Career breaks in vogue as more people take gap years

The number of people opting to take a career break has increased significantly over the past few years, it has been claimed.

Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, founder of thecareerbreaksite.com, said that an increasing number of people in their late 20s, 30s and 40s are choosing to down tools and take a gap year.

She explained that most career breakers tend to go away for around six months, give or take a little, during which they may travel, volunteer or undertake an instructor's course in an activity they are interested in.

According to Ms Morgan-Trimmer, the constrained economic environment and difficult jobs market means now may be a good time for people to go away.

"Things can be quite stressful here with jobs [and] taking some time out can be a good way of avoiding all that - especially if you have been working in a very stressful job," she said.

"If people have the opportunity now, then is it going to be something that they regret not taking if they don't do it?"

Ms Morgan-Trimmer said a career break gives working people an opportunity to assess their priorities and look again at what they want to do with their lives.

She noted that many people who go away on a gap year broad come back and change the direction of their career altogether, having had time to think things through.

"One thing we get told is that the main reason people take a career break is to do something different," Ms Morgan-Trimmer stated.

"Often they want to give something back or see the world, but most of the time it's for a change."

She added that people do change when they are on a career break, often coming back with new skills, a different outlook and increased confidence.

"They change their world view quite often, [and they become] more generous, more laid back. It's a great experience," Ms Morgan-Trimmer added.

Writing for ComputerWeekly.com, Jenny Williams recently called on employers to help re-integrate employees into the workplace after taking a career break.

She explained that some people can find it tricky readjusting to employment after being away, particularly if technology and operating processes have advanced.

Click here for gap year advice.