I want to take a moment to share a personal reflection on something that I believe is often overlooked in the realm of career conversations & resumes and that is the power of embracing career breaks.
Why embracing career breaks is the golden nectar
Throughout my own professional journey, I've encountered moments where I've found myself out of employment, whether it was to prioritise health & wellbeing responsibilities or to take a step back and reassess my life and career direction. These periods weren't just gaps in my resume; they were pivotal moments of well-deserved time out. I have left jobs. I have been retrenched, and I have explainable GAPS in my resume, up to 5 years.
No big deal in the scheme of things, but I know there is a perception that GAPS are something bad. I will explain further how you can turn the initial "Fear" of how to present these sabbaticals in practical terms, and why it will be your next BIG strength.
Learn how to turn a career break into your super power
During these breaks, I made a conscious decision to slow down and prioritise my spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. I immersed myself in activities that nourished my soul and provided clarity amidst uncertainty. It was a time of reflection, introspection, and renewal.
And you know what? It was perfectly okay.
In fact, it was more than okay
Giving myself the space to breathe and reflect, I gained
invaluable insights into my values, passions, and goals.
I rediscovered parts of myself that had been buried beneath the hustle and bustle of corporate life.
I found clarity amidst the chaos, and in doing so, I leapt into a course for my future that felt authentic and fulfilling
Then I found myself in a life and career transition which gave me the space to name my career. A portfolio career
Having a portfolio career is essentially where you monetise your strengths in a way which serves you, you have varying income streams and work to your passions. For me, I am a career, yoga and wellbeing coach. And in 2024, I've had the privilege of guiding others through similar journeys of self-discovery. I've seen first-hand how when you move through the initial anxiety and emotion that comes with embracing career breaks and using them as opportunities for learning new skills.
What did I do to recharge during my career breaks?
I spent time in an Ashram. I retrained and worked casually. I lay in my hammock. I spent time in nature. With family. Studied Herbalism. Moved countries and states. Fell in a heap. Went to therapy. Said no. Said yes when I wasn’t ready. Offered my time to others in service. Learnt to crochet. Went on retreat. And build my readiness to re-define my career as it related to my stage of life, needs and strengths.
To support me, I developed tools which I now use to support others on their journey of career discovery including Self Reflection & Career Audit templates, Wheel of Life priority planning and Strengths and Needs analysis. These foundational core elements not only supported my to understand what I was great at and enjoyed, but also how I wanted to work. This lead me to be able to clearly articulate my DREAM JOB.
Then I implemented a plan to go get it!. Sure the resume came, and my confidence built with how to pitch myself, how to articulate achievement, how to network and so forth.
Career Break and your next opportunity
So, to anyone who may be currently navigating a career break or contemplating taking one: I want you to know that it's okay to press pause. It's okay to prioritise your well-being and to take the time you need to recalibrate.
Your career is not defined by the absence of constant motion, but by the meaningful steps you take along the way.
Embrace your breaks, and trust that they will lead you exactly where you need to be. And remember, reach out for support.
My Career programs support those in transition to gain clarity and skills in how to determine the steps in career management.
Plus a little bit of Yoga and a lot of empathy.
Nic
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