Job Tips - Planning A Career Sabbatical? Factors To Consider Before Taking The Career Break

So, what are the factors to be considered before taking a Career Break or Job Break?

Taking a break from job or career is a big career decision. And one needs to ensure all options are weighed properly before taking the decision.

Well, most people write to me to ask How and When to take the career break? What I hear them ask is:

"How do I know When is the right time to hang the boots temporarily?"

You would agree that its one of the toughest career decisions to take a break whether it is designed or by default. I am going to try to make it easy for you if you are considering a career sabbatical or career break.

Below are the key factors you need to consider before you decide on taking a break from your current job:

1. Deal with the insecurities

If you have worked for a while, suddenly deciding to quit may not be easy. One needs to be prudent about this decision and deal with the insecurities it brings along with it. Whether you admit it or not, your mind somewhere thinks about it and it is better that you deal with this before taking the break rather than deal with it later. The manifestation of this insecurity can be quite detrimental to your overall peace and mindset. Whatever may be the reason ( the career break being designed or by default), you need to think through it objectively considering an aspect of your life will not be the same going forward. Look up for career advice to get guidance.

2. You don't need the money

Most people hold on to their jobs because of the stable income flow at the end of every month. Whether the money is spent to meet personal commitments or to buy the latest gadget or to invest in being the 'fashionista' in office, the money that flows in, increases the independence. It not only makes the wallet but you happy too. That is a big one to let go.

Have you thought about it? You may not need the money but you may still want to protect your purchasing power and independence.

The important think is to ensure that you have made provisions in your mind that month ends will not look and feel the same anymore. A proper career consultant can help you ask and answer the relevant career questions before plunging into a career sabbatical.

3. You have a bigger reason to say NO

The fact that you have decided to call it a day at work (albeit temporarily) would mean you have a bigger reason to say to YES to.

The key is to have that bigger reason spelt out loud and clear

You will have conviction to deal with the change once you are clear about the reason why you want to take a career break. Whether for further studies, learn a new skill, cultivate a full- time hobby or spend days in leisure, the reason for the career sabbatical should be clear. Usually, I advice professionals to discuss with a Career Consultant to help zero in on the reason for taking a career break. While it may seem that you know why you are taking a career break but often the reason is much-deep rooted than you think and manifests very differently once you have taken a career break.

4. Failure in an assignment should not be the reason for taking a break in career

Lot of professionals make this career blunder by deciding to take a break in their career if an assignment or job does not work for them. It is a gross error and a sure career limiting mistake. Not only is it a weak moment to take this important career decision but also professionals are not in a state to deal with this crucial change in their professional and personal lives post the break. The critical timing of a career break can multiply the problem and challenges or an enjoyable and fruitful career break depending on when one takes the break.

Like a career start helps one build a successful career, a well planned career break re-shapes the career. If you are planning a career sabbatical, plan it well.

Whether one gets back to the same career or changes the course of the career, impressing upon the factors to consider before taking the career break will help you make an objective decision about your career.

A Career Sabbatical has help people surge in their careers upon return.

Sudakshina Bhattacharya is a practicing HR professional for over a decade in various organisations in Telecom, Hospitality, Entertainment and Financial Services industry. She is currently leading the HR team for a reputed Financial Services Company. Visit HRCrest.com for more on Career Tips and Career Sabbatical, views, suggestions and contributions.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Make a Career Change

I have been fortunate to work for some of the largest companies in the U.S., and I have also had the pleasure of working for myself. There are pros and cons to working for the "big guy" just as there are being self-employed or working for a small firm. We tend to feel more secure knowing we'll have a paycheck coming on a regular basis. When you are self-employed, this type of security can be fleeting. On the other hand, when you work for someone else, you have to rely on their acknowledging your skills and contributions to the health and wealth of the company. Politics often gets in the way of your job security.

