Tom was approaching 30 and he wanted to step off the treadmill, but to do what? He needed time to rethink his goals.

Tom and his wife, Elva, decided on a moratorium — a time-out from responsibilities and commitments. They sold everything and bought a van. “But you’re giving up everything. … What will you do when you come back?” everyone cried.

After driving throughout North America, they settled in a small town. Tom does carpentry, an old hobby, and Elva is a bookkeeper. They have no regrets.

Time-out or moratorium was initially used to describe the period that adolescents go through while trying out roles in establishing their identities. Adolescents are given permission to delay adult commitments as they search for roles that fit. Those who experiment emerge stronger and more in control of their destinies.

But time-out is becoming more acceptable for adults. Adults want to derive more meaning from work and to define success personally.

Those who take moratoriums return from their breaks with greater vitality, enhanced self understanding, renewed confidence and greater vigor and courage to pursue their goals. They are healthier, revitalized.

Nevertheless, time-out may involve temporary personal or financial sacrifices or uncertainties. Tradeoffs include fear of not having a job to return to, loss of security or guilt that one won’t meet obligations.

Organizations are taking a more liberal view of time-out. While some have offered sabbaticals every five to ten years, many are recognizing that those who take time-out bring greater creativity and renewed vigor to their old or new positions.

Your identity is not static. You continue to learn and grow. Throughout life you progress through alternating transitional and developmental periods.

Transitions, which generally occur during late adolescence and around every birthday that ends in a zero, are times for questioning who you are and where you want to go. Time-outs usually occur during transitions.

Should you take time out? 

You must do what’s best for you. Responding “yes” or “no” to the following will help you clarify feelings:

1. I’m not sure what I want to do with my life.
2. I’m disenchanted with my lifestyle.
3. I question the importance and meaning of my work.
4. I feel stale or tired.
5. I’m restless.
6. I’m irritable and impatient.
7. I’ve explored many occupations, but don’t know what to do?
8. My body is sending me messages. I have frequent colds or other ailments.
9. I lack a clear sense of purpose.
10. Many things get me down.

Scoring: Four or more “yes” responses suggest you should consider at least a month off or get professional help. The more “yes” responses you have, the more you need time-out.

Prepare for Time-Out

– Listen to yourself. This will help clarify what you want. Believe you’ll succeed.

– Define and overcome barriers. Describe any blocks that are preventing you from taking time-out like fear of losing material things, power or prestige; fear of making a mistake; not knowing what you’ll do when you return; or guilt that change may interfere with relationships. What can you do to overcome the barriers?

– Let go of attachments. Growth requires letting go of material possessions and people. Ask yourself, “What do I need to let go of?” “What’s the worst thing that can happen if I let go?” “What can I do to minimize the risk?”

– Assess your finances and budget. Consider how much money you’ll need to live on. Can you survive on your partner’s salary? Live on savings for a year? Work at odd or part-time jobs? Live on less? Borrow money to survive?

– Know you have many exciting options. Investigate these. Research and planning will reduce risk.

Gloria took a sabbatical from teaching to study psychology. “I needed time to rethink the direction of my career,” she offers. Recently married and laid off, Barbara is enjoying the pleasures of day-to-day-living and developing previously ignored life components.

Mark’s illness, caused by job stressors, forced him to take time-out. During his convalescence he reassessed his career goals and researched his dream business. Today, this former executive describes his life as, “Disneyland … fantastic.”

Show prospective employers how you bettered yourself.  Many employers will respect your strength and courage.
Present a solid reason for your time-out. Have clear goals and focus.

Continuous learning is a hot topic so explain your new knowledge, self-understanding or skills. Illustrate how your enhanced creativity, enthusiasm, vigor and vitality can improve your performance and the company’s bottom line.

Time-out will enable you to develop courage to be open to new experiences. You’ll become more independent, mature, purposeful, flexible and have the power to effect change. You will be stronger and wiser.

For more advice, check out Quester’s Dare To Change Your Job and Life. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Researching career options takes time, but the benefits are numerous. It reduces uncertainty, tempers fantasies and saves considerable time, energy and money. In addition to knowing yourself, researching career options is a key to making a good choice. It’s also a great way to expand your thinking about your career and discover new alternatives.

Before you embark on your new venture, explore more than three career options, and check such things as the number of positions listed in the want ads, salary, benefits, employment outlook, advancement opportunities,  duties, work environment and education and licensing requirements. Find out what personal qualities are best suited to the job, how to get your foot in the door,  what kind of lifestyle the workers have and what kind of occupations are related to the field.

Also look at yourself, considering the minimum wage you can live on, what education you need to fill the gap between the skills you possess and the job requirements, how you’ll support yourself during training, what you consider as the job’s advantages and disadvantages, and how the job fits your attributes and desired lifestyle.

Sources of information.

— Printed materials. Directories, pamphlets and books, available in libraries, college, university or community career centers contain excellent information. Useful directories include the “National Occupational Classification,” the “Dictionary of Occupational Titles” and the “Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance.”

–The Internet. This has excellent sites for exploring general occupational fields, job trends and university and college programs.  Most professional and business associations have web pages that provide information and link you to additional resources.

— Rehearsing. This involves “trying out” an occupation to determine your suitability or “fit.” Obtain an evening or weekend job or work as a volunteer or intern during your vacation. Consider taking a job on probation while you enjoy a sabbatical, or enroll in a course offered by an educational institution, professional association or industry.

— Shadowing. Spend a few days following a professional in an occupation you’re considering. This can illustrate the day-to-day job realities and give you a “feel” for the work environment.  Shadowing can also develop into mentoring relationships and networking contacts. Some large companies have job shadowing programs with   eligibility criteria. But many smaller ones don’t.  Speak with the human resources department, or, in a very small company, the manager.

— Informational interviews. These are excellent information sources and can be fun. People like talking about themselves and their jobs. Interviews are a great networking tool. They can also uncover a prospective employer’s needs and may lead to a position.

Conduct as many as possible with professionals in the field. Contact friends, relatives, colleagues, and personnel in human resources departments or representing professional, trade, labor or business associations to locate knowledgeable professionals. Check the Gale Research Inc.’s Encyclopedia of Associations”and other guides in the library.

Ask: How did you get started in this work? What’s a typical day like? What do you like most and least about your work? What challenges do you deal with? How are the working conditions — hours, travel, physical demands? What skills are required? Where can I get these, how long it will take and what financial assistance is available?

Who else would you suggest I speak with? What professional associations should I contact? Would you enter the field if you could do it over? Do you have any advice? Follow-up with a thank–you note.

— Additional resources. You can get good information by attending career fairs, touring businesses, enrolling in career guidance courses, working through a computer guidance system available at some career centers, and viewing audio visual materials provided by some industries.

After you’ve investigated each option, write down your thoughts. Do you have the skills or can you acquire those needed to become successful? Does the occupation fit your personality, interests, needs, passion and desired lifestyle? Do your family and friends believe you’re suited to this work?

Use your intellect and intuition to determine the right path. Then develop a plan to attain your goal. Remember, if you follow your heart you’ll make the right decision.

For more information, check out Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963