I have been a bit quieter on social media recently. I wanted to really switch off from all the devices and spend as much time in nature as possible.
The activity I missed most when living in the UK was hiking the mountains, and of course – sunshine and blue skies. So I often went up the mountain that rises above my hometown. It’s 1500 metres above sea level and offers amazing views.
My career break has been an amazing experience. It was a time to step back from the day to day routine, a time to reflect and think about all the things I usually don’t have time to think about.
I got to spend a lot of time with my family, mainly my partner, my Dad and my sister, who has kindly volunteered to be a model for today’s video. Living abroad makes you appreciate family time a lot more, because you don’t have the luxury of popping in for a quick coffee whenever you feel like.
This time has been really important – it gave me space to gather all my thoughts and ideas. It was also a time to learn new things. About myself, who I am, where I want to be and how I want to spend my days.
Whilst I was doing all this reflecting and soul-searching, my partner also discovered new things about himself. 🙂
A Break Can Provide You With Much-Needed Space
When we burn out it’s usually because of too much of something. With burning out we lose the capacity to create new bridges – between what we already know and what we have yet to learn.
When you have time to be in the present moment, you might panic. You know, during the quiet time, when you don’t have anywhere to be, no one to answer to and no emails demanding an urgent reply.
It’s these gaps in our life that we shouldn’t fear, but accept. Even cherish. It’s these gaps that help us identify who we really are. Without all the rushing around ticking boxes.
Life is not a linear path
I learned that life is not a single trajectory, it’s not you spending all your years following a defined path. It’s full of detours, obstacles, workarounds, side streets and unexpected events. And that’s what makes life so beautiful…interesting…fun. I absolutely love that about life.
Creating something takes time
In order to create something you need time. In order to think you need time. Time to think and create. That’s the only way. It’s difficult to be creative if you don’t have the time and space for it. A career break is a perfect opportunity to use your time to do just that. Think, discover, learn and create. Even if it takes you the entire career break to come up with one idea. It’s worth it. You might never get the chance to be able to spend so much time focusing on these things.
What is next?
What comes after a career break will be different for everyone.
I have lived in four different countries so far and each one had its pros and cons. But in the end, it’s every person’s priorities that influence a decision about where they live.
Sometimes, to make big changes in life, you have to wait for the right time. As with anything you need to have patience.
What about you? Have you ever taken a break from work? Or during your school/study years? Let me know in the comments 🙂
Read more interesting articles:
- Why Taking a Career Break Is Good For You
- A Year of Changes, Growth & Being Bold
- The Pandemic Made Me Re-Evaluate My Life
- Finding Joy in a Simple Life
- STRUNJAN – the Most Pristine Part of Slovenian Coast
- Missing the Good Weather and Being Outdoors
- Cycles of Life and Why Nature is the Best Therapy
- Foraging for Wild Asparagus & Asparagus Frittata Recipe
- How to Forage Dandelion Greens & How to Make a Spring Salad with Wild Edible Flowers
- One of the Healthiest Waters In the World: Mineral Spring Water in Slovenia
