career breakers give their input..
May 16, 2012
Tammy L.I took a two year career break. That is how I view it. Some people say I ran away from home. Far, far, away. I moved to England for two years, went back to school, traveled, worked part-time, and realized that I hated my line of work!
It took me years after returning to get back to my old salary.
While financially it was a set back, I am so much happier now. My life is so much better for the experience, and I would do it again in a heart beat.
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May 16, 2012
Annie AndreHello Tammy,
I think a lot of people don’t take breaks because of the fact that they think they will not be able to command the same salary. But so what if they can’t right. Like you said, is was a financial set back but you are happier more enriched.
I’ve made six figures and it was nice but I still wasn’t happy. It’s our experiences that make us happy.
May 17, 2012
Prime AqueHello Annie, thank you so much for this article. I enjoyed reading this one, at first I thought what I did last holiday was a career break, but it was just a trip… anyway, at the time being am trying to process my enrollment, yeheey am going back to school, but it’s not still a career break because I would still working
But soon, who knows I will decide to detour, I guess blogging would made it! 
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May 17, 2012
Annie AndreHello and welcome.
You are right, a trip is not a career break although it can be a mini career break if you were to say take a month off to do something enriching besides site seeing.
as far as going back to school and your blog. I see it as your side hustle in preperation for your career break.. Because of money or lack of it, most of us need to work and so we prepare our side hustles before hand until we are ready for a full blown career break. Your blog can take on that role.
Thanks for stopping in and chatting. Much appreciated.
May 17, 2012
Robin HallettHI Annie! WOW this is the perfect article – forwarding it on to a certain person I am married to… Was just telling him something similar
My mom died very suddenly at 53 and she was someone who worked very hard and saved every penny. I really got the wake up call when it happened- what’s the point to all the money and the nice shiny objects if you aren’t here to use them? Thanks for being an inspiration!! Robin
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May 17, 2012
Annie AndreRobin,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. And at 53? That is super young. MY GOD….
Death really does make you think about what matters… We sometimes lose site of our purpose here on earth by trying to be practical and thinkng we need to work hard until the age of retirement. Forgetting that life was meant to be lived.
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you back..
May 17, 2012
Sylviane NuccioHi Annie,
Sadly, a lot of people who live paycheck to paycheck are not able to take a career break easily, even though it could still be worked at and planned.
On the other hand, lots of people who could might not be good money managers. For example, eating out less and not buying daily necessities such as clothing, or small appliances on credit will definitely help you save some money toward a project. It might seem little, but it does add up.
Also trying to invest some money can grow to a good potential in just a few years. Paying more in taxes and invest the difference versus waiting on Uncle Sam’s return can also put more money in your pocket. There are definitely ways to be able to accumulate/save money for a big career break.
Thanks for this very interesting post
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May 17, 2012
Annie AndreSylviane,
I agree that there are a lot of people who live check by check. I did for a long time. But like you said, with a litle planning you can take a break. It does involve sacrifice.
Don’t eat out as much. No starbucks coffees. or less of them. Don’t live beyond your means. I worked 3 jobs at one point after my divorce just to make ends meat and then i took a break to start a home business idea.
Where there’s a will there’s a way. At least in the developed nations there is.
May 18, 2012
AlanHey Annie,
welcome back & great post.
There are so many advantages to a career break, and you’re right, there’s no set amount of time for this.
The most important thing I think a career break does for most people (as well as all the new things you can try) is allowing time to reflect & it forces a certain amount of objectivity about the career which when you’re actually in the routine of work is often just not there.
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May 18, 2012
Annie AndreAlan,
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It certainly does allow for a moment or two of objectivity. The other thing is, a career break is usually a set amount of time. If you are trying to achieve a goal, that ticking clock is like having a fire under your butt to accomplish your goal.
Annie Andre recently posted..What is A Career Break And Why Should You Care?
May 18, 2012
JackThis is all part and parcel of why I am working on making some big changes in my life. It is simply time to do something different.
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May 18, 2012
Annie AndreJack,
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Time to do something different and maybe kick start a new chapter in your life. or at least that ‘s how i like to look at it.
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May 18, 2012
AdrienneHey Annie,
Welcome back young lady and so happy to have you. Glad you guys had such a wonderful time. Even though it was only a weeks break.
I think the majority of people aren’t comfortable with quitting their jobs to take a break not knowing if they’ll have one when they return. It’s all about how secure you are and the people I’ve known throughout my life, including me, were not that comfortable with doing this. Let’s face it Annie, most of us were raised to be responsible and that didn’t fit in that description.
Now if you can afford it then I definitely say go for it. Heck, who wouldn’t right!
