Sometimes we are undecided about our employment and career choices. While some people decide to hand in their resignation straight away, others take a career break and give themselves time to think their issues through, so they can make an informed decision. A career break is a good solution for those who feel like they need time off to grow as a person, think about their future, or simply spend some time with their family. Below you will find a few reasons why you should consider asking your employer for a break from work.
#1: Relationship Breakdowns
When your life is turned upside down, the last thing you want to do is facing stress at the office every day. You might be too upset or anxious to work. If you have a job that requires focus, you might want to ask for another role before you would ask for a sabbatical. However, to deal with your issues and get your life back in order, a career break might be a good option. You can initially ask for a few months, and explain to your employer that you are willing to return as soon as you are able to. When you have to attend court and move house, find a new school for kids, you might not be able to fulfill your duties according to the requirements.
#2: Moving House
When you move house, you simply might not have the ability to get to work. You will need to figure out the best way to get to work, or explore new opportunities. Moving can be stressful, especially if you have a family. You can ask for reduced hours, as well, or just a few weeks of unpaid leave, if you don’t have enough vacation days left to manage the move. There will be so many things to do in the new house, and you don’t want to work 16 hours a day and skip sleep, compromising your health.
#3: Caring for a Family Member
Becoming a carer for a family member is another reason why some people ask for unpaid leave or a career break. If you need to make adjustments in the house, and create a routine at home before you can return back to work, you can ask for time off, so everything is in place, and you can return to work without having to worry about what is going on at home. It is better to ask for time off for a few weeks than leaving early with different excuses every other day.
#4: Personal Injury Rehabilitation
If you are dealing with an accident and injury, and need counseling or rehabilitation, you might be deemed fit to work, but not feel up for it. In this case, you can ask for a career break, especially if there is a chance that your injuries can be permanent. Consult with www.derricklawfirm.com to find out how long it can take to get your compensation, so you can supplement your income and fund the cost of your rehabilitation after suffering an accident that wasn’t your fault.
#5: Going Back to Education
If you feel like you are burnt out, and need to reflect on your career, of you wish to achieve more, you can go back to college or even university. With your new skills, you can start a new career, or apply for a senior position within your current company. While you will be responsible for covering the cost of your education, you can make the most out of your time off if you invest in your education and become someone you always wanted to be. From management courses to a new skill, there are several ways of enhancing your career prospects in just a few years.
#6: Setting Up Your Side Business
Sometimes we are happy with our job, but want to try something new and exciting, or generate an extra source of income. If you always wanted to set up a business, but don’t want to lose your job for good, you can explain to your managers that you will be returning to work after you have completed the important tasks related to your new business. Instead of working long hours at the office and taking time at night to build your business, you can get everything in place in just a few weeks.
#7: Trying Something Else
Sometimes we just feel that there are so many things we haven’t tried, and want to try something new before making a final decision. If you take a career break, you can try yourself in a new role and make an informed decision about what your true calling is. You might not want to let your employer know about your other aspirations, though, unless you are sure that they will understand.
#8: Traveling the World
You might be presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel the world or spend a year abroad. If you can, take the opportunity to see more and expand your horizons. Traveling can have several benefits. You can learn about new cultures, pick up a new language, or simply improve your communication and planning skills. If you want a year abroad, create a financial plan and ensure you can support your lifestyle while being off work.
#9: Volunteering
When you feel strongly about a cause or a charity organization, you could decide to volunteer and help out with important projects. If you have the skills that make you the right fit for the organization, you can donate your time and help them succeed. Instead of managing your work life and the project at the same time, you can ask for a few months off while you are focusing on something that you are passionate about.
Taking time off work and asking for a career break is a decision not to be taken lightly. Create a detailed plan to support yourself financially, and make the most out of the time to better yourself and improve your future career prospects, so you are returning to the world of employment as a more valuable worker.
