subject: Considering a Career Break - Where do you Start? [print this page] Considering a Career Break - Where do you Start?
As with many things in life, when you embark on a new venture, it's not necessarily the prospect of change that stops you moving forward, as much as the overwhelming feeling that there is so much to do and you don't have a clue where to start.
This can stop many people in their tracks, and can lead them to not following their dreams as it just seems too much to take on. This is why sheer determination and self belief are vital because without them you have nothing to drive you forward and encourage you to tackle your project. However, your determination and self belief may waver under the strain of being overwhelmed, so there is a way of making things easier: Get Organised.
It sounds too simple, but in truth, if you have real clarity about what needs to be done, you've thought it through and you have lists drawn up, it already makes the task feel less daunting. It gets the jumble out of your head and down on paper where you can systematically work your way through it.
So let's break down planning a career break into bite size chunks that you can tackle one step at a time.
Career Matters To Consider
Are you going to take a Career Break, with a view to coming back to the same job/company?
Will you ask your boss for a Sabbatical? Is there a policy in place in your company?
Are you going to hand in your notice?
Do you want to follow the same career path upon your return?
Do you want to do something totally new?
Do you know what this is, or is the break a means to figuring that out?
How are you going to ensure you are employable upon your return?
Planning: Practical Matters to Consider
How are you going to fund your time off?
How will you organise and access your finances whilst away?
How are you going to fund being back home, if you don't have a job lined up?
What will you do with your home?
What will you do with your things?
Where will you live when you get back?
What practical matters need to be attended to whilst you are away e.g. your dog, renting your home, post and how are you going to organise these areas?
Who can help you?
The Trip: Practical Matters to Consider
How long will you go for?
Where will you go and why?
Will you travel solo or with someone?
What safety issues do you need to consider?
What will your primary means of transport be?
What are you going to bring with you?
What is your daily budget? How will this differ in different countries?
Personal Matters to Consider
What are the reasons you want to take a Career Break?
What are you hoping to achieve?
How will you know it has been a success?
What are your Career Break Goals?
Do you have any rules that you want to lay down? For example, no drinking/no romantic distractions/maximum overall budget/when..happens, it's time to come home
Working your way through these lists will help to clarify your thoughts and how you plan to implement your trip. Take it one step at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Add to your lists as things come up.
Once you've planned it all through, the pressure will start to come off as you see more and more ticks in boxes. Don't forget, part of the fun of taking a Career Break is the unknown you can't, nor should you, plan for everything and stick to it rigidly. The key is to have a plan as a base point to help you get moving, and to clarify what is really important to you. Things will change along the way, you'll meet people you want to spend more time with, and you'll visit places that will hold you longer than expected. That's okay, so long as you hold firm to what is important to you, and keep what you wanted to achieve from the trip in mind.
Staying motivated whilst making a big life change can be hard. It can get overwhelming, and this can cause you to temporarily, or even worse, permanently, lose your belief in what you are doing. Working with a Life Coach through the process will help you to keep on track and stay focused on your ultimate goals.
