posted by Travel Cat on Apr 16
Gap Years For Grown Ups! Planning: Part 1
It’s not just young people these days that are entitled to take a year off between college and University/Work - it’s all the rage for ‘Grown Ups’ too!!!
No longer is is a year, and no longer is it just a ‘gap’ - times are changing and people are starting to look at life in a whole new way. Whether you are a 30-year-old receptionist, or a 56-year-old dentist - the world is your oyster!
I know that cliche sounds a bit cheesy, but it really is. You can just take time off to relax, find a new skill, travel in your own country, travel across new continents, volunteer for any number of tasks in any number of countries for any number of weeks/months or years even.
You can get a ‘job’ abroad with either your existing skills or you can find new ones. You can jump up the career ladder by taking advantage of your skills in a growing market or just adding to your CV with your new found adventurous side!
You can of course, jump off the career ladder and change your 9-5 for something far more flexible and enjoyable - for example travel writing in South America or private English tuition in Japan.
There is, unfortunately, a serious side to the travelling, and this needs to be researched as much as the trip itself, and this quick guide hopes to do just that, covering preparation and decision making basics.
First Things First:
You need to start by deciding why you want to do this as it will affect everything else you plan.
What I mean by this is that if you are deciding to just have some fun on a short trip (less than a month) then you don’t need to pay so much attention to your job or career, your home and family etc - it will be more like planning an exciting holiday!
However, if you are serious in looking to change careers or give up work, then you will be looking for a longer break and/or training. This is where considerations for your property, car, pets, children, insurance and finances all come into play.
Deciding where you want to travel to is not so much of a worry at this point. In reality, long-term placements usually try to put you where your skills are needed, not necessarily where you were thinking of heading to. Of course, you do have a say in your destination - but it is secondary to making the most of your skills and what you can offer the project you select.
Boring Things:
When planning a longer than average trip (a month or more),you need to think about bills, wages, bank accounts, insurance and rent or mortgage payments. This isn’t fun - but is essential if you are going to enjoy your experience.
These are all just technicalities that you will find you way around to get your trip on the move, so don’t be put off by the whole size of it all. Each part is just a tiny step - and the rewards are excellent!
Your Job - Are you planning to come back to your original position on your return?
Companies are starting to see that many people now want longer-than-average time off from their jobs to ‘do something new’ or ‘try something different’. So they are offering!
It isn’t uncommon these days for you to take sabbatical leave or unpaid leave from your job without losing your place in the firm. Check your employers take on these and it could make your job a whole lot easier!
If they are a smaller firm or do not offer such luxuries, then you may need to negotiate something. If you are a key role in the business then they may have to negotiate rather than train up someone else from scratch to take the role - and anyway, what harm will it be to have someone else learn those key skills for their personal development while you are away.
You can try to make them see that you are coming back and want to bring your news skills back with you for their advantage. Make yourself worth employing.
If you have no intention of wanting your job back - as the experience of travel for you is more important - make sure you still leave on a good note. You may be surprised that some firms will willingly accept you back after your travels in a similar or lesser role just because you already know the role and can settle back in.
It will also give you the opportunity to negotiate new hours as well. A friend of mine - who after returning from 18 months travel - made a deal with her previous boss to only work 4 days a week instead of the original 5. She still works the same hours, but has more time to herself. Her trip made her priorities change and gave her more confidence to ask!
However - sometimes it is out of their hands. With the recent economic situation, another friend returning from a year of travel found his employers were currently laying off staff - so he is seeking to start up his own business now with his new found passion for all things new!
Planning: Part 2
Join me next time, for further tips on planning that ultimate gap vacation……
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