An extended career break can be just what you need to re-energize yourself. However, being away from home for so long means you have some work to do first. And it’s more than you might think. So, here are some tips for planning and going ahead with an extended career break.
Arrange for Your Stuff to be Transported
Getting away for a week or two typically means you don’t need your stuff. You are on holiday and enjoying yourself. However, being away for a few months could mean you need some essentials.
For example, your boss might not agree to pay you for so long, meaning you need your computer for work. Fortunately, there are many affordable international moving companies. And some can even arrange for pride and joy to be shipped so you can drive cross-country.
Get Travel Insurance for an Extended Career Break
Before going on a long trip, you might want to think about getting travel insurance. About 20% of people who travel don’t do this. But the longer you remain away, the more important it is because there is more time for something to go wrong.
In case of an emergency, travel insurance usually pays for medical treatment and transportation costs. And COVID, of course. So, if you want to be worry-free on your trip, you should get the best travel insurance you can.
Learn a Bit About Where You Are Going
You will gain a lot more from your long holiday if you learn about the place you want to go to. For example, if you know just the basics of a language, you can get around and ask questions of the locals if you need to.
It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends with people from the area. But you will be able to do things on your own a bit more if you learn about the area, the best places to visit, and where important places like pharmacies are.
Prepare Your Home
Taking an extended vacation might mean your home is empty for a long period. So there are some things you need to do to prepare for this. Here are some essential recommendations:
- Clear out perishable food from the fridge and give it a clean with anti-bac cleaner.
- Let your home security company or a trusted friend know the dates you will be away.
- Remove all garbage from trash cans and put it outside, ready for collection.
- Remove everything from the dishwasher and leave it open to avoid nasty residue.
- Set the thermostat to around 12C to prevent your pipes from freezing.
There is a lot to do in your home to prepare it for a long vacation. And it might also be a good idea to give it a good clean before leaving, so you come home to a clean, fresh and tidy house.
See Your Doctor First
Before going on a long trip, you should always talk to your doctor. For example, you might be required to get the flu vaccine or other required shots prior to actually embarking on a lengthy trip.
Talking to your doctor about this is important because they’ll be able to advise you on what shots you need and when you need to get them. When you travel beyond your country, you should try to understand some of the risks and how to keep from getting sick while away.
Let Your Boss Know You Want an Extended Career Break
You can’t just quit your job without telling your boss you’ll be gone for a while. This is a bad idea, and it could cost you your job. But they might be more likely to agree if you tell them how important this particular vacation is.
You might want to spend a month on a religious pilgrimage, for example. Or, you could take your kids to the place where their grandparents grew up. It can also help to let them know this isn’t something you will often do or is a “one-off” arrangement.
Notify Your Bank You Will Be Away
Some banks may close your account if you don’t use it for a certain amount of time. So it’s important to let your bank know before you go on a long trip. Making sure to inform your bank can also help keep your account from being used without your permission while you’re gone.
You will probably use digital banking while you are away because it can help you deal with international banking problems. But before you leave, make sure to cancel monthly payments.
Summary
There’s a lot of planning that goes into an extended career break. You must arrange for essential shipping, prepare your home, and even make arrangements with your bank.