5 Ways to Revive Your Career After a Sabbatical

Taking a sabbatical is acceptable, but coming back is easier said than done. It's not an issue for female professionals, especially if raising kid(s) is the reason behind it. Those who don't have a family can look to sports. (Roger Federer's successful comeback inspired his injured peers, but six months off the tour didn't turn out to be enough.) You're thinking of spending the year far and away from home, counting the lapping waves while sipping on your iced-cold drink. Nothing wrong about it if you earned it, but you couldn't tell it to ex-colleagues. You even wondered if it would be preposterous to think such a thing.

If you didn't devote your time to volunteering, then it's fine. There's no need to be guilty about getting away from a treadmill race with no brakes. If rejuvenation helps you become motivated about working again, then you need to focus on the present. You won't be working right away, yet you should plan about your next move.

The Right Moves For a Brighter Future

You must believe that you can make a comeback. You may be disoriented, if not wishing to lie in a hammock for another day or two. Doubts can creep in anytime, which is natural for someone who has been away. You should think that there is a good reason behind your leave. You must believe that you learned something, even if you can only recount your few visits to the museums. And you must visualize it. If it won't be good enough, then keep on saying it.

You can consider volunteering as an option. It might seem too late for the day, but it's better than none at all. As a matter of fact, this will be a good gauge if you're ready to join the rat race once more. Finding one may not be as challenging as keeping your motivation in doing volunteer work. Keep tabs of the new skills that you have learned, which you would mention on your next college interview. The next item has something to do with this one.

Get ready to do some networking. Volunteering provides you with some valuable experience, which you may (or may not) include in your resume. You should have met new people, who can work with you on another occasion. They might lead you to another person, who can offer you a new job. It's all about going with the flow, yet you can do it your own way. And it can turn out be impressive from your part. This phase will remind you to be creative about your approach to the happenings. If you haven't figured it out, then look at your resume one more time. The sabbatical is a sign that you need to make some changes. Keep in mind that the outcome must make you better than a new graduate looking for that first job.

Reconnect with your professional self. LinkedIn is the first thing that comes to mind, and you're spot on. If you're still struggling to build upon your self-confidence, then social media can keep you from the prying eyes of recruiters and/or employers. The other option is to call your former colleagues and ask them about any openings. You don't have to be coy about it. On the other hand, there's a right time and place to ask it. You might be thinking about inviting that ex-workmate for a coffee. You must not have second thoughts about it.

Bring back your efficient self. Your room needs cleaning. It might be high time to rearrange it. The same thing applies to the other parts of your apartment (or home). Don't take your time on it, as you should get back to the treadmill race sooner or later. If you skip on your exercise routine, then do it without planning. Anything to keep you pumped up is better than none at all.

Let's Make Something Clear About Something

You must have a clear goal after your sabbatical. If you're starting all over again, then it might not be a good idea to make a rush on it. Look at your resume, and decide what new skill (or two) that needs to be learned sooner.

You may not have high expectations, but it can backfire on you. A prolonged break should give your sense of resolve, if not renewed persistence to finish any task. Let's not forget the motivation to stick on a routine for long periods. How can you show it on your resume? If you can't think of one, then seek an expert opinion from a former colleague whom you look up to. It will be better if you can ask a former boss of yours.

You might be coming back to something (after a leave), and this can cause some problems. How will your colleagues look at you? If they have higher expectations, then be prepared to buckle down. Don't shun it, not even the pressure that comes along with it. Good luck!