There is no shame in working for someone else if you are doing what you truly want to do. But as long as you work for someone else, you will work at their whim. It is for these reasons that I believe the only true security is in knowing you have skills and abilities which are marketable, and knowing how to market them is the key to success. Realistically, whom you work for is not as important as your level of satisfaction, both intrinsically and by way of a great paycheck. Making the decision to change careers, or to even go into business for yourself, is one you should not take lightly. It's not an easy road on your own - this article will help guide you through the thinking required to get a handle on your current career track, take steps to secure it, and even to step into a new career field if you choose to.

Many people don't like their jobs - it is part of being in the working world. Even people who claim to love their jobs still have days when they think going to work can be just too much to bear. However, the truth is that you just may be on the wrong career path if your level of job satisfaction drains on your energy, your relationships, and your success at work. The best way to really see that it might be time for a career change is to honestly look at how you feel about what you do. This is really a very easy process through a daily work journal.

First, record how you feel about going into the office or workplace every day. Be honest with yourself and write down your true feelings. Are you dreading walking through the doors? Does the thought of it give you that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach? Maybe you feel alright once you get there, but then in a short while you find yourself becoming bored and unable to concentrate.

When a specific job situation comes up, write down your reactions to having to complete that task. Let's say your boss has given you the assignment to research past profit margins for one of the products your company produces. He wants a comprehensive report done and on his desk within two days. Are you angry about having to complete the task in such a short amount of time? Do you feel someone else should be doing the work, since you have so much on your plate already? Or does it make you happy to be trusted with an important job? Write down how that makes you feel.

In your work journal, jot down your feelings about your co-workers. Do you generally get along with everyone, or do you find yourself constantly at odds with people or a specific person? The key to a work journal is to write down exactly how you feel about various aspects of your job and then look for recurring themes. Are you unhappy because of the people you are around or because of what you are doing? Perhaps you just disagree with specific company policies or are no longer challenged with the work your specific department does. After you have identified the reason that you are unhappy with your job, you can start to take steps to look for ways to improve your current situation at work or to begin looking for something else.

Still not sure if you should make a career change? Think through the following questions - your answers will clarify your next step, whether to move into a new position in your current company, go to a new company, change careers or go into business for yourself.

1. Are their opportunities to grow within your own company?

If you want the opportunity to grow your career, it's important to be in a company which will allow you to do that through succession planning. Perhaps you want greater responsibilities or a position higher up on the corporate ladder - if you cannot achieve these things in your current position or with your current company, then big changes are coming your way.

2. Are you bored in your current career?

If you decide to change careers, you may want to make sure it's your occupation in general that is boring you and not just your current job. If it is your occupation, you should consider a career change. However, if it's your job or assignment, consider discussing your work with your supervisor. You don't get what you don't ask for. Of course, if you don't have a collaborative relationship with your supervisor, having this conversation is probably not a wise idea. Time to move on.

3. Are there new jobs available within your field?

When there are few jobs available in your field, a career change truly might be in order. Since opportunities are limited you may want to start exploring other occupations that have a better outlook - be sure these occupations relate to your interests. Otherwise you'll be trading one headache for another.

4. Do you want to earn more money?

Who doesn't? Keep in mind happiness does not come with higher earnings. The bigger the paycheck, the great the responsibility.

5. Have you kept up your skills to current standards?

Upgrading your skills in order to remain and continue to grow in your current occupation will take some effort. If you aren't satisfied with your career anyway, you may want to start exploring other options rather than stress about what you need to do but don't have the desire or motivation to do.

6. Do you want to do something more with your life?

In general, if you find your career unfulfilling, it's time to find a new career. Being happy with your job can contribute significantly to personal fulfillment which is something we all need. So, definitely make a career change if you say "True" to this question.

7. Do you want to pursue a lifelong passion?

Go for it or at least consider it as an option. Make sure you do your homework first to determine that this career is the right choice for you. Pretend you're a student and ask to shadow someone in the field you're interested in. Keep your eyes open and ask lots of questions.

8. Have you discovered a new career which matches our skills?

As long as you've researched a possible new career choice, there's really no reason you shouldn't pursue it. There are times in life when we should follow our gut instinct once you've ruled out practical objections. Though in some cases, I might even overlook logical objections and make the choice to change anyway. There comes a time when the choice is so compelling, and our instincts are leading us in that direction, that we have to make that choice.

