Taking A Career Break At Home

Sue Hadden looks at ways in which you can make the most of having a career break, including making a career change and doing the things you didn't have time to do whilst at work!

Want to stay at home during your career break? Why not? There are no set rules or guidelines that stipulate you have to go abroad, travel and see the world. In fact, one of the most common reasons women take a career break is to have a baby. However, if this doesn’t apply to you, then here are some options available to you:

Do nothing

Finally you can chill out and relax, or as it’s sometimes called ‘chillax’. When was the last time you sat around in your PJs all day? Got up on a week-day when you wanted to and not to the trill of an alarm in your ear? Or, had time to clear out the garage or paint that spare room? Doing nothing during your career break is a great way to re-charge your batteries, have time to yourself and sort out those ‘niggly’ things that you never seem to have time for. Your time will really be yours and how you spend it will be totally up to you.

Volunteer work

Not just an option for those going abroad. There are many organisations right on your doorstep who would be more than willing to accept your help. You could get involved in mentoring teenagers, chopping up vegetables in an old people’s home, reading books to primary school children or working in a charity shop. If you’re the type of person who likes to give back to society and do something meaningful, then this may be ideal for you. As a first step, think about the type of people you’d like to help, such as children, adults or the older generation, what activities you’d like to get involved in such as reading, painting, delivering meals, and how you’re skills could best be utilised. Think how grateful people would be to receive your services and how much satisfaction you’ll get from helping those less fortunate! I’m sure smiling faces await you

Career change

Time out of your career gives you the time and ‘head’ space to re- evaluate your values, goals, aspirations and current career to ascertain if it’s really giving you want you want. It allows you the opportunity to explore alternative career options and make the necessary changes you desire. Some things to think about include: What sort of people do you see yourself working with? What are your passions? What are you naturally good at? What don’t you like doing? Are there any industries you’d like to work in? What environment makes you feel good? Maybe when you were young you dreamt of being something, maybe a Journalist, however, you were encouraged by others to pursue a different path. Now may be the time to bring that dream back to life and become what you always wanted to be. If you don’t make the change now, when will you?

Learn a new skill or a new language

Every course will have a different schedule for example, cooking courses may run between 6-10 weeks and only be held at night, language classes may offer different levels such as Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced, and may run concurrently over three months whereas if you like the idea of Salsa lessons, it may be a case of just turning up and dancing the night away. Think about how much time you want to dedicate to learning your new skill or language before making a commitment.

If you’re open to ideas, call or visit your local college, community centre or even the local library or just jump on the Internet. Sometimes local notice boards in newsagents advertise classes or lessons which you may find yourself interested in.

Undertake some study or a professional qualification

You may have wanted to complete some study for a long time, however, other ‘life’ things got in your way and now you’ve decided it’s time to get that qualification under your belt. If you are planning to complete a degree then become familiar with the university system, what’s required to make an application and when to submit your application. Speak to their careers service or even make an appointment to speak to someone face to face. If you’ve planned your career break around your study you certainly want to ensure all the relevant paperwork and supporting documents are sufficient. Consider how you’d feel if you’re application wasn’t accepted purely due to an oversight on the application form!

The same principles apply for any course you’re thinking about undertaking. Plan your career break around the start and end dates and ensure you leave enough time to complete any assignments or course work.

Taking a career break to further your education can be an impressive contribution to your CV. It may be viewed favourably by your current employer or even your new one, especially if it helps you in your role. You now might even be in a position to ask for a pay rise or the promotion you’ve always wanted!

Renovate your property

DIY on weekends seems to take forever, right? If you’re looking to speed up the renovation work on your property, or even an investment property, then taking some time out might be the best option to get the job done quickly. If you’re on site, you can always keep an eye on your builders and of course, make them plenty of tea and maybe some bacon sarnies!

Write a book

Is there a crime writer in you dying to get out? Are you a Mills and Boon fan and long to write a love story of your own? Or, maybe you’ve been inspired by Masterchef and have a few secret recipes of your own you’d like to share with the world.

You may already have the skills of a professional writer and know all the ‘ins and outs’ of the publishing world, however, if you’re a novice, then there are many courses available to you which will help you prepare for the creation and development, marketing and publication side of your venture. Who knows, you may even become a best seller!

The possibilities are endless and the choice is yours. Enjoy your Career Break at home!

Leave a comment below: What projects or experiences would you like to create for yourself during a career break?

Sue Hadden is a career break coach focusing predominately on clients wanting to take a career break and helping career break returners transition back into the workplace. Prior to her coaching, Sue worked in the field of graduate and MBA recruitment, training and development and held positions in some of London’s top financial services organisations. www.careerbreakcoach.co.uk