More and more people every year are deciding to take a career break. Whether it’s on an agreed sabbatical from work, or you just need some time out to enjoy yourself between jobs, it’s a great way to spend a year.
Bear in mind, though, that you won’t have that many opportunities to take a career break – so make it count. Do something inspiring, or something that teaches new skills. You could even use your year to try and break into an entirely new career. Here are some great ideas for you to mull over.
Volunteer abroad
If you want a real challenge, why not do some voluntary work in foreign climes? There are plenty of charities out there that will give you the opportunity to work abroad, whether you teach or assist in an aid program. Try an organization such as Go Overseas. They have plenty of voluntary options and ideas for anyone looking to broaden their horizons.
Get sporty
Another great idea is to use your time to train yourself up to teach something you love. For example, snowboarding lovers could do something like the Alltracks snowboard instructor course. If you find yourself excelling, then maybe there is a brand new career path waiting at the end of it for you. There are plenty of opportunities in the world of sport, and spending a year out learning could be a way in for you.
Write a book
People always say that there is a book in everyone. Well, there isn’t. Not everyone can write. But, you won’t know if you don’t try. Writing a book takes a long time, and will use up a lot of energy. If you are skilled with a pen, then a year out is the ideal time for you to test the water. Jeff Goins has some great advice for budding novelists – so head over to his website and start getting inspired.
Travel the world
This should be a priority for everyone. If you haven’t been travelling and got the opportunity, you should jump on it. Save up your money and head over to foreign climes and you can experience something that you just can’t replicate anywhere else. It will, quite simply, change the way you view the world. And, you never know who or what you might meet while you’re away – perhaps you won’t even want to come back.
Social work
Of course, you don’t have to go away to give something back to the world- you can do it right where you are. Plenty of people spend a year doing social work of some description, and it is a thoroughly rewarding experience. You could work at an elderly people’s home, or help out at a local youth community center. You could try working with ex-cons, or get involved with drug rehabilitation. Everyone has a social concern that they think about – so why not put yourself on the front line for a while?
Well, I hope that’s given you some food for thought. Now off you go and start planning your year out – good luck!