Taking A Career Break For Dummies

Taking a career timeout could be the window of opportunity you’ve been looking for

Taking A Career Break For Dummies shows you that a career break could be life-changing. Career breaks give us a chance to pause to identify opportunities and dreams, focus on the things we’ve been missing, and develop new skills. This book empowers you to take the leap into your next chapter. There are dozens of reasons you might want to do it, but whatever your circumstance, this friendly Dummies guide will help you value your own well-being, give yourself permission to grow and explore, and reclaim your time, your life, and your happiness.

• Develop your plan for taking a break from your career and for transitioning back when you’re ready
• Set a budget for your break, create a realistic timeline, and make it happen
• Access practical tools and resources to help you on your career break journey
• Build a positive mindset so you can enjoy your break and return to your career feeling renewed

For anyone looking for a new direction, feeling burned out, or longing to reignite that inner spark, Taking a Career Break For Dummies is a must. If you’re looking for help structuring your planned time off, you’ll also love the hands-on guidance and examples inside.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Deciding Whether a Break Is Right for You 5

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Career Breaks 7

Chapter 2: Embracing the Benefits of a Career Break 25

Chapter 3: Determining whether a Break Is an Option 49

Part 2: Planning Your Career Break 73

Chapter 4: Creating a Career Break Plan 75

Chapter 5: Figuring Out Your Finances 103

Chapter 6: Establishing a Timeline for Your Break 129

Part 3: Gearing Up for Your Break 143

Chapter 7: Sharing News of Your Career Break 145

Chapter 8: Managing the Logistics 161

Chapter 9: Planning for Extended Travel 177

Part 4: Navigating Your Break 211

Chapter 10: Getting the Most out of Your Break 213

Chapter 11: Avoiding a Financial Meltdown 239

Chapter 12: Spending This Time Wisely 251

Part 5: Exiting with Ease and Grace 273

Chapter 13: Transitioning out of Your Break 275

Chapter 14: Securing Job Offers after Your Career Break 289

Chapter 15: Thriving Beyond the Break 311

Part 6: The Part of Tens 321

Chapter 16: Ten Ground Rules for a Successful Break 323

Chapter 17: Ten Great Examples to Inspire Your Break 329

Index 335

Katrina McGhee, MBA, is a certified life coach who helps people design career breaks to create more fulfilling lives. After saving $40k in 18 months, Katrina left her corporate job for a 20-month break to travel the world. Katrina uses her Break Blueprint to help her clients create fail-proof plans and navigate successful breaks of their own.

Take a career break without derailing your career

What if you could press the pause button on the rat race? With Taking a Career Break For Dummies, you can. Whatever your reason for taking time off, this inspiring book will help you create a wildly successful career break and use your time wisely. Walk through the steps of budgeting your break, planning long-term travel, telling your employer, and embracing the next chapter of your life. Written by a veteran career breaker, this friendly Dummies guide will give you the courage you need to decide if a career break is right for you.

Inside…

• Learn how to afford a break
• Decide how to spend your break
• Prepare for the unexpected
• Navigate insurance needs
• Set goals for your break
• Stay motivated and productive
• Travel like a pro
• Land on your feet after a break