Rise In Workers Seeking Career Breaks

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 15, 2009 -
Increasing numbers of British workers are looking to volunteer abroad to escape stagnant careers, according to research by Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO).

Despite rising unemployment, 14 per cent of the UK’s 28million workers are considering leaving secure jobs to volunteer abroad. According to VSO this increase has been prompted by a feeling of professional stagnation amongst 40 per cent of British workers, caused by pay-cuts, shrinking training budgets and poorer chances of promotion.

Martyn Fawdry, who previously worked as a policy manager, switched his position for a voluntary one in Africa and insists the move will pay off professionally.

"Employees who stick to the same routine and don't take on new challenges are not only more vulnerable to redundancy, but also find it harder to bounce back when redundancy materialises," he claims.

As well as giving workers space to take on new challenges abroad, volunteering can help build career breakers’ CVs, enabling them to return to the job market with improved communication, leadership and teamwork skills.

The benefits of taking a career break are not just limited to those who head abroad to volunteer – companies who hold the door back to work open for returning employees can also look to gain.

Graham Warnes, a manager at exam board Edexcel, allowed one employee, Abi Davis, to head abroad to volunteer in South America for around six months.

“The business gets more back than it loses,” he said.

“They [career breakers] explore what they want to do and come back refreshed, energised, with a changed outlook about where they want to go. This is all good for the business. It spurs on developments and changes.”

Those who are not yet on the jobs ladder can also benefit from volunteering abroad. According to research by Timebank, 84 per cent of employers believe volunteering to be a good springboard into work.

There are a wealth of opportunities out there for those who want to go abroad to volunteer. Volunteer travel specialists i-to-i (http://www.i-to-i.com) offer more than 500 trips across five continents, meaning those wanting to take a career break are sure to find something that suits, from community development in Kenya to sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Those who act fast and book before the end of September can also claim a massive 15% off the cost of their volunteer placements.

Those wanting more information about career breaks should take a look at the travel guides on i-to-i’s travel community, Campfire (http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/categories/8...) or call their travel experts on 0800 093 1505. For media enquiries contact Honor Baldry at honor.baldry@i-to-i.com.

Photo:
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