How to decide whether to take a career break to travel

Let’s break it down together

Have you ever stared at your computer screen, wondering if there’s more to life? I certainly have. For nearly three years, I wrestled with the question: Should I take a career break to travel?

Then came my wake-up call: an unexpected hospital visit forced me to confront my priorities and realize I couldn’t keep postponing the adventure I wanted. Yet, money worries, career fears, and the thought of leaving everything and everyone behind still held me back.

Sound familiar? If you’re contemplating a big move like this, you’re not alone.

In this article, I’ll share what I learned while preparing for long-term travel. Here are five key questions you need to consider:

• Why take a career break to travel?

• Is now the right time for me to travel?

• What are my job options while travelling?

• How do I leave my job if I need to?

• How can I manage my money while travelling?

So let’s kick off by channelling Simon Sinek and start with why travel could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life.

Me at Mount Fuji in Japan.

1. Why take a career break to travel?

Before diving into logistics, let’s take a moment to explore why you might want to embark on this journey in the first place.

For me, the desire didn’t come out of nowhere—it was born from a mixture of burnout, curiosity and a long-held dream.

Reasons for taking a career break to travel vary from person to person. Here are a few key motivations to reflect on:

Self-discovery

Navigating unfamiliar streets in Chile without speaking Spanish led to hilarious moments, like when I had to convey what I needed in a pharmacy through mime.

When the pharmacist smiled and handed me the correct medicine, I realized how adaptable I could be—a skill that would prove invaluable both personally and professionally (the adaptability, that is, not the miming).

Experiencing new cultures and embracing the unexpected opens your mind to different ways of thinking and uncovers a resourcefulness you didn’t know you had.

A time for reflection

Life can sometimes feel like a marathon—one goal after another, often without pausing to ask if you’re still heading in the right direction.

A career break offers you the rare gift of time to pause, reflect and consider the big questions. It’s not just about the places you visit; it’s about realigning with your inner compass.

Escape from burnout

Let’s be honest—burnout is real and more common than we often admit. We can get so caught up in our day-to-day routines that we lose sight of how drained we truly are. I experienced this firsthand when my appetite for the things I once loved vanished.

If you feel stuck or uninspired, this break could help you recharge and rediscover your passions, so you can return to your job—or start something new—with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Craving new experiences

There’s something liberating about waking up in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds. From exploring diverse landscapes to meeting people from all walks of life, travel offers the chance to create unforgettable memories and stories.

Identifying your reasons for taking a career break helps you assess if the timing is right. Let’s explore how to determine the best time for you:

2. Is now the right time for me to travel?

If travel has been on your mind for a while, there’s a good chance the answer is yes.

Of course, there will always be practical concerns, but I haven’t met anyone who regretted taking the plunge to travel, whether for a few months or a year. Most people say it was the best time of their lives.

So, how do you know when it’s time to go?

Career timing

There’s rarely a perfect moment to step away from your career, but if you’re feeling stuck, a break might help you reset and see your path more clearly. Ask yourself: What do I gain by staying, and what could I gain by going?

Personal circumstances

If you have a partner, family or other commitments, it’s important to consider how your break might affect them. Will your loved ones support your decision?

While some of my family and friends were initially hesitant about my long-term travel plans, they eventually understood how essential this journey was for my happiness. Shortly before I left, my grandmother passed away, but knowing she would have supported my adventure gave me the strength to move forward.

I was fortunate to be single, with no dependants to consider. During my time in India, I met a young British single mother who inspired me with her adventurous spirit, despite the challenges of travelling with a toddler.

Emotional readiness

Feeling a mixture of excitement and terror? That’s a good sign! This emotional rollercoaster is natural and it can mean that you’re ready.

If you’ve decided the timing feels right, now figure out how travel fits into your professional life. Will you have to quit your job, or are there other possibilities?

Me in Canada.

3. What are my job options while travelling?

Remote work is increasingly common, but not everyone wants to be a digital nomad. For me, quitting my job felt right as I sought the freedom to embrace my travels fully. However, you don’t need to leave your job behind; there are other ways to make travel compatible with your career:

Explore temporary transfers

If your company has international offices, consider applying for a temporary transfer to work abroad. For instance, one company I worked for offered a job swap between the UK and the US. This option allows you to experience a new culture while retaining your position. However, keep in mind that you’ll still be working full-time, which means your exploration will be limited to weekends and holidays.

