Taking Time Out to Travel and Volunteer Abroad

What is a career break?

It might seem an obvious question but a career break is quite simply a break in your career! Career breaks can come about for a number of reasons, ranging from restlessness to redundancy, but most importantly it is an opportunity to do something different. It’s not just another term for unemployment!

Why take a career break?

We understand that taking time out of your career can seem a daunting prospect, so what do you stand to gain from the experience?

• Career breaks are often life-changing experiences, which provide unlimited scope for personal development and unique opportunities to learn new skills.
• Whether you are between jobs, have arranged a sabbatical or are simply fed up of your current employment, a career break abroad can breathe new life into your career.
• You may regret the fact that you never travelled when you were younger, so why not go now? Gap years for grown ups are becoming increasingly popular and career break travel is an exciting opportunity to see the world, experience diverse cultures, meet new people and take in breathtaking sights.

Who takes a career break?

Anyone! While career breakers are most commonly aged between 25 and 35, you can be as young as 18 or as old as 70. They are not restricted to professionals who are between jobs either. You might have just finished studying and want to travel before finding a job or you could be retired and finished with your career altogether. The key to a successful career break is to understand that it is about attitude more than age or occupation, and anyone can get involved!

What can you do on your career break?

What you do and where you go on your career break is entirely up to you and the opportunities are endless! However, a career break abroad is an increasingly popular option for those taking time off work. By spending time overseas you can be exposed to a range of exciting new experiences while exploring unfamiliar countries and cultures. While travel is a popular option for career breakers, many find that the best way to immerse themselves in other cultures is to combine their travel with volunteer work. At MondoChallenge we strongly believe in the value of volunteering abroad and can offer a range of volunteer projects and career break travel options to maximise your enjoyment and experience.

What about my career?

Taking time out of your career should not be considered a risky prospect. Career breaks are a fantastic opportunity to expand your horizons in every imaginable way. By travelling and working abroad you can gain social, cultural and professional experience that helps you develop on a personal level, which in turn can help you develop your career.

Employers look favourably upon the life experience that a career break offers and you should emphasise how your time off with enhance your potential as an employee. Volunteers with MondoChallenge often return to work with greater motivation, energy and confidence and this can bring tangible benefits to a company.

Some companies are willing to offer their employees paid or unpaid sabbaticals so if you want to keep to your job when you return, it is worth discussing these possibilities with your employer at the earliest opportunity.

Even if your employer is unwilling to hold your job for you, a career break abroad will add depth to your CV and equip you with a range of transferable professional skills, making you more employable in the long run.