Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Career breaks and older travellers
What exactly do we mean?
You will read the terms 'career break' and 'sabbatical' a lot in this chapter. They will es-
sentially refer to the same thing: stopping work for a period of time to do something new
or different. You would generally consider a 'sabbatical' to be a period of time away from
your job, with the agreement to return at the end of it. A career break, however, might mean
cutting loose altogether - quitting your job and seeing what happens; maybe with the inten-
tion of starting a whole new career when you're back, or just a leap into the unknown. Either
way, it's what we'd consider a gap, so this chapter looks at how to do it and what you'll need
to think about.
An emerging trend
They may still be in the minority in the gap-year market, but the number of career breakers
is definitely on the rise. Taking a month, six months or a year out of your workplace is an
excellent way to add new skills to your CV, re-assess your career (or maybe your life!), or
just to recharge your batteries or and get away from the routine.
There may be something you've always wanted to do or somewhere you've wanted to - and
maybe now you're in a better position to afford it? Or maybe you want to 'give something
back' after years in the 'rat race'?
You might have heard of the terms 'extravagapper' or 'flashpacker' to describe the more
mature member of the gap community.