Request unpaid leave

Many companies offer sabbaticals for long-term employees, giving you a few months off unpaid while guaranteeing your job upon return. This option is ideal if you're concerned about job security, as many employers value employees who take the initiative to develop themselves. Frame your request as an opportunity to recharge and acquire new skills—and try not to look too excited at the prospect of time off!

I’ve known travellers who successfully negotiated unpaid leave, though some later found returning to the same job less appealing and felt it limited their freedom compared to quitting entirely.

Apply for a working holiday visa

If you’re planning to stay in one place for a while, a working holiday visa in countries like Australia, Canada or New Zealand allows you to legally work while travelling. This opportunity not only helps you fund your adventures but also develops your cross-cultural skills—highly sought after in today’s international job market.

I applied for my visa through BUNAC, who were incredibly supportive. Working as a communications consultant in New Zealand was a fantastic experience, and I took advantage of weekends and breaks to explore this stunning country.

Quit your job and return to the job market later

Taking a career break to travel doesn’t have to hurt your professional life. Experiences gained through volunteering, working or other projects abroad can enrich your CV. For example, I launched a travel blog that helped me secure a job upon my return—employers liked that it demonstrated initiative and showcased my writing and digital skills.

However, be mindful that taking a complete break can pose challenges; it’s important that you’re financially and emotionally prepared for this transition.

Managing your exit is crucial. If you decide to leave your job, let’s explore how to do it effectively:

Photo by OPPO Find X5 Pro on Unsplash

4. How do I leave my job if I need to?

Ready to make your move? If you’ve decided to leave your job, here’s how to have a smooth and professional transition:

1. Set your last day: Determine your final working day, allowing enough time for travel preparations like visas and insurance.

2. Write a resignation letter: Craft a polite resignation letter explaining your decision and offer to assist with the transition, such as training your replacement.

3. Leave on good terms: Maintain connections with your colleagues and employers, as you may need references in the future.

With your exit strategy in place, you’ll want to make the most of your finances for the journey ahead. Let’s explore that now:

5. How can I manage my money while travelling?

Managing your finances effectively while travelling is essential for a stress-free experience. You can read my dedicated post about it. Here are more top tips:

Stay longer, spend less

Spending more time in one place saves money and opens you to unexpected adventures. During my month-long stays in various countries, I negotiated better accommodation rates and formed genuine connections with locals. More than once, I found myself on the back of a motorbike, exploring hidden gems and hearing stories far more authentic than anything in a travel guide.

Earn abroad in unexpected ways

Local expat groups and hostel bulletin boards can be goldmines for short-term job opportunities. While in New Zealand, I even found an advert seeking extras for film and TV. These gigs can bring unexpected adventures to your trip while helping to supplement your budget.

Cut costs with local experiences

Programs like WWOOF and Workaway help you exchange labour for accommodation, a cost-effective way to experience local life and gain hands-on skills in areas like organic farming or eco-building.

House-sitting or pet-sitting are also excellent options for securing free accommodation. Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect travellers with people who need their homes or pets cared for while they’re away. I have a friend who did this and she stayed in some amazing places with some very cute furry friends.

With a solid financial plan, you can focus on enjoying your travels. Now you’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to start your journey with confidence.

Final thoughts on taking a career break to travel

Have you been hesitating? Reflect on what’s holding you back from the adventure you crave. This journey could truly change your life for the better. If you’ve been dreaming of travelling, now could be the perfect time to act.

While it’s essential to take practical considerations seriously, don’t let fear prevent you from experiencing the world to its fullest.

Pursuing this path may come with risks, but the potential rewards—personal growth, new experiences and a refreshed perspective—are invaluable.

Who knows? You might find yourself miming your medical ailments to a bemused pharmacist in Santiago de Chile. Good times!

---

If you enjoyed this article, please leave a ❤️—it always makes me smile! Consider subscribing for more travel tips and insights.

I’d love to hear your questions about planning your career break to travel. Complete this quick survey and your feedback will help me create valuable resources for you and others on a similar journey.

Feel free to explore my story and destinations on my travel blog for more tips!