I know so many people who have waited all their lives to do what they wanted once they retired only to pass away shortly after. It’s really very sad since that’s what most families live for.
I think it’s awesome and something I would love to be able to do someday. Guess only time will tell.
Thanks for sharing this and that guy has the right idea. Take a break every 7 years. Nice!
~Adrienne
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May 18, 2012
Annie AndreAdrienne,
That is what is so scary Adrienne. We could kick the bucket tomorrow. For people who can’t afford a career break, or who are scared i say try this….
When i coldn’t afford to take a break but i needed to take one because i went through some traumatic experience(divorce), or was burnt out (hospitalized from exhaustion of working 3 jobs). try converging your interests into a job or your own business.
I started an ebay business which combined many of my interests under one umbrella while also helping me create an income and stay home with my kids. Technically i’m still working but it’s a career break from corporate life.
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Aren’t you doing the same thing now? You’re working on your business right? I’m doing it too but i’m just doing it while living in another country..
Annie Andre recently posted..What is A Career Break And Why Should You Care?
May 18, 2012
Ameena FalchettoAhhh career breaks … I took one kinda and ended up pregnant! Lol!
I moved away from Dubai, sold our business and moved to France to refurbish an old house. I was playing around with launching the refurbished property as holiday rentals and found myself back at university to learn French. It was amazing. I was no longer marketing or really running a high powered business with multinational companies … Everything was at my leisure.
It wasnt until my daughter was 18m old that i decided that the time is NOW to relaunch my marketing business online. It was perfect timing. I had been rested, exposed to so many new things that just complimented my experience to make it fly.
Saying all that, being married to a coach meant that i was held accountable for my pipe dreams.
So to conclude. The break was incredibly invigorating, it unlocked parts of me that i didnt know existed and i recommend it to anyone!
Just get someone to help you with you focus !
May 19, 2012
Annie AndreAmeena,
You made a really good point Ameena. You took your break and it unlocked parts of you that you didn’t know existed which led to the relaunch of your business (whichi might add rocks this world). That IS the “Power of time off”.
Career breaks have the ability to unlock what is hidden in you.
I’ve experienced the same thing each and ever time i’ve taken a break.
Thanks for your input Ameena. Really appreciate it.
May 19, 2012
Sarah OI used to kick myself for not becoming a college professor – because then I would have had the chance to take a Sabbatical every 7 years or so.
Then I realized just what you are saying here. We can actually take a career break whenever we want, no matter what line of work we are in! And this is DEFINITELY something I recommend. And it’s getting a lot easier now that we can all stay connected through the Internet.
Even if you are not ‘working’ in the office you can be generating some income from wherever you are if you get creative.
It’s so depressing to imagine working, working, working for decades without any breaks longer than 2 or 3 weeks. We humans were not meant for that.
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May 19, 2012
Annie AndreI agree sarah. Ever since i my father passed away i have always had this picture of me dying before having done things. Eaten noodles in Hong kong, gone shopping in london. stay home with my kids.
We all have things we want to do and we sometimes need to take tiem off to do them before sooner rather than later.
One of the things i advocate is creating a job based on your passions. Finding that point of convergence where your work is your passion and or it facilitates your passions.
If you like to write, get into copy writing. If you like to write and travel and write. Become a freelance copy writer so you can travel the world and work from anywhere. It’s all about working with what you have and your limitations..
This will get you on your way to that break from the ordinary and routine faster than if you just wait until you have xxx amount of dollars saved up..
Thanks for your input…Sarh. They mean a lot to me.
May 19, 2012
LeniaHi Annie!
I was not that kind of person and I thought that I have to be reasonable and take the right decisions….follow the standards of the society I grew up. Then I met my boyfriend in Paris and his dream was to travel around the world.
Then my mother got sick with a rare disease which has no treatment.
Then I realized that the meaning of my life in Paris was “metro-boulot-dodo”.
Then I realized than in our life we have to choose and not to follow.
Then I gave myself a career break…
Today, I know just like you that my goal in life is to make as many career breaks as I can. Why? Because life is short and it is beautiful. And we should enjoy it
p.s. I read your comment and your answer about the cheap place you are looking for. I will come back to you soon.
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May 19, 2012
Annie AndreLenia,
Sounds like a lot has happened to your in your life to change your way of thinking. It’s such a mind shift to belief one thing and one way of living than do a complete 180 and follow your heart especially if your heart does not coincide with popular belief or common way of living..
i think you are going to have a lot of interesting stories to tell your grandchildren one day.
May 21, 2012
LeniaHi Annie,
Yes that is true. Thank you
Lenia
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May 21, 2012
A.J. TimmckeTravelling would be a very good suggestion. But the problem is, the amount of savings you have to spend for the adventures.
