DownshiftingDownshifting is making a move down the career ladder in status, responsibility or reward in order to improve your overall quality of life. As downshifters must, by definition, already have established themselves (you must have something to downshift from), it is unlikely to be an option for graduates early in their career. It is mainly at professional and managerial levels that downshifting occurs. Downshifting is perhaps the most radical response of all to work-life balance difficulties and requires considerable reflection, planning and commitment. It often involves changes outside work, such as a geographical move. In the UK, downshifters often move to areas of cheaper housing to make up for drops in salary by making gains on housing costs. There are plenty of stories of successful downshifters who have exchanged financial rewards and status for an improved quality of life. Downshifting is unlikely to appeal to those who value status or are looking for the maximum possible financial reward from their career. back to top Career breakMany employers now have a career break policy as part of their flexible working practices. Typically, employees may ask for a period away from work in the knowledge that their job will still be there for them when they return. There is often a minimum period you have to work for your employer before you are eligible for a career break. Reasons for taking a career break may include, for example, wanting an opportunity to travel or do voluntary work. Overseas development agencies such as Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) allow experienced professionals to combine the two. For more ideas, see The Career Break Site. back to top Maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leaveThe longest-standing reason for employees to take a break from work is to care for children. All pregnant women are entitled to one year’s maternity leave in total and may be entitled to up to 39 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay. Specific employers may have more generous schemes. Regulations for adoption are similar. Paternity leave entitlement is currently one or two weeks’ prearranged paid leave. However, it is intended under powers granted under the 2006 Work and Families Act to extend this entitlement to 26 weeks. In addition, each parent is entitled to request up to 13 weeks’ unpaid parental leave, taken in short periods, in respect of each child under five. See further under Convincing employers, and full details of the rules about maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave are available from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). back to top Study leaveStudy leave is having time off to study for a qualification. It is usually offered if a qualification or period of training is required or supported by the employer. You may need leave to attend lectures or study at home. Sometimes this is built around assignment periods. back to top SecondmentA secondment is a temporary move to another organisation or department, often to carry out a specific project or gain experience. Secondments are sometimes used by organisations to fill temporary positions at short notice. For the employee, it can be a way of trying out a different kind of work, location or environment, or of developing skills. Secondments outside the organisation are often to related companies, clients or suppliers. Your salary usually stays unchanged after negotiations between the two departments or organisations. Some temporary jobs specify that they are suitable for secondment.
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