9. Do your original career choice and your current situation no longer match?

There's a reason why you got an education in the first place. Was it because you wanted to, needed to, or felt forced to? Your present state may no longer match those past wants, needs or requirements. Decide if additional training is all you need, or if it's a complete change. Then move forward and don't look back.

10. Does your current career stress you out?

If your life has changed significantly since you first began your career and your work is causing your personal life to be at odds with your business life, you'll have to make a choice. Unless you want to do nothing but work, you really should choose personal happiness. There's enough stress in life without your work contributing to it. Before you decide to change careers, you should figure out whether it's your occupation that's stressful or just your particular place of employment or the people you work with. If it is your occupation, then change careers.

Of course, making a job change is never easy. Having a regular paycheck and job security is important - there's no doubt about that. But if you're unhappy in your job and feeling unfulfilled, are you doing yourself a favor by staying there? We spend a lot of our time working, so it really is important that we do something meaningful and which will enhance our lives.

Making a career change is a scary step. At least it can be! But when you are unhappy with what you are doing, why shouldn't you go after your dreams and take a stab at something that you are pretty sure you will love while getting paid for it? The key is to be confident about what you want to do and then just go for it! If you need to take some classes to work where you want to work, then do it. It doesn't matter how old you are - or how young you are. You can make a career change anytime and under any circumstances. It just takes commitment and a little hard work, but it can be done.

Shelly Lisoskie is a dynamic leader, collaborator and strategic thinker experienced in entrepreneurial business, K-12 and college administration, training and speaking. She has authored books on technology and customer relations management. In 2007 Shelly started her first blog as a way to support her college faculty. This blog developed into a resource link for K-12 and college leaders. She continues to support leaders from all areas of community and business life through her blog, Today's Leader Online ([http://todaysleaderonline.com]), where she writes about career growth, leadership strategies, and also provides audio archives of interviews with such respected leaders as Jill Geisler of The Poynter Institute, Dr. Robert Thomas of The Accenture Institute of Boston, and Leo Babauta, of at Zen Habits and author of The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential, in Business and in Life.

Making a Career Change - 7 Things to Do Before Making a Career Change

Take some time to do some smart research before you commit to making a career change and you will ensure that your next career move is a smart one.

1. Evaluate what you like and dislike about your current career

While you may feel as though you drag yourself to work every day, hopefully, you initially accepted that job because it was a good fit for you in some ways. Take some time to objectively think through the different facets of your job. What skills do you use or what tasks do you perform at work that you truly enjoy. Those tasks and skills may form the basis of your next career.

2. Consider whether you need a full-blown career change or maybe simply an industry change

Often, when people are ready to leave their current careers, they assume that they need to make a completely fresh start in a completely new career in order to find happiness. This is not always the case. Perhaps you still enjoy the nature of the work that you do, but there have been changes to your industry that have made your career unpalatable. In that case, consider whether you can find the same type of work but in a different industry. You may just need a slight shift and now a full-blown change in order to meet your career related needs.

3. Know what you want

People who are contemplating a career change often know what they don't want. "I never want to work for another micro-managing boss." or "I am completely burnt out on front-line work." Unfortunately, they don't always know what it is that they do want.

If you are stating all of your career change needs and expectations in the form of what you don't want, it will be important to take some time to think through exactly what it is that you do want. It is much easier and more powerful to make yourself move toward something that you want than to move away from something that you don't want. People seek to find positive experiences more consistently than they seek to avoid pain. Therefore, if you are working toward a positive experience (those things that you do want in your next career), you'll be much more motivated to do the work required to get there.

4. Understand your financial needs

While, over the long term, a career change can have a lot of potential to increase your household income, over the short term, you may need to make some financial sacrifices to meet your new career goals. You may need to spend money on tuition to attain the training required for a new field, or you might decide to accept a lower paying entry level job in your new field to gain necessary experience. If your career change will have an impact on your household income, ensure that you will still be able to meet your financial obligations through your period of career transition.

