Career Break

I was tired of routine works and wanted to take a break from work.   I just felt that I wanted to make a difference.  I have thought of changing career path, going back to school, travelling and some other ideas. 

In 2012 I finally decided to resign from a good job. I packed myself and went to Canada and hoped to do something different in a new country.  After staying there for 9 months, I went back home and got a new job.

There are many reasons that motivate or inspire you to take a career break. 

• Gain fresh perspective on your life
• Look for something totally different, and changes lives.
• Take a rest to learn something new
• Go on travelling
• Try out a new career direction

These ideas can sound very appealing to many people.  It is important to understand your purpose and what would the benefits be for you.

Many people would tell you that taking a career break is crazy. People would be wondering why you leave your good job for a long period of time. It is particularly challenging in an uncertain economy and how you could provide financial support to yourself and your family during the career break. They think you may never be able to find another suitable job again. Some others may think that you must be rich or you got someone to sponsor you financially.

You may fear to leave your comfort zone to face the uncertainties. You may worry about your financial status and the gaps on your resume that would ruin your career. Therefore it will never be a perfect time to take a career break.

The mind is a powerful thing when it comes to life decisions.  Life is full of big moments and big decisions. All you need to do is finding your true calling and making your dream a reality. I will leave it now for you to decided when and how you will start with your career break.

Working Holiday - Why are you really here?

Why you are really here on working holidays? These kind of works should not be the focus of your time in your chosen country.  You did not travel halfway around the world to work on another kind of jobs that are different than those of your focus in your homeland. It is just the job that you are working in order to experience the new culture and new country during the time in working holiday.

You need to do your research well.  You need some jobs that you can earn enough money to extend your working holiday period.  Always remember that why you are really here.  Go out and explore the new places. Take vacations during work breaks when you move between jobs.

Working Holiday - Network and Connection

It is easy to be overwhelmed when you first arrive in a new country.  You probably do not know anyone and do not know where to start with.  Do not let this cause to keep you away from building connection. Force yourself to go out and start making friends as soon as possible. 

No matter where you are and what you do, networking is very important in every single step to success. A good way to start making friends is through online meetup. Launch social media campaign before you leave your home country. You can go to the places where like-minded people are gathering to share some thoughts and experience.

It is always a good idea to make friends with expatriates in your area as they can be a great source of information sharing and emotional support. Start making friends not only with those who you know but also the local who will get you to know the local culture.  This is what you are interested in and like to experience on a working holiday.   

Working Holiday - Culture Shock

Each country has its own culture.  You may have to do a lot of research about the country and the areas you will be staying before you leave for your working holiday destination. It would turn out very different from your perception after you have lived in that country. 

Culture shock is the main reason why many people give up on their dreams and return home so quickly.  They neither understand how to manage the culture shock nor learn to adjust to the new ways of living and doing things in the working holiday destinations.

You can seek advice from those who have been on working holiday in that country. Many people would like to share their experience and help others.  No matter how each individual experience is unique and helpful, you still need to go through those experience by yourself.  Thus, be aware and be prepared for the culture shock.

Working Holiday - Do Your Research

Once you decide the country you will be going for working holiday you should do your research to find out more about the country, the local areas in order to organize your work in advance.

You want to discover what there is for you to do in the chosen area, you should start making a list of all the places you want to visit and experiences you want to learn and bring it back with you. 

Research and plan for things that will assist you with cheaper costs of living.  Start looking for accommodation and transport options.  International driver license would be useful in travelling. 

Spend a great deal of time researching and be well prepared for your adventure.  This preparation will really get you an excited experience.