Where to start

The biggest step is deciding to take a break but having done that, where do go from here? A career gap takes planning, from how to fund it, to what to do with your goldfish. Here are some starting points to consider;

Money

'How will I pay for it?' is the biggest question for most people when considering a break but with forward planning all of these financial issues can be dealt with and shouldn’t put a halt to your travel plans.

• Planning in advance is the key to stress free saving as well as considering selling your car, flat and anything else you’ve decided you just won’t need any more. If you are doing voluntary work then you can fundraise to cover your expenses and the cost of the placement.
• If you’re planning to return to your job, check with your employer how your pension plan and/or any health benefits you may have will be affected. If you have a private pension check what penalties would be incurred by stopping payments for a period of time.
• A useful source of advice on pensions and personal finance is www.direct.gov.uk

Your home

• If you rent then planning to go away only involves giving your notice and sweet talking friends or family into looking after your belongings. Keep on good terms with your landlord if you want to move back in on your return.
• If you own your house then obviously your biggest financial obligation is your mortgage. Many mortgage providers are becoming more flexible with their services to reflect the changing work environment. Consider changing your policy for one that may allow a ‘payment holiday’ and arrange this as soon as you know you’re taking a break. It’s important to find a policy to suit both your travel plans and your career plans when you return.
• When you’re away you can leave your property unoccupied, find a tenant independently or go through a letting agent. If you choose the latter bear in mind that will take a cut of at least 10% + VAT and make sure you choose one who is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

Convincing your boss

If you are looking to take a break form your job and plan to return then your first major task is selling the idea to your boss.

• Do your research before hand. Has anyone else in the company done something similar? How will your workload be covered in your absence? What are the advantages to the organisation?
• Explain that by taking a break you’ll avoid burning out and return to work refreshed and with increased job satisfaction. You’ll return with a new perspective and maybe even an insight into other cultures and if they’ve invested time and money in training you they’ll be keen to retain you.
• You’ll learn new skills that you can bring to the job. If they let you take a break to do voluntary work it may sit well with your organisation’s corporate and social responsibility policy and thus be an advantage to them.

Read more about a career break with Trekforce.