5. Assess your educational needs and priorities

Never embark on a career change without a clear understanding of the educational background required to be competitive in your new field of work. There are many jobs that are not regulated, that is, there are no legal requirements in terms of required training. However, simply because there are no legal requirements doesn't mean that you don't realistically need specific training to be competitive in the job market.

The best way to determine educational requirements for a job is to talk to people who hire in that industry. They'll know what is really necessary for entry into the field and they will give you current and unbiased input. The worst way to determine educational requirements for a job is to talk to staff at schools. They are highly biased and want you there in their programs, so they are not necessarily the best source for this type of information.

6. Talk with your partner and anyone who will be impacted by your career change

Making a career change will impact the lives of those closest to you. Be sure to discuss your plans with these people. Help them to understand what this change will mean in terms of demands on your time, household income and future changes. Getting the support of those who are close to you is a crucial part of your career change success.

7. Talk with people who do the job you'd like to do

People who do the job that you'd like to do are the best sources of information about your new career. They will give you unbiased information about the day to day job, their biggest challenges, and sometimes the requirements to get started in the field. To many people fail to take this step when deciding on career options, and it should not be ignored.

Lisa McGrimmon is a career expert who has helped over two thousand clients achieve their career goals. To learn more about making a career change and gain enormous control over your future, visit Career Choice Guide.

Just Before You Make a Career Transition

With the rapidly changing shape of work and life, it is no longer news that the average person will have a minimum of three careers in their life time. Making the right move at the right time and for the right reasons will go a long way to bring fulfillment and satisfaction to you. Therefore, it is important that you engage in a carefully thought out analysis of the various options whenever you are trying to make a shift in your career focus. The following considerations should always guide you in your quest.

How prepared are you? Most people make decisions in order to be in tune with popular demand. Because the economy is in bad shape and particular professions have been badly hit, is not an excuse to decide you want a career shift. Having come this far in your career, any change you are planning to make should be deliberate and purposeful. You must be convinced that it is something you will be happy with in the long run. You must transcend the bandwagon effect and ask the question of whether you are set to make the change from your present career.

Take an inventory of your current skills. Having decided on the need to cross over, the next thing to immediately do is to take inventory of your current skills, knowledge and experience and then see the gap that exist between them and your desired career. Then, start listing the various skills, knowledge and experience you need to bridge the gap. Seek out and talk to people in your would-be career to guide you through the process.

Develop a parallel career before switching over. Career experts will never fail to advise aspiring career changers on the importance of building a parallel career before making the actual shift. You can do this by seeking out volunteer, temporary or internship positions in your new career field before quitting your current job and searching for a full-time position in your new career field. This step is crucial because it acquaints you with your new area and gives some assurance to your would-be employer that you will be trainable, since you already have the basics.

Consider your passion. If you are like most people, your first job after college must have been a child of necessity. You probably found yourself on that job, not because it was what you actually wanted but because you had limited choices when you were making the decision. It may have been possible that you had not clarified your career goals and determined what you actually want out of life when you made that first decision. Now that you have an idea of your passion and vision in life, do not decide on the next move without bringing them into the picture. When the chips are down and the going gets tough, it is your love for what you do that will sustain you.

Go for a functional rather than a chronological resume. When you are changing career, it pays to emphasize more on the skills, qualifications and certifications you have acquired, relevant to your new career, instead of detailing your previous work experience, which in most cases has little or no relevance to your desired career. As much as possible you will need to talk less about previous experience and blow up your other relevant assets.

You can talk to a career counselor or an HR expert to help you build a functional resume. It is your greatest tool in your career shift campaign.

Never decide on changing career for monetary reasons. I interviewed a friend who was contemplating a radical career change from the banking industry to the medical profession as a physical therapist. My first question to him was: what is your motivation for wanting to make this total switch? Certain careers are very enticing because of the material gains they offer, but be very careful of switching careers because of all the enticing benefits. Remember that you may make more money, but if you hate your new career, you will probably be spending that money on stress- and health-related expenses. A career that is hot today could be gone tomorrow, so dig deeper.

