Job Market Insight: Professionals Share Their Go-To Plan When Taking Time Off

Whether it’s a long-awaited break from the daily grind or a dream of exploring the world, we all have our fantasies of what we'd do with a bit (or a lot) of extra time off. The Rise Community members weighed in on how they’d spend a break from work, and the responses range from the adventurous to the reflective. So, if you're looking for inspiration on how to make the most when taking time off, read on! Plus, we’ve included research to show why these plans are not just enjoyable, but beneficial to your well-being and professional growth.

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Travel is the Ultimate Escape

Unsurprisingly, the desire to travel comes up again and again in the survey. From global adventures to local explorations, traveling the world tops the list for many professionals.

Take User NS ⭐, for instance, who says, "I would 100% go travel the world and see so many new and exciting places." She dreams of visiting every continent and participating in local festivals wherever she lands. Similarly, User JD ⭐ envisions using his time off to "travel the world" while also working on personal projects.

For those who want a deeper experience, User EJ ⭐, a Chief Vision Officer, would spend her time "working on my writing and building a business while traveling & spending more time with family." It’s about balancing personal growth with adventure, making the most of a sabbatical both professionally and personally.

Research shows that travel offers numerous health benefits. According to the Global Commission on Aging, regular travel reduces the risk of heart disease and boosts happiness while reducing stress.

Key takeaway: Whether it’s seeing the world or spending time with loved ones, travel continues to be a go-to plan that not only brings joy but also offers health benefits and boosts creativity.

The Rise of Van Life and Off-the-Grid Adventures

For those craving more freedom and the open road, the appeal of van life has surged in popularity. User BG ⭐ actually lived the dream, traveling across the US and Canada in a van, camping in national forests and BLM land. "The secret is that you can camp on any national forest or BLM land (as long as you are respectful and clean)," he shares.

Others, like User KR ⭐ and User JT ⭐, also express a desire to embrace the nomadic lifestyle, with Toomey planning to "volunteer overseas for a few months, take personal travel through Europe, and make Japan a final stop."

Studies from the Journal of Environmental Psychology highlight that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mood. Similarly, research from Frontiers in Psychology indicates that disconnecting from daily life through outdoor activities, like camping, can enhance mental clarity and problem-solving skills.

Key takeaway: Van life and off-the-grid adventures don’t just offer freedom and exploration—they also provide mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving focus.

Upskilling and Personal Projects

Time off isn’t just about rest for some professionals; it’s also about growth. Many Rise Community members, like User RC ⭐, plan to "study and upskill with the latest marketing trends," while User NC ⭐ looks ahead, hoping to "find a way to be useful during the AI era by upskilling."

Similarly, User EU ⭐ would invest her time into relationships and writing her fiction novel, while User OO ⭐ plans to "write a memoir" in addition to traveling to Florence and Paris.

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that workers who take time to learn new skills during breaks or sabbaticals are more engaged when they return. They also experience higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Key takeaway: Time off offers a rare opportunity to focus on personal projects and career development, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Creating Memories with Loved Ones

For many, time off means a chance to reconnect with family and create lasting memories. User DR ⭐ dreams of taking her grandchildren and children on an Alaskan cruise and traveling the US with friends. Similarly, User DR ⭐ says they’d "spend more time with my family, play more board games, and work on my writing."

For User VC ⭐, spending time with family is a priority: "Without my family's love and support, I wouldn't be where I am today, so I'd prioritize spending as much time as I can with them."

Spending quality time with loved ones is known to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. The American Psychological Association has shown that strong relationships are linked to better mental health. Additionally, the Harvard Study of Adult Development found that the quality of relationships is one of the most significant predictors of long-term happiness and life satisfaction.

Key takeaway: Reconnecting with family during time off not only creates cherished memories but also boosts long-term happiness and mental well-being.

Rest, Reflect, and Recharge

Sometimes, the best way to spend time off is by doing, well, nothing at all. User LA ⭐ keeps it simple: "Rest." After all, rest is often overlooked in our fast-paced world. Similarly, User KW ⭐, who has already taken a year off, says she spent her time "resting, sitting quietly, reflecting, and realigning my goals."

User HR ⭐ has a more structured idea in mind: "Learn a new language, travel, and create!" She’s not alone in seeking to expand her horizons during time off—others in the community, like User RM ⭐, see time off as a chance to explore new hobbies, such as learning to play an instrument or taking pottery classes.

Regular breaks improve focus, creativity, and decision-making, according to research from Stanford University. Taking time to reflect can also enhance mental well-being and lead to more productive thinking.

Key takeaway: Time off for rest and reflection isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for maintaining creativity, productivity, and overall mental health.

Experiencing New Cultures and Foods

For foodies and cultural explorers, traveling isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about tasting the world! User TD dreams of taking time off to "try food from every country," making her travel experience all the more flavorful. User VD shares a similar sentiment, wanting to travel the world while learning a new language: "I dream of learning Korean!"

Studies from The Journal of Consumer Psychology show that experiencing new cultures, especially through food, can increase cultural awareness and empathy.

Key takeaway: Exploring new cultures and foods enriches your life, enhances empathy, and can bring greater long-term happiness than material possessions.

Rediscovering Hobbies and Creative Passions

Some Rise Community members see time off as a way to dive back into their creative passions. User RM ⭐ plans to explore different hobbies, such as learning to play a new instrument or taking pottery and gardening classes. Meanwhile, User KN ⭐ has her sights set on finishing the novel she’s always wanted to write.

User JP ⭐ keeps it simple: "I would explore as much of the world as I could." For others, like User AG ⭐, it’s about creating memories through experiences like scuba diving on different islands.

Research from the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology indicates that engaging in creative activities outside of work leads to improved problem-solving abilities and increased job performance.

Key takeaway: Time off is a perfect chance to reconnect with hobbies and passions, which significantly improve work performance and overall life satisfaction.

Whether it's travel, personal growth, or time with loved ones, professionals have a wide range of ideas for making the most of their time off. The most common theme? Taking a break doesn’t mean pausing life; instead, it’s a chance to rediscover what matters most. And with research supporting the benefits of rest, travel, upskilling, and creative pursuits, taking time off can offer you a powerful reset for both your personal and professional life.

So, if you had a year off—what would you do?

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