PLAN A Working GAP YEAR

You can take an extended break from work life as you know it to improve your CV, or work to improve yourself.

With some advance planning, you can take an extended break from work life as you know it to improve your CV, or work to improve yourself. Indeed, as career itinerant Harry Ferguson notes, planning your own gap year abroad is not only realistic – it could ultimately prove life-defining.

You have your education nailed and some decent work experience under your belt. Those project wins have been great – and the promotion you got recently was just reward for the long hours and problemsolving you put in. In fact, your career seems nicely on track. So why do you suddenly feel flat?

For many who experience it, a career lull can come as a surprise. This, after all, was what you were chasing all along – more recognition for your work and money in your pocket to enjoy life.

Perhaps this is your brain’s way of telling you that it wants to keep learning and growing, and there’s a good chance that what you really need is a change of scene – and the opportunity to extend your work and life experience beyond your comfort zone.

How about packing up and taking your career on the road? This need not be a forever thing. Why not look at how you could plan your own career version of a gap year? Unlike the British origins of the term (12 months of travel stretched between school and university), this type of gap year can deliver fun and opportunity – handing you new friendships and a rich sense of living like a local in different places. When managed well, it may even boost your career options.

Don’t get me wrong: It can be tough to plan and execute a long-term break. And while few take a plunge like this and regret it, most of them are terrified at first. But no risk, no reward: If it’s your destiny, ignore the naysayers and nagging doubts, and get planning now.