Taking a year off work takes planning, but it can be done. In fact, more people than ever before are taking breaks from work. A college student may choose to take a year off before entering the work force. Parents may take a year off after having a new baby. While the reasons vary, the planning that goes into such a break remains the same. One of the most important factors to consider is money. Where will you get the money for basic essentials such as food and shelter while you're on break?
Another thing to consider is what you will do with all of your free time. Sometimes, the answer is simple. You might want to start your own business or take care of a sick family member. But what do you do if you don't have any plans? Vacationing and doing volunteer work are a great way to stay occupied when you're taking a year off work. Whatever your interests, you need to have a course of action. Wasting away watching movie reruns is not a plan. You need to stay busy to facilitate your entrance back into the workplace.
You will also need to retain and strengthen your skills while you are off work. Even if the time off is meant to facilitate a career move, you need to maintain skills that prove that you can still hold your own in a competitive workplace. Volunteer and freelance work can help you show employers that you still have what it takes.
Be sure to consider what impact taking a break will have on your career. You might lose vital connections. You may even be considered to be NOT career driven by employers when you decide to return to work. You will need to address these concerns while taking time off. Stay in touch, strengthen business relationships, and be ready to pick up where you left off after you return from your sabbatical.
Taking a year off work can be viewed as a bonus by many employers. But you need to be sure that you can show how your time off was a plus to your career. For example: vacationing around the world can be a bonus. How? You can explain to employers how the trip increased your knowledge of global issues and helped you perfect language skills. Not all employers will look favorably upon your time off, but many will.
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