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May 21, 2012
Annie AndreAgreed, travelling on your break is the biggest barrier. But.. like any big expense you save for it. i took a year off to learn a new skill which eventually landed me to my six figure job. Another time i took a break to start an ecommerce business. What you do on your break depends on you and yes saving money is a big big part of it. It involves sacrifice, lots of it but it’s worth it. Ask anyone who has taken one.
June 2, 2012
JOSEPH TAILLYI totally agree with your article on taking a career break. There is a difference between living to work and working to live. Tomorrow is not promise to any of us. We must enjoy every moment and every season and not wait for our employers to tell us when to take a break. Seven days after He created the Earth, God took a break. Why should we take a break once a year? We should take as many mini breaks as we can. Taking a break should be a duty and not a burden. I have a friend who feels guilty when he takes a break. He needs this articles as do many others. Thanks Annie.
Joseph
June 2, 2012
Annie AndreJoseph,
You are so right, even god rested so why shouldn’t we? I know what your friend is going through when he/she feels guilty for taking a break. it’s like we are all programed to work hard and if we don’t we feel like there is a stigma attached to enjoying yourself, or leaving work early or taking more than a 2 week vacation. It’s sad..
May 21, 2012
Barry WellsHi Annie,
I think you’re really brave taking a career break with the state of affairs world wide.
My brother took one a few years and went traveling with his girlfriend and son. They got married in Howaii and then spent 12 months in Australia and went onto LA after that. When they returned to the UK he had trouble finding work, spent the rest of their savings paying the bills and eventually split up.
I’d love to be in a position to do this myself but need to generate a decent income first. It does sound very appealling though
Barry
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May 22, 2012
Annie Andrewow Barry,
Your poor brother.. Your brother could never have known that he couldn’t find a job when he returned.
A lot of people don’t plan for worse case scenario on re-entry. One of the things i tell people to do to help offset this is, on their career breaks work on generating a side income. Either before they take their break and or during their break. You’re already doing that with your blog right now right?
Every break i’ve taken, i always do this. I know technically we all envision a break where we are doing something completely fun but for some of us, especially financially strapped people and people with kids, working on the side at a business that blends their passions is the compromise they’ll have to make if they really want a break and an’t afford one. Plus, if they ever decided to go back to work, they have a nice new skill on their resume.
I’ve done this several times and each time i’ve gone back to work, i’ve commanded a higher salary..It goes beyond logic and it’s scary but it’s possible since i’m living proof of that and so are lots of other people.
I think you’re being smart about your goals and building an income and business on the side before you take your break.. I started doing that too but when i got laid off it accelerated the process for me and now i just have to make it work. It’s a matter of survival..
May 22, 2012
Donna MerrillHi Annie!
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A career break sounds like a great idea to me. Especially in this economy. I have clients who are chained to their desks for years and then get “downsized” or the company falls apart.
I was an entrepreneur my whole life and did dabble in that 9-5 Wall Street trend when I was young. I did that because I thought that is what I was supposed to do for “security” HA
It didn’t take me long to realize that a company owned me, telling me when to work and when to play. It just didn’t make sense to me, so off I went starting a business.
It is true what you had mentioned about your dad not making it to 65. And…in today’s economy, most people who “retire” have to supplement their income with another job anyway.
Taking a break from your career can open your mind to so many possibilities. It seems like a good time to reflect on your inner self and find passions you want to take.
Keep on writing Annie about your adventure. You are enlightening many people to get out of the box.
I thank you,
Donna
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May 22, 2012
Annie AndreThank you so much Donna for your input. A career break in this economy is the perfect time to rethink your long term goals. Like you said, our futures are never as secure as we think they are. Death, downsizing and who knows what else.
I’ll keep on writing Donna and thanks for stopping by.
May 23, 2012
SteveWow, I couldn’t agree more. Saving all your time and money to do what you want when you retire is just bad planning. Like you said, what if you are incapable of doing what you want by then or die just before you reach that age? That’s why I choose to do as much as I can now before then.
I knew someone who said that they wouldn’t travel until they reached retirement age. For him that means decades of working to just enjoy the last few remaining years of his life. Hardly seems worth it. And with the retirement age going up and the difficulty of saving money for it, I wouldn’t count on it.
I’m not in a place to watch videos right now, but I think that Ted talk is about the guy who takes a sabbatical every seven years. Now that is the right approach.
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May 24, 2012
Annie AndreI think a lot of people think that way Steve and although it is ok to want a secure future, we need to live more in the moment. Security is a falsity that we can try to plan for but it’s not guaranteed..
December 5, 2012
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