The Author is a Business Psychologist, a Career Coach and a Life-span Development Consultant. He currently researches into the mind and brain and how they can be used to maximize our potential for unlimited achievement.

Visit http://dreamjobstrategies.blogspot.com to get more insights that will help you revolutionize your career.

Planning a Career Change? Read This Before You Proceed

Sometimes a career change is an unavoidable phase in life. In some cases, people may shift to a new career by their own choice. But sometimes, when this change has been initiated by a change of business in a company, the experience can be traumatic for the employee. In such cases, it is best to look at the positive side of things. A change in career is a great opportunity to venture into a new field and discover new opportunities for advancement.

Finding A Career Guide

When you are planning a career change, depending on a good career guide can make all the difference between getting a job you are okay with and getting a job you love. A reliable career guide is one that will provide you comprehensive information on all kinds of careers available to you and what jobs would suit you so that you will be able to make a wise decision when it is time to make a choice.

There are lots of good sources - both offline and online - that offer reliable information on changing careers. While certain career guidance reports may be personalized, others may contain general information related to changing careers.

The internet is a great storehouse of career guides and career interest tests. These online tests assess the answers you provide and then determine the most suitable career change option for you. It would be a good idea to take a career interest test to understand what job would fit your talents, skills, personality and education.

After taking the career interest test and understanding the best career options, it is time to get in-depth information about your chosen career field. Try to determine what courses or training sessions you need to attend to excel in the chosen field.

Preparing For A New Career

Here are some things to remember while preparing for a career change:

- Most people harbor talents and interests that are quite different from their chosen career path. While planning a new career, make sure that it provides ample room for developing your innate talents.

- A good financial system is an essential aspect of planning a change in career. Often, a poor financial situation can hinder your decision to switch to a new career. If you are mindful of your spending habits, if you have adequate savings and if you are not too anxious about how badly your finances will be affected by a career change, you will be more confident about making that change.

- Once you have chosen a career, keep updating your skills and adding new skills so that you remain a cut above the competition. When you get an opportunity to specialize in that career, go for it.

Try adopting these tips to help you be better prepared to face a future with a new career. Use career guides and career interest tests not only to aid you in finding the best career change option, but also to help you emerge successful in your new job.

James Copper is a writer for http://www.trainingindex.co.uk where you can find information on how to get a career change

Need to change your career? 5 critical factors you need to know before you Jump Ship

There are some days when cringe at the thought of staying at your current job for another year. In fact, sometimes you wonder if it's worth it to stay there for another week.

But do yourself a favour by taking into consideration the critical factor 5 that impact your successful career change.

One factor. You must protect your sanity by taking time to understand what it is that you really want from your career and life.

Here is the reality that you must come to grips with the need to change your career often breeds unrest.

It is during these moments of discomfort and unrest when you escape from your career crisis and hide from reality.

* Do not hide the fact that your career this is not the delivery of what should be.

* Take a proactive stance by making strategic career move that makes you feel more energized and vibrant.

Two factor: You must understand that the need to change your career must be recognized ... and then supported.

First standing for who you are and what you want.

Make a career change that fits who you are and what you're trying to do with your life.

Three factor: recognize that during the riots, must take action.

When you feel the need to change your career ... take a deep breath and then step out of your comfort zone.

* Start always intimately know who you are and what is that you really want out of your life and career.

* Then pair your passion and your heart that ideal career matches which makes dance your heart and the spark of passion.

* Singe deal with positioning yourself for the job of your dreams.

Factor four: don't let the need to change your career go unnoticed.

Push your career dreams by spending time getting to know you.

* Start by consulting advice, strategies and tips on changing Your career [http://www.career-change-positioning.com/advice-on-changing-career.html].

* And then begin to evaluate which career move will make more sense for you.

* Reading the secret ingredient for assessing whether a career is Right For You to learn more.

