Posted by A career break is an unpaid, purposeful leave from work, often used for professional development or managing personal life. The duration can vary, ranging from a few months to years or more, depending on individual plans.
Reasons for taking a career break
Whether you’re taking a career break for personal or health reasons, there are plenty of advantages to taking time off