Career Break Travel: Why We Quit Our Jobs at 37 to Travel for 7 Months

Taking a career break to travel the world might seem like a dream reserved for gap year students or those in their twenties. However, an increasing number of working professionals are discovering that a well-planned sabbatical can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. I’d taken a career break previously at 24, which at that age felt easy, but at 37, my girlfriend and I made the more difficult decision to quit our well paid jobs and spend seven months exploring parts of the world we’d never seen. It was challenging, exhilarating, and ultimately one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

If you’re a working professional considering a career break for travel, this guide will help you navigate the practical considerations and make informed decisions about timing, finances, and career impact.

Why Take a Career Break for Travel?

Career breaks offer unique benefits that standard holidays simply cannot provide. Extended travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in different cultures, develop new perspectives, and gain experiences that can enhance both your personal growth and professional skills. Many professionals find that taking time away from their careers helps them return with renewed energy, clearer priorities, and valuable soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.

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The key difference between a career break and early retirement is intention. A sabbatical is a temporary pause designed to enrich your life before returning to work, rather than a permanent exit from your profession.

Financial Planning: The Foundation of Your Career Break

How Much Money Do You Need?

Financial planning is arguably the most critical aspect of career break planning. You’ll need to budget for three distinct phases: the travel period itself, the transition period when you return, and your safety net.

For our seven-month journey, we budgeted approximately £20,000 each, which covered accommodation, food, transport, activities, and insurance across Asia and South America However, your budget will vary significantly depending on your destinations and travel style.

More importantly, we ensured we had enough money to live comfortably for at least six months after returning home. This financial cushion proved essential, as finding new employment took longer than expected – it took me 4 months, the job search process can be lengthy.

Building Your Travel Fund

Start saving at least 18-24 months before your planned departure. Consider these strategies:

• Open a dedicated savings account for your travel fund
• Reduce unnecessary expenses and redirect that money to savings
• Take on freelance work or a side hustle specifically for travel savings
• Sell items you won’t need during your absence
• Consider renting out your property if you own your home

Remember to account for costs you’ll still have while away, such as storage fees, insurance, phone contracts, and any property-related expenses.

Timing Your Career Break

The Sweet Spot: When to Go

The timing of your career break can significantly impact both your travel experience and career prospects. We chose to travel at 37 after establishing ourselves professionally and building substantial savings. This timing worked well because:

• We had enough career experience to be confident about finding new roles
• Our savings capacity was at its peak
• We felt ready for a major life change before settling into long-term commitments

How Long Should You Travel?

Seven months proved to be an ideal duration for us. It was long enough to feel genuinely transformative and allow for slow travel, but not so long that employers viewed it as a red flag. Generally, career breaks of 6-12 months strike the right balance between meaningful experience and career protection.

Anything shorter than three months may feel rushed and not provide the full benefits of extended travel. Conversely, breaks longer than 18 months can raise questions about your commitment to returning to work and may make reintegration more challenging. Read here for more about How To Plan A Trip Around The World: The Initial Preparation

Protecting Your Career Prospects

Before You Leave

The way you leave your current position can significantly impact your future career prospects. Where possible:

• Consider negotiating a sabbatical rather than resignation if your company offers such programmes
• Give generous notice to your employer (3-6 months is ideal)
• Offer to train your replacement thoroughly
• Complete all projects to a high standard
• Maintain positive relationships with colleagues and managers

Document your achievements and gather references before departing. You’ll want these materials readily available when you return to job hunting.

Managing the Employment Gap

Be prepared to address your career break confidently in future interviews. Frame your travel as a positive experience that enhanced your skills rather than a gap in employment. Highlight qualities you developed such as:

• Cultural sensitivity and global awareness
• Independence and self-reliance
• Problem-solving in challenging situations
• Adaptability and resilience
• Language skills

Consider maintaining some professional engagement during your travels through occasional freelance work, industry reading, or professional development courses.

