| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 60 |
| Copyright: Other |
Take a break – it may help your career
Always tired? Burnt out? If this is how your are feeling, taking a complete break from your career could give you the fresh start you need to get your life back on track. Linsey McNeill reports
TAKING time out from your career might seem a scary prospect but in fact it is likely to do you less harm than good.Far from thinking badly of job candidates who have spent time recharging their batteries, some employers believe these people will make better employees.
In fact, British Airways encourages staff to take a career break. Those who feel the need to take time out are invited to reapply for jobs with the airline when they are ready to return to work.
Tricia Warwick, BA’s head of leisure sales for the UK and Ireland, is one employee who has decided to take the plunge. Warwick says that after working for 21 years it’s time for a break.
“This is something I have been thinking about for eight or nine months,” she said. “At first it seemed unrealistic but now I have made a leap of faith and decided to do it I am really excited.”
Warwick needs time for herself. “I have had a fantastic career so far but I’ve always given it 100% and it has taken a toll on my personal life,” she said. “I’m not very good at juggling the two and now I need to focus on my own development.”
Spending a few months travelling is a good way to justify taking time off and Warwick aims to do just that.
She will start in the Middle East, where her boyfriend is based, and then move on to Australasia. Warwick admits she has no firm career plans. She’s not even sure if she will come back to the UK but she is certain she will have no regrets about taking time off.
Former Going Places deputy managing director Paul Evans is also taking time out, although for different reasons. He is in the middle of 12 months’ gardening leave after quitting Going Places to join a rival company.
Unable to take up his new position until the end of the year because of his contract with Going Places, Evans has decided to spend his time helping others.
Over the past few months, he has worked with two charities, Whizz Kidz and Friends of Conservation.
In October, Evans plans to walk the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu in Peru to raise £15,000 for Friends of Conservation. He is also planning a trek in the Himalayas.
This is his second, albeit enforced, career break and he said it is a move he would recommend to anyone who can afford to do it.
“The first time I took a career break, I was burnt out and I realised you shouldn’t live to work but work to live,” said Evans.
“I know a lot of people can’t afford to take time off but if you can and you want to, you should before it’s too late.
“People shouldn’t be afraid of slipping down the career ladder. I certainly wouldn’t hold it against any job applicant if they had taken some time off,” he said.
“I think it shows strength of character to say, hey, I’m going to give myself a break.”
Stress busting: time out from your career can offer useful space for those who are feeling burnt out
Take a leap forward: making the most of a career break shows employers your strength of character and faith in your own abilities
Tips for taking a career break
n Think carefully about whether this is what you really want to do.
n Work out your finances to make sure you can afford it.
n After giving up work, make sure you have a structure to your day. Everyone needs a reason to get out of bed – give yourself goals.
n Make good use of your time. Travelling, working for charity or learning a new skill will all look good on you CV.
n Take some career advice when you are ready to return to work.