Camilla offers a unique blend of one-on-one coaching, online courses, and a thriving community that focuses on helping individuals discover their true professional calling.
Experiencing a career pause or contemplating a career transition when heading towards the end of your career trajectory can be both challenging but on the plus side is also an opportunity for growth in new career directions. If you are over the permanent job search frustrations or not ready to dive back into full-time work but still want to stay engaged and productive, there are several career building strategic activities you can undertake to maintain momentum and further your career goals before you hit the retirement button.
Here are three ways to use this time effectively to revitalise your career and prepare for future permanent opportunities or to keep you occupied whilst contemplating retirement.
1. Engage in volunteer work
Volunteering offers a unique chance to stay active and contribute to causes that matter to you.
Here is why it is a valuable career development strategy:
Sense of purpose
Volunteering allows you to support meaningful causes and make a tangible impact in your community. This sense of purpose can be incredibly fulfilling and help combat feelings of career stagnation.
Skill enhancement
Many volunteer roles offer opportunities to develop new skills or refine existing ones. For example, you might gain experience in project management, fundraising or community outreach, which can enhance your professional skill set.
Networking
Volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals and professionals, expanding your network and opening doors to new opportunities. These connections can provide valuable insights and potential leads for future career prospects.
Confidence and resilience
By contributing to a cause and seeing the difference you make, you bolster your confidence, self worth and resilience which can be incredibly beneficial during career transitions.
2. Explore consulting, freelancing, or mentoring
If you are not ready to return to full-time employment, consider leveraging your expertise through consulting, freelancing or mentoring.
This is how these options can benefit you:
Consulting
Offering your expertise on a freelance or contract basis allows you to work on diverse projects across different industries. This flexibility enables you to stay professionally active while exploring career transitions, various interests and job search opportunities. Consulting can also help maintain your financial stability and keep you engaged with industry developments.
Freelancing
Freelancing offers a versatile way to apply your skills in short-term or project-based roles. It allows you to work at your own pace, choose projects that align with your interests and gain experience in new areas.
Mentoring
Sharing your knowledge and experience with others through mentoring can be deeply rewarding. It helps you stay connected to your professional community, offers opportunities for reciprocal learning and can enhance your reputation as an industry expert. Mentoring also provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction which can be valuable during career transitions when dealing with ambiguity and the unknown.
3. Maintain professional momentum
Even if you are not ready for full-time work, staying engaged in your field through these activities ensures that you remain active and visible in your industry.
It also strengthens your job search prospects:
Enhances your resume
Volunteer work, consulting, freelancing and mentoring all contribute valuable experiences that can enrich your resume and showcase your ongoing professional development.
Boost adaptability
Working in various roles and environments helps you stay adaptable and responsive to changing industry trends, making you a more attractive candidate for future opportunities.
Prepare for future roles
Engaging in these activities allows you to explore different aspects of your field, potentially uncovering new interests or career paths that align with your evolving career goals.
Conclusion
Taking a break from full-time employment doesn’t mean you have to stop growing or contributing. Engaging in volunteer work, consulting, freelancing, and mentoring are effective ways to stay active, enhance your skills, and maintain your professional network. By leveraging these strategies, you can stay motivated, build your career resilience, and prepare for a successful return to the workforce when you are ready.
Camilla Hasloch, Life and Career Development Coach
Camilla Hasloch, is the visionary founder of Glassceiling career management. With a passion for unconventional career development, Camilla offers a unique blend of one on one coaching, online courses, and a thriving community that focuses on helping individuals discover their true professional calling. She combines life and career development coaching for her clients to truly recognise who they are and what that looks like in a satisfying career.
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