Career Break/Time Out

ManPants

I am seeking some guidance please.

I have worked in a large organisation for 10 + years. By dint of labour and hours and position I am a higher rate tax payer. To say I am burned out is the understatement. A few months ago OH and myself decided that I was so stressed and unhappy that I could leave my job. I have been extremely unhappy but a wage slave/lifestyle slave for the last 5 years or so.
One day, several years ago, I was walking home and I suddenly thought if I hung myself I would escape from it. I've worked onwards since telling myself to "Man Up" and get on with it but feeling similar at times.

When we jointly made the decision I was going to leave a weight lifted off me. Whilst I would wish to just walk away now I realise I have to be sensible.

My intention is to be gone by early - mid summer 2014. This is due to a mix of timing and saving implications until that point arrives.

I am at a loss as to what to do for the best.

I could request a career break for a year, enable me to regroup, rethink and possibly return later but the way I feel at the moment I'm not sure that is what I would want. This would at least give me some protection

Or I could hand my notice in and feel the freedom.

Financially I intend to survive off of the money I have saved. I have budgeted to already have the wage of an eg waiter/barman to spend every month in addition to anything I may or may not earn working as a barman, waiter, cleaner, whatever or in fact nothing at all.

I have a very good company pension which should I stop my employment would immediately revert to a watered down version of the same should I then rejoin another faction of this public service.

Obviously I wouldn't be paying any NI in this year. Am I allowed to just "drop out" of society like this?? Should I be paying NI?? If I don't would I ruin my future public pension? I spent 9 years in total at universities in my life already not paying NI.

Any guidance would be gratefully received.

Kindest Regards


SPS X

wine_night

A few things I would consider:

If you quit your job, would you ever intend or need to return to that position, or a similar level one? It may be worth considering how a "break" (career or otherwise) would appear on your CV to any future employers should you wish to return to that level. How would you put a positive spin on any gaps and ensure that it demonstrates it was well planned "personal development" for example?

Bar work is not particularly well-paid, although that doesn't mean that it is low stress. It is generally unsociable hours (does your partner work office hours?) and can be exhausting. You may find yourself experiencing a similar level of stress but without the financial rewards. On the other hand, it is a sociable profession but one that you would do for the love of it.

Would your employers consider a proposal of flexible working, e.g. could you reduce to say three days per week? Is this something that would make things easier for you?

From what you have suggested, requesting a career break looks like a win-win situation, to allow you time and breathing space to consider your future with the added security of known employment.

Most importantly though, you have recognised the severe impact that your current situation is having upon you and you are actively taking steps towards a solution.

All the best

National_Careers_Service

Hi there stupotstu

I can hear that long hours and the other demands of work over the last few years have taken their toll on your general mental well-being. I agree with wine_night that recognising what has happened, and looking at how you can your situation is a really positive first step.

It sounds like you have some decisions to make going forward. You’re looking at a career break ‘v’ resigning and I guess you might also have to decide what you do with your time in terms of work/employment going forward. It’s great to hear you’ve started to think about the financial implications of making a change but I wondered if it might help to focus some time on looking at what you might do in your career. I guess I’m thinking it might be easier to make a decision about whether you resign or take a career break if you’ve got a clear picture of what you want to do instead.

Maybe this could be an opportunity to think about what you might like to do, day to day, what interests you or you feel passionate about. You could take some time to look at alternative career options, opportunities to develop yourself, perhaps even a return to education! If this makes sense as a strategy, you might find the activities on the Windmills website http://www.windmillsonline.co.uk/interactive/intro1.html are worth a look through. You could also have a look through the advice for career changers on our websitehttps://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/Pages/chooseacareer.aspx

Best wishes, whatever you decide to do going forward.


Penny

ManPants

Thank you both for your input.

Still lots of uncertainties but lots of food for thought!

SPS X

teabelly

Are there opportunities to move within the organisation to a less demanding role?

Are there any secondment opportunities to go and do something different to what you normally do?

If you could start again and do something else, what would it be?

Low paid doesn't mean low stress. You may find the low level work you find is just as bad mentally and without the fat pay packet as moderate compensation.

I'd start to look for jobs in other sectors completely which use your skills and have a better working environment. Or maybe a similar job but abroad?

There will be unpaid career break opportunities but try and think of something to do for that time eg you want to go volunteering somewhere for 6 months or whatever. This way it isn't just you sat around at home. If you go off and do something constructive and somehow make it relevant to the organisation you have a much better chance of getting it paid or part paid.