Factor five: don't spend another year to remain stuck in a career that does not fit your passion.

Now is the best time to start planning your career change.

Here is for your successful career change!

* Signed: MBA, Latarsha Lytle, career change positioning strategist, your motivational coach ... and your biggest fan!

Latarsha Lytle, MBA is a motivational speaker and certified Life Coach and career goal holding (1) a MBA in Business strategy and (2) a second Master in Marketing , with an emphasis in Branding and positioning.

Her passion is helping people

* First identify their SweetSpot-what that were made to do and be,

* Then works with them to position their SweetSpot in signing a career or business:

(a) that fits their passion, their life and pay them their value ...

(b) all while allowing them to leave their legacy and mark worldwide.

For more information about how to find ideas of small companies that fit your passion and your life, http://www.small-business-ideas-branded-by-passion.com go to

OR ...

For more information about positioning yourself for career success. go to [http://www.career-change-positioning.com]

The benefits of career advice and what to consider before you consult a career consultant

Every year, many thousands of people commits, or think to bring some form of career counseling. In fact, could run into millions, given the number of internet searches done every month on career advice. The reasons could be:

a. starting on a career after being a student,

b. a career change for older adults, and half life

c. an adult career was able to progress and needs advice on career of jump starting their stalled,

most other possible reasons. But what are the advantages of having career consulting sessions?

Benefits of career advice

There may be many benefits of career advice, but much will depend on experience, training and understanding of the Adviser. If is a career counselor in schools that does the job a few hours a month, because the head teacher says to him or her, the benefits could be very limited. On the other hand, if is a professionally trained career counselor who has years of experience, then there can be at least the following advantages:

1. as in the independent and expert advisor, the Advisor should be able to put your situation, personality, skills, experience and skills in a broad perspective. This should help to find their own position and direction in your career.

2. A qualified consultant will be experienced in getting the right information out of you in a structured way. The Advisor then will be able to use such information promptly, coupled with their intuitive assessment of you as an individual and your course better career chances.

3. an expert consultant career will have a lot of knowledge and experience of the various employment markets. This means that the Counsellor will see the other side of the coin, which may be unknown, and this can help greatly. Should also have a lot of experience on the departments of human resources and job recruiters.

4. If you are considering a career change experience the Counsellor might be valuable in view of the complexity, practical and personal, of the decision are considering.

5. Having someone objective and certain will help give confidence when making a decision about your future career.

6. the consultant may be able to provide or recommend various career coaching courses that may be of help to you.

Where to go for career advice

The growth of business consulting career in recent years has made it much easier to find good-quality career consulting services. Today, there are only local services that are an option, but also the online career coaching and consulting services, with a wealth of information about jobs and career related subjects.

If you're still at school, college or University, then they may be able to offer a useful service establishment or point you in the right direction. You can also search online and find many options. There is not necessarily a need to meet face to face, even if there is an advantage to have a face-to-face meeting, as the Counselor is more likely that you assess with greater precision during a personal meeting.

When you choose a career consultant, we recommend that you compare the experience, facilities and other costs; If you can find one near you, so much the better, but keep in mind that a structured approach is used by professional consultants and much of this can be done effectively online and by phone. You should not spend money until you are comfortable with every aspect of the consultancy service.

This article career development was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and author of the broken website Self Improvement to.

Aviva staff will not lose jobs before March

Wednesday 30th November, 2011

Aviva staff will not lose jobs before March   
     Tuesday 29th November, 2011  Source: RTE News

Aviva, which last month announced it was cutting up to 1,250 jobs in Ireland, has told staff that there will be no short-term redundancies before agreement is reached on the restructuring of the company.
It is understood that management were anxious to stress that no decisions had yet been made - and that no staff member will be given notice befor...
While international sanctions and hardline rhetoric have unsettled Iran, the country is faring worse from acts of sabotage. The Islamic Republic however is unable to even admit acts of sabotage are taking place for fear the people will demand retaliation.

Breaking News
Wednesday 30th November, 2011

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