Nothing puts your job into perspective like returning from a summer holiday. Pack away your sunglasses, and the thought of managing the same old meeting rota becomes one great excuse for a career break.

It is estimated that most adults now change careers twice in a lifetime and with few PAs starting and ending careers in one company there is scope to try something new.

“People aren’t prepared to be unhappy,” says Sherridan Hughes, a career counsellor. “Many do what is expected of them, don’t like it and change their career as a result. They do it for fun, personal development, a career boost or to give something back to society.”

Luckily the summer is bursting with chances to escape monotony while reinvigorating that career. Just consider which one will work before flouncing out of the office.

“You must plan,” says Sherridan. “Don’t take time off then realise that you’ve not done what you wanted. Make it worth your while.”

For the financially secure, voluntary work gives PAs numerous options. Administrative skills are in demand, so bypassing tree-planting and producing the newsletter or organising events could fast-track career change.

Internships are another option. Most involve weeks of project work and, luckily for PAs, many organisations prefer their transferable skills over younger applicants. For exotic options try international work. Seeking a transfer to a far-flung office creates new perspectives and the opportunity to learn another language. Or what about adult education? This is perfect for PAs who want a complete change.

Intensive summer courses are tasters while long-term courses begin in September. Most PAs show a breadth of experience that colleges are desperate to enrol.

“Transferable skills are key when making a break,” says Paul Armstrong, of the recruitment specialists Penna. “Be creative when selling skills. For example, if you’ve worked with a lunatic boss it shows that you can manage people.”

Paul believes that PAs seeking career breaks should also look ahead. He suggests building contacts before and during the break to maximise a return to work while using your break to make an eye-catching CV.

One person who has done that is Linda McCormick, PA to the editor of the women’s erotic magazine Scarlet. In 2005, at the age of 34, she left her nursing career to try her hand at writing.

“I found out that Scarlet used interns so I applied and got four weeks’ work,” Linda says. “I organised the office, researched and wrote, and got on so well with the editor that I stayed.

“If I can change careers at this age anyone can. I am completely happy with my new career and am finally doing what I always wanted. Just be confident and go for it.”

Explore Career

• Graduate

• Senior Executive

• Recruiter Forum

• Top 100 Graduate Employers

• Top 50 Women

• Best 100 Companies

• Careers in

Times Recommends

• Inspirational leadership
• How to get a new job
• The reluctant CEO