The Independent - Career Breaks
Added to website: 15 July 2006
The Independent - Career Breaks supplement - 15th July 2006
Marine Conservation
Name: Diane Turner
Age:30
Occupation: Applications chemist
Why take a career break?
I was working very long hours, with very little thanks. I’d felt burned out for ages, but my boss refused me a sabbatical. Eventually, I decided to leave.
What did you do?
I went with my husband to do marine conservation work in Fiji last year. We were both qualified divers, although you don’t have to be to go on an expedition with Coral Cay Conservation (CCC). For the first two weeks out there, we did science training, where you learn about all the species of fish, algae and coral. Then we went out on two dives a day to look at the abundance of these species and write it up. Our trip was six weeks.
What did you learn?
If you go somewhere travelling, even if you backpack, you’re still a tourist. As someone genuinely living in the community, you learn so much about the culture and the people.
What are you doing now?
When I got back to the UK, I felt inspired and refreshed enough to start up my own business as a consultant. It’s going well.
Top career break tip?
Take time to think about what you’re going to do when you get back, even if your work abroad keeps you very busy.
