If you’re considering taking a career break in 2023, then you’ve come to the right place. Taking the plunge to hand in your notice or request a sabbatical may feel daunting, but I’m here to help you every step of the way. From advice on whether to quit your job or ask for a sabbatical to tips on how to plan a grown up gap year. So whether you’re looking to fulfill a long-held dream, you need a break to recover from burnout, or you just want some time to reassess your life choices, let’s make 2023 the year you take your grown up gap year.

And if you’re still undecided about whether it’s the right choice for you, here’s five good reasons to take a career break in 2023:

You’re feeling burnt out

After the past couple of years, it’s not surprising that so many people are feeling burnt out. With on-going stresses around health, finances and world events, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed with life. According to the NHS, burnout can cause a whole host of problems, ranging from difficulty concentrating and sleeping to feeling constantly worried, anxious or scared.

For many of us, the last couple of years have seen us working from home more. While this has improved life for some, it has also increased the amount of time others spend at their desks.

Nowadays many jobs demand a lot from their employees. With the ever increasing ease of contacting colleagues and the relentless accessibility of social media, it’s easier than ever to be on call 24/7.

And even if you’re not officially ‘working’ it’s often hard to switch off from your day to day to-do list.

If all of this sounds familiar, taking a career break could be just what you need to get things back on track. A good chunk of time off work will allow your body to relax and your brain to recalibrate. This means that when you do return to your job you’ll be able to start it with a new-found spring in your step.

You want to reassess your options

Sometimes when you’re working in a job it’s hard to think about your future plans and what you want from life. Before I took my grown up gap year I had no idea whether I wanted to continue being a journalist. But I was so busy in the non-stop pressure of my job that I couldn’t think what else I would do.

Stepping back and taking a nine month break allowed me to reassess my life. It gave me the opportunity to think about my long-term goals. While I ultimately decided that journalism was my passion, I also realised that some things needed to change. I definitely needed to learn how to achieve more of a work/life balance.

You need time to focus on your mental health

I think we can all agree that the last few years have put us through the emotional wringer. For many it has been a time of increased stress and being in a constant state of high alert can understandably take its toll.

So whether your mental health has taken a downturn recently, or its something you’ve always struggled with, it’s never too late to take a break to focus on it.

Sometimes taking a trip, enjoying more time outdoors and spending quality time with family and friends can be enough to set you on the right path. But if you feel like speaking to a professional may be beneficial, then a break from work also gives you the time and space to work through your feelings.

You want to study or learn a new skill 

I’m sure many of us make promises to ourselves at the start of each new year about how much we are going to achieve. Only to get to the end of it and realise that the only thing we’re more proficient in is Netflix boxsets.

Taking time on a career break to study or learn a new skill can have so many benefits.

One of the nice things about travelling slowly is that it gives you time to base yourself in one place and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to study Spanish in Costa Rica and take a Thai massage course while travelling.

Even if you don’t decide to do any formal studying, I can absolutely guarantee you will learn a ton of new skills on any trip you take.

Read more about the skills I learnt on my travels.

You have a dream trip you’ve always wanted to do

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that life is short. If there’s a trip that you’ve always wanted to do, 2023 might be the time to do it. The beauty of a career break or sabbatical is that you can see the world, while still having the reassurance of something to come back to.

If this post has helped you to decide to take a career break in 2023, then now is the time to start planning! Hopefully you’ll find some helpful tips in this post about how to plan a career break or sabbatical and please feel free to message me with any questions you may have.