You’ve probably dreamed of quitting a job at some point in your life. Whether it was a terrible manager or demanding hours, work can really take a toll on our mental and physical health. Sometimes the best solution is to take a step back.
Reasons to Take a Career Break
Career breaks may not seem very common but given that work flexibility is on the rise, you may start to hear of them more. Career breaks aren’t always caused by issues but are instead inspired by passions. Many people pause their professional life to focus on caring for a loved one or starting a family. Some people dream of traveling to new places around the world without being tied down to a 9-5 job. Others may want to pursue a totally different career path and take a break in between.
Benefits of Taking a Career Break
The benefits of taking a career break can reduce work-related stress and allow self-discovery. During this time away from work, you can focus on your own passions and learn new skills. A career break is a perfect time to work on a hobby or learn a new skill such as a different language. Taking time to yourself allows you to find areas of your life that you’d like to improve and at the same time, work toward those goals.
How to Thrive After a Break
If a career break is sounding more and more enticing, it’s important to be realistic. Not everyone has the flexibility or financial security to stop working for a period of time. You may also miss out on the chance to save for retirement or benefits like health insurance. While there are plenty of pros and cons, career breaks offer a chance to reset.
After rounding out your career break, you should update your resume with any new skills and reach out to your personal network of contacts for potential opportunities. Ease your transition back into work and prioritize balance as you return.
This infographic (created by Bestow) highlights reasons people take career breaks and how to come back more prepared than ever to take on your life.
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