Hello everyone. Welcome back to Be What Works. Today's topic is a bit of a personal journey for me and it's all about career breaks. Now, you might be wondering what's the big deal about career breaks. Well, I'm here to shed some light on that. I'm Dr Beth, and if you didn't know already, I took a career break after several years working in Education and human resources in the USA, Canada, and East Africa. It was a decision that required a lot of thought, but it was one of the best decisions I've made. Career breaks, especially for us women, are more than just a pause from work. They are opportunities for self-reflection, for rediscovery, and for recharging our batteries. So if you're feeling burnt out, or perhaps you're just curious about the idea of taking a well-deserved break from your career, stick around and let's dive into the reasons behind taking a career break and how it can positively impact your life.
PART ONE: IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE AND REFLECTION
One of the key aspects of a career break is self-care and reflection. This is the time to step back from the hustle and bustle of The Daily Grind and truly listen to what your mind and body are telling you. You might find yourself feeling burnt out, stressed, or simply in need of a pause and that's perfectly okay. During my own career break, I am rediscovering myself through activities that nourish my soul and bring me peace. I resumed boxing training, took a 10-day swimming class, and my daily walks have become a ritual helping me find clarity. Spending time in nature allowed me to reconnect with the world around. I am learning more about myself during this break than I ever did behind a desk. These moments of self-care and reflection are not just breaks from work, they are investments in your well-being because at the end of the day you are your most important project. So remember, it's essential to prioritize your well-being.
PART TWO: EXPLORING YOUR PASSIONS AND HOBBIES
Exploring your passions and hobbies can bring New Perspectives and joy during a career break. This is a golden opportunity to delve into activities that you may have put on the back burner due to the demands of your career. For me, I've found solace in walking outdoors, tinkering online with AI tools, (for example in making this video) and reading. The process of freeing my mind as I soak up the sun, the stroke of the boot on the trail, the blend of nature's colors, it all gives me a sense of peace that I hadn't experienced in a long time. Perhaps for you it could be something entirely different. Maybe it's picking up that guitar that's been gathering dust or finally getting to that stack of books you've been meaning to read. Or it could even be something new like learning a new language or trying your hand at gardening. The key is to allow yourself the freedom to explore and experience new things. Embracing your interests outside of work can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
PART THREE: FINANCIAL PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING
Planning financially is crucial when considering a career break. It's not just about the money you have saved up. It's about making that money work for you. During my break I took the time to understand my finances, to track my expenses, and set savings goals. I used budgeting apps and financial planning tools to ensure that my money was being spent wisely and that I was saving enough for my future. You see a career break is not just a pause from work. it's a chance to reassess your Financial Health and make changes where necessary. It's an opportunity to automate savings invest wisely and create a financial cushion that can provide stability and peace of mind during your time off. But it's not just about the finances. A career break is a time to reassess your career goals, to reflect on your professional journey and to set new intentions for the future. It's also a great opportunity to evaluate the person you wish to become in the future.
PART FOUR: BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND AND FUTURE GOALS
Lastly, use your career break to work on building your personal brand and setting future goals. think of this as a golden opportunity. A blank canvas where you can paint your future. Your personal brand is more than just a logo or a tagline. It's the essence of who you are and what you stand for. It's your voice, your values, and your vision. During my own career break, I am taking the time to redefine my brand. I ask myself: “what are my strengths?”, “what are my passions?”, “how do I want to be perceived?”. The answers to these questions and many more will help me shape my brand and set clear achievable goals for the future. Just as a company creates a brand to connect with its audience, you too can create a personal brand to connect with future employers or clients. It's about being authentic, being consistent, and being you. A career break can be a catalyst for positive change and empowerment.
CONCLUSION
I hope this post has inspired you to consider taking a career break and prioritize your personal growth and wellbeing remember. This time can be a powerful opportunity for self-care rediscovery and exploration of passions. It's also a chance to reassess your financial goals and build your personal brand. A career break isn't just a pause it's an investment in your future.
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