Generation Burnout - It's OK to take a break

Everyone needs to take a break at some point; however, many people don’t prioritise it and some don’t even use up their given holiday days. This can have many adverse effects on your mental health, motivation and can eventually lead to you becoming ‘burned out.’ 

Whether you plan a holiday or take time to yourself, it is always important to take time from work and your daily routine to keep your stress levels under control and stimulate the mind. 

Taking larger amounts of time off work in the form of a career break or sabbatical can positively impact your work, so why aren’t they more common?

What is a Career Break?

A career break is essentially taking time off from work for any given length of time. This can be for as little as 2 weeks to 2 months or even a year. Generally, it is an agreed amount of time off with your employer, and it is often unpaid. 

You may be familiar with the term ‘sabbatical’, which is often associated with a career break. They are very similar; however, a sabbatical is a formal agreement between you and your employer where your employer agrees to keep your job for you when you return. Around 50% of adults in the UK take a sabbatical at some point in their career and it is commonly offered to employees who have been working for the same company for a number of years. This option may be better suited to those who are worried about losing their career.

However not everyone is granted a sabbatical so that is where career breaks come in. They can give you enough time away from work so that you can fully relax and let go of work-related stresses. Generally, this usually involves travel, which could be explored in the form of volunteering, learning a new skill or language, or just simply immersing yourself in a new place. These all involve challenges that can have a positive impact, helping your personal growth and development.

Although most jobs will give a specific number of holidays per year, sometimes this is not enough to unwind and refresh. This is why many employers now recognise the importance of taking a longer break and the value of this much-needed time to employees. 

Negative perceptions of taking a Career Break

Many think that you will destroy your career by taking a break; you will become unfamiliar with up-to-date information and technology and won’t be able to return to your position. This is a lot to risk if you have spent many years focusing on building your career and some may worry about having a ‘gap’ on their CV.

When you think of taking a break, you may consider questions such as; where will I get an income from, will my employer want me back, will I earn less when I return and the list goes on. We can sometimes worry that taking a break from work will negatively impact our lives financially, but in fact, it can have more of a positive impact than you might think. 

Of course, there will be some impact on your work, and this will vary depending on the length of your break, but it isn’t always negative. For a simple holiday, stay-cation, or short career break, the adverse effects are minimal, if not non-existent.

It is natural to focus on the negatives, especially if you have worked for many years to reach your position. We are encouraged to stay focused, and traditionally taking a break or reconsidering your career is seen as odd and uncommon to do.

However, this mindset is changing, and taking a break is becoming more widely accepted and even encouraged by some employers. 

Is a Career Break for me?

Taking a career break can positively affect individuals and their performance both in the office and in everyday life.  

Many people take a career break as they start to feel frustrated at work, some become bored in their role, and others are considering a career change. It is common to feel like you have become stuck in a rut, which is bad for your mental health and affects your performance and motivation at work.

It is different for everyone, but it is always important to recognise these feelings rather than ignore them. Also, people who have just been made redundant or for those who have experienced a serious life-changing event to take a career break can feel like the right thing to do. 

Career Break Ideas

There are many things you can do on a career break, and some are better suited for different lengths of time. Career breaks provide an opportunity to learn a new skill and to rethink certain routines. This can also benefit your employer as you come back to the workplace refreshed and motivated and sometimes with new skills.

Travel is one of the most popular things to do on a career break as it allows you to escape and learn something new. Travel always presents challenging and sometimes uncomfortable and confrontational scenarios, which help build confidence and develop resilience. Research has also shown that being surrounded by a different language and cultural traditions can have positive effects on the brain and helps stimulate creative thinking. 

Volunteering is another way of taking a break from work feel fulfilling. Giving your time for a purpose or cause in need can be very rewarding and inspiring. There is also the opportunity to learn a new skill and develop your team working experience, which can be very beneficial when you return to the workplace. Some businesses work with charities, so it is always worth asking your employer if they have any volunteering schemes through your place of work.

Many will take a year or so off to study in a new field or to gain a skill that allows them to change careers. Others may take a career break as they are looking to change their line of work. The benefit of this option is that it doesn’t have to be a huge step. If you have financial worries but want to make a change, then even a small break can give you a feel for a new ‘hobby’ or possible career path without the risk of quitting your job.

If you are considering a career break, there are some things you want to have ready in place. So why not use some of your holiday days to sit down and think about what you want to do, assess your finances, and speak with your employer to see if they can work with you. Once you have a plan and you know that you will be financially stable, then let your dreams run wild. If you are in a situation where your employer isn’t so flexible or open to the idea of you taking time off, then use this time to save some money. Cut out some of the unnecessary purchases and put the money aside to cover you when you do decide to take some time off work.

Benefits of taking a Career Break

There are many reasons why you should consider a career break, and one of the key elements is to rediscover your passion. Many people follow the traditional career path, which can help financially, but it isn’t always fulfilling. 

Now that employers are welcoming the concept of career breaks, you may find that taking one will boost your CV. It shows future employers that you took a leap to change your life and steer it in a more positive direction. It shows initiative and confidence in taking on a new challenge.

The benefits of taking a career break are endless, and they vary depending on the type of break you take. If you travel, you can build confidence, resilience, and understanding; if you volunteer, you can learn a new skill or do something fulfilling. 

For many reasons, it is essential to take breaks from our daily routine and work to avoid becoming ‘burned out,’ and one of the best ways to avoid burning out is to take a career break. It doesn’t have to mean you quit your job; it could simply mean taking a month off of work to focus on rediscovering your passion.

So if you are feeling a bit stuck, or lacking enthusiasm for what you do, then why not speak with your employer about taking some time off work. It could be your gateway into living your dream life.