Taking a year out.

Kit1

Hi

Not sure if this is the right page - sorry if it is on the wrong one.

We are thinking of taking a year out of the work rat race. Hubby has been offered redundancy and we think now is the right time. We have never had time out (a gap year).

Has anyone done this and if so what advice would you give? When you began looking for work was it harder because you had had time out?

Any advice would be great.

pramsay13

We're just finishing our year abroad.
If you don't do it now you'll regret it.
My wife has a career break so we have one job to return to, but I don't think any prospective employers will have an issue with a year out, if anything it will enhance chances.

JayRitchie

I did it. Fine if you go travelling - looks bad if you just stay at home without working. What are your plans?

Kit1

pramsay13 wrote: »

We're just finishing our year abroad.
If you don't do it now you'll regret it.
My wife has a career break so we have one job to return to, but I don't think any prospective employers will have an issue with a year out, if anything it will enhance chances.

Thank you. Can l ask where you visited and did you stay away for the whole year? We are in the early stages of planning. Totally agree that the right time is now because you never know what is round the corner.

Kit1

JayRitchie wrote: »

I did it. Fine if you go travelling - looks bad if you just stay at home without working. What are your plans?

Our plan is to travel, not sure where yet as we are in the early planning stages of where we wish to go to etc.

El_Torro

I've done it. Loved it. Have considered doing it again, though have more commitments tying me to home and honestly I can't think of enough "must see" places to travel to that I haven't already been to.

But yeah, if you have the money available to do it and you don't have too much tying you to staying here then why not? Go for it.

The industry I work in is relatively recession proof so I didn't have much trouble getting a job when I got back to the UK. If anything potential employers were interested to hear about my year out, it didn't seem to put them off at all.

JayRitchie

Kit1 wrote: »

Our plan is to travel, not sure where yet as we are in the early planning stages of where we wish to go to etc.

Cool. My random advice is to consider spending your time (or most of your time) in cheaper countries if there is no overwhelming reason to go to more expensive ones. Think SE Asia/ Indonesia/ Nepal for a start. Lots to see there to fill a year. India is also great. Also make a financial plan for when you return - work out how much money you will need to get set up and job hunt.

Brynsam

Ever heard the phrase 'the things you regret most in life are the things you don't do' ?

Go for it! Shouldn't damage your job prospects at all.

Doshwaster

Kit1 wrote: »

Our plan is to travel, not sure where yet as we are in the early planning stages of where we wish to go to etc.

Very jealous of your opportunity.

The one thing I would recommend is not to overplan your trip. It's fine having a broad idea of some places you would like to go taking into account seasons and any events you want to be there for but a whole year allows you just to follow the wind and see where fate takes you.

I can't see most employers having a problem with this "career break". Just keep in touch with people in your professional circle while you are away so you aren't returning to the jobs market totally blind.

Comms69

You may find your employer allows you a year off and keeps the job open; have you asked them?

General_Grant

Do keep evidence of what you have been doing - just in case a prospective employer wants to be able to check this to prove you have not been in prison and out of work for that reason!