Survey Says: Addressing Your Concerns
We have learned a lot about our event attendees in the weeks since thanks to our post-event survey. And all of this great information will only help us to better serve you and your needs in the coming months and year.
So who are you and what are your career break concerns?
Ready to Hit the Road
A significant number of you were already planning your break before the event (33%) and that number jumped to 45% afterwards! Looks like you found the inspiration – now you want more tips and resources when it comes to planning for your career break.
Basic Training: Our Basic Training Course & Community addresses many of the how-to’s that career breakers face during the planning stage (and even during the on-the-road & re-entry stages too). These include many of the areas in which you voiced concern, including financial and career-related issues.
Webinars: Understanding that there are a variety of topics that people can relate too, it’s hard to cover them all in one event. So we are in the process of planning future webinars to help address these topics. Want to hear about something in particular? Let us know!
Go! Inspiration: If you still need the inspiration to keep you motivated, be sure to check out the inspiring stories of other career breakers in our “Go!” section.
Take This Job & Shove It?
You’re ready to pack your bags, but a large number of you are scared most of quitting your job. You’re not alone. Here are some that also faced that fear and live to tell the tale.
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– For 20 years, Warren Talbot identified himself by his career and the idea of leaving terrified him. He struggled with how to leave his job gracefully and now he shares what he learned with you.
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– Before leaving on her year-long career break with her husband, Alonna Scott was able to negotiate a leave of absence with her company, which did not have a sabbatical program. See how she was successful
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– Even the best-laid plans of giving notice don’t always go as anticipated and you may have to adapt your plan quickly. Watch what happened to Basic Training member Val Bromann.
You Can Come Home Again
Many of you feel that once you hit the road, you won’t want to come back. But if you do, you’re afraid you won’t find a job. Don’t let that fear make you slam on the breaks.
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– Worried that taking a career break to travel can hurt your career? It can actually help enhance it. Just look at Lisa Lubin’s new business card.
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– After 14 months of travel together, Cindy Peterson interviews her husband, Bill, about trading in his backpack for the briefcase.
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– You may find a new passion while you are on your career break. Don’t write off turning that into a new business when you return. See how Jorrit & Nicky Jorristma made it happen for themselves.
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– Finally, an oldie but a goodie of a re-entry story. Michael Bontempi shared how his career break actually helped his career. His tips are timeless.
We will address more of your concerns and interests in the coming weeks, and if there is a specific topic you would like more information on, please let us know!
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.