Burned out on work, take a career break!
I recently contributed an article to BootsnAll Travel highlighting the “Top 10 Reasons to Take a Career Break…and Travel”. I wrote this with the help of my business partner, Michaela Potter, in order to promote our recently launced website -
Briefcase to Backpack: America’s Career Break Headquarters
If you haven’t been to the site, then please go check it out! It offers career break inspiration and advice to those contemplating a traveling career break!
Some highlights from the Bootsnall article include:
4. Work Will Always Be There…But Some Places May Not Be
Sure, it may feel like your job is on the endangered species list these days, but eventually you will be able to find another one. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for many of the world’s destinations.
With rising seas, warmer oceans, melting glaciers, and shrinking forests, many places that have been lingering on your “must see” list may not be there by the time you get around to going. Low-lying islands like The Maldives and coral reefs are popular with snorkelers and divers alike, but many are threatened by the Earth’s changing climate. In fact, scientists worry that the Great Barrier Reef may die in as little as 20 years.
6. Retirement Doesn’t Always Reward You with the Time or Ability to Travel
Have you ever really thought about the person you will be when you are 65? What will your health be like, what will your sense of adventure be like, and most importantly, will your health be able to support your sense of adventure?
9. Cure your Hurry Sickness and Return to Simplicity
Many Americans are plagued by ‘Hurry Sickness’. The more we speed up, the less we can slow down. Not only do we multi-task at work but we multi-task our leisure time as well – watching TV and surfing the web, or working out on the elliptical and reading a magazine. We are no longer capable of simply doing one thing and being happy about it. A traveling career break will force you to slow down and learn to be patient again. As you immerse yourself into other cultures you will observe simplicity and patience that Americans have somehow lost. Sure it can be a frustrating experience letting go of how you expect things to get done, but it will open up your eyes to how the rest of the world operates.
Read the full article at Bootsnall – 10 Reasons to Take a Career Break and Travel
Great Blog! I think I would also want to take a career break and see the world! Think I have become myopic from living in Singapore and see the world only from one frame of viewpoint.
great tips for sure!
I like #9 the best.
Such a nice article. I also think that i should take a career break. I have got tired of doing regular job of 8 hours. Thanks for sharing us your views.
@maureen – thanks – glad you enjoyed it! Trust me – anyone can take a career break -often the biggest hurdles are all mental. I hope you also take a look at my Career Break website at http://www.briefcasetobackpack.com – you’ll find a lot more inspiration there! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Sherry! That’s a great article. I just hope that it hits the right audience and people find the courage to take your advice! I’ve not thought about finding yourself unemployed being the right time to embark on such adventures- but you’re absolutely right- what better time?! You’re also completely correct about the cost of living- I can travel in China for a month, accomodation and transport included, for way less than I can live my normal life in Hong Kong for a week!
Excellent. What an extremely good blog page! Thanks for the effort you’ve taken to post. Keep up the good work.
Definitely the best advice I got was #4. Yes indeed, the job is there and will always be there but the places are not. There’s no point in travelling if you are not on the right time and age. Having a break should be one of your priority and travelling is one of it. It unwinds anyone!