HELLO
Nearly time for the annual chocolate, cute bunny, and copious amounts of Pinot Grigio festival that is Easter (what do you mean, the Pinot Grigio is just us?!).
A few days off work is always nice, and we're here to help you turn that into an extended break, where you can recharge, develop new skills and have an awesome time!
In today's newsletter we've got volunteer roles, new career breaks, free stuff, inspiration, advice, useful links and a joke (which we had to read twice before we got it). So fetch a Creme Egg (even though they're not as good as they used to be), grab a cup of tea, and get stuck in.
SPONSORED - FANCY A CHANGE OF SCENE?
Is 2015 not yet shaping up to how you thought it would? There's still time to have an amazing summer!
Raleigh International is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteer managers to join sustainable development expeditions.
There are loads of roles so you're bound to find one that suits your specific skills and experiences. You could be helping to conserve one of the world’s oldest rainforests in Malaysian Borneo, increasing access to safe water in rural communities in Tanzania or trekking from one side of Costa Rica to the other.
This is a truly life-changing opportunity, and your contribution will have a positive impact for years to come. Apply now.
FREE STUFF AND DISCOUNTS
Up to 33% off Hilton Hotel stays for weekends in 2015
Free menu app finds you a nearby restaurant and gets you 40% off your dinner
Free Bloke Coke - 500 ml bottle
Free coffee at Gregg's - we suspect this is vile but can't confirm, having not been into a Gregg's since 2005. Still, whatever gets you through the working day, eh?
Free microchipping for your dog - if you're going away and leaving Rover with a mate, might be wise to get him chipped in case he tries to go looking for you.
NEW AND UPDATED CAREER BREAKS
Find all our new and updated career breaks here - there are quite a few this month and cover all sorts of exciting things, so do have a look!
PHOTO CORNER - YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION
If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will! A photographer takes pictures of "Hidden Smiles" - Vietnamese people covering their mouths while they smile. Charming.
VIDEO CORNER
Best apps for travel - from Google with slightly irritating presenters but useful info, especially if you work on the road.
ON THE BLOG
First up, we have how NOT to raise money for your career break - inspired by the number of crap crowdfunding pages we've been 'directed' to. Read this if you want to do it right.
Our exclusive guest post this month is from the lovely Paula of Soothed in the City. She write about how to have a "mindful" career break with some great advice on how to make the most of your experience and not go mental!
We have an infographic that we nicked off someone else's site - it's a load of funny signs and labels from around the world.
Our interview this month is with Rocky Travel and is based on her expertise as a solo traveller around Australia (although her tips can be used for solo travel anywhere of course).
Finally, this month's fun post is 25 ways backpacking is like having a baby. Contains a surprising amount of references to vomit.
You can see all these, and the rest of our posts, here: http://www.thecareerbreaksite.com/blog. If you want to submit a guest post to our blog, use our shiny new blog post submission form!
ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERWEB
Site founder Rachel is quoted extensively in this article on how a break from your job can boost your career. The publication is Madame Noire which is an American lifestyle magazine for black women - but of course, the career break advice applies to anyone!
TIP OF THE MONTH
Go solid whenever you can. We're talking shampoo, deodorant, sunblock, etc. Not only does it save you hassle with carry-on luggage and those stupid little plastic bags, solid versions of usually liquid products are lighter and won't leak all over your backpack.
USEFUL THING OF THE MONTH
Also incredibly beautiful - interactive cherry blossom map for Japan.
FUN THING OF THE MONTH
This Geoguessr game. It shows you a picture from Google streetview and you have to guess where in the world it is. We were surprisingly not that bad at this, but we did get a few easy ones!
JOKE
A cash machine has just charged me two quid for a transaction but told me to cover my PIN to prevent from being robbed.
FINALLY
We're always interested in your career break plans and why you're doing what you're doing. Drop us a line and let us know what you're up to (we won't share your plans, it's just for our own interest!).
Until next month, have a lovely Easter and enjoy the start of spring!
Love,
The Career Break Site
xxx