I thought it would be helpful to list some other resources which provide advice on taking a career break, sabbatical or gap year (other than Career Break Kate of course!)
When I was planning my career break the majority of my research was carried out online and these websites and articles were invaluable. These sites provided me with practical advice and reading stories of other career breakers gave me the confidence to hand my notice in and leave. I spent hours on end researching and preparing my career break and I hope these resources will help you in some way:
WEBSITES
1. The Career Break Site
A detailed website which gives you all the information you need to take a career break and inspiring ideas of how to spend your time off.
http://www.thecareerbreaksite.com
2. Career Break
Career Break focuses on providing tailored trips, varying from travel, working aboard, internships and more.
https://www.careerbreak.com
3. Career Gappers
Alex and Lisa took a career break to travel the world and blog about their adventures as well as providing practical advice and tips.
https://careergappers.com
4. Career Break 360
Liz and Robert spent 16 months travelling around Asia and teaching English in Vietnam and provide firsthand advice on taking a career break and teaching abroad.
http://www.careerbreak360.com
5. Sabbatical Guide
Ben created The Sabbatical Guide and provides advice on taking a sabbatical from work, alongside inspiration of where to visit and packing tips.
https://thesabbaticalguide.com
6. STA
Most people have heard of STA Travel and there is a reason for that, they really are experts on everything travel. They offer a crazy amount of tours, based all over the world and you can also purchase inter-railing passes and bus passes to travel around New Zealand, (amongst many other things).
http://www.statravel.co.uk
BLOG POSTS & ARTICLES
1. 'The surprising benefits of taking a mid-career break'
http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20160325-the-surprising-benefits-of-a-mid-career-break
2. 'Why an extended break can be a good career move'
https://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/why-an-extended-break-can-be-a-good-career-move-2039948.html
3. 'How to keep your job when you take a career break'
https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/how-to-keep-your-job/
4. '10 reasons to take a career break'
https://www.nonstopsnow.com/journal/reasons-to-take-a-career-break
5. 'How to handle taking a career break'
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-handle-taking-a-career-break-4175812
6. 'How I applied for my career break'
https://www.twoscotsabroad.com/how-i-applied-for-my-career-break/
7. 'How I returned to work after taking a career break'
https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/how-go-back-work-after-career-break
8. 'Why taking a break to travel won't ruin your career'
http://lifebefore30.com/taking-a-break-to-travel-wont-ruin-your-career/
9. 'Career break travel myths'
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2011/07/30/career-break-travel-myths/
10. 'Ultimate guide to the ultimate American gap year'
https://xtremegapyear.co.uk/gapyear/ultimate-guide-ultimate-american-gap-year/
These are just a few examples of websites and articles that may ignite your wanderlust and give you some practical advice to quit the 9-5 to travel the world. One thing I must say though is that you have to do what is right for you. No one article is going to answer all of your questions, as everyone's circumstances are different, what is right for one person, might not be right for you.
Happy travel planning!
If you have taken a career break or sabbatical and have a story to tell, drop me an email at careerbreakkate@hotmail.comto be a part of the interview series.