Before You Go: Essential Preparation

Career Considerations

• Research your industry’s attitude towards career breaks
• Network extensively before leaving to maintain professional relationships
• Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your planned sabbatical
• Consider professional development goals for your time away
• Plan your return strategy, including potential employers to approach

Practical Preparations

• Arrange comprehensive travel insurance
• Ensure your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages
• Research visa requirements for all planned destinations
• Organise your finances, including international banking arrangements
• Plan storage for your belongings
• Arrange mail forwarding services
• Notify relevant institutions of your absence

Read more on Travel Planning and Preparation: Things To Do Before Travelling

Health and Safety

• Schedule comprehensive health check-ups and dental work
• Obtain necessary vaccinations well in advance
• Research healthcare systems in your destination countries
• Register with your embassy in countries with political instability
• Prepare emergency contact lists and important document copies

During Your Career Break: Making the Most of It

Maintaining Balance

While it’s tempting to pack every moment with activities, remember that rest and reflection are valuable parts of the experience. Allow time for:

• Processing new experiences and cultural observations
• Maintaining relationships with family and friends at home
• Keeping a travel journal for personal reflection and future job interviews
• Learning new skills that could benefit your career
• Volunteering or engaging in meaningful activities

Staying Connected Professionally

Without becoming a workaholic on holiday, consider light professional engagement:

• Share appropriate travel content on professional social media
• Attend networking events or professional meetups in major cities
• Read industry publications to stay current with developments
• Complete online courses relevant to your field
• Maintain relationships with key professional contacts

After Your Return: Successful Reintegration

Job Hunting Strategies

Returning to work after a career break requires strategic planning. Start your job search 2-3 months before your planned return, if possible:

• Update your CV to include relevant skills gained during travel
• Prepare compelling answers about your career break for interviews
• Leverage your professional network actively
• Consider contract or temporary work to ease back into employment
• Be patient with the process as it may take longer than expected

Managing Expectations

Reintegration can be challenging both personally and professionally. You may experience:

• Reverse culture shock upon returning home
• Frustration with the job search process
• Financial pressure if your job hunt takes longer than expected
• Difficulty adjusting to routine after months of freedom

These challenges are normal and temporary. Having realistic expectations and adequate financial reserves will help you navigate this transition period successfully.

Leveraging Your Experience

Don’t underestimate the value of your travel experience in the workplace. The skills you’ve developed and perspectives you’ve gained can be significant assets:

• Enhanced cultural sensitivity in increasingly global workplaces
• Improved problem-solving and adaptability skills
• Greater confidence and independence
• Broader worldview and creative thinking
• Stories and experiences that can enhance client relationships

Common Concerns and How to Address Them

“What Will Employers Think?”

Modern employers increasingly value diverse experiences and global perspectives. Frame your career break as evidence of your planning skills, courage, and commitment to personal development. The key is confident, professional communication about your experience.

“Will I Be Able to Readjust to Working Life?”

Most professionals find they return to work with renewed energy and perspective. The key is gradual reintegration and realistic expectations about the adjustment period.

“What If I Can’t Find a Job When I Return?”

This is why financial planning is crucial. Having 6-12 months of expenses saved provides the security to search for the right opportunity rather than accepting the first offer out of desperation.

Is a Career Break Right for You?

A career break for travel isn’t suitable for everyone. Consider whether you have:

• Sufficient savings to fund both travel and your return transition
• A career that can withstand a temporary absence and easy return
• Clear goals for your time away
• The personality and resilience for extended travel
• Realistic expectations about challenges and benefits

If you can honestly say yes to these factors, a career break could be one of the most valuable investments you make in yourself.

Final Thoughts

Taking a career break at 37 challenged us, changed us, and ultimately enriched our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. The seven months we spent travelling provided experiences, friendships, and perspectives that continue to benefit us years later. Yes, returning to work took longer than expected, and yes, there were financial pressures and moments of doubt.

However, the growth, memories, and skills we gained far outweighed these temporary challenges. For working professionals considering a sabbatical, the key is thorough planning, realistic expectations, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.

The working world will still be there when you return, but the opportunity for this kind of extended adventure may not. If you’re financially prepared and professionally positioned to take a career break, it could be the adventure that transforms not just your perspective on the world, but on your entire life.

Remember, a career break isn’t about escaping your life permanently. It’s about pausing, exploring, growing, and returning with renewed purpose and energy for the next chapter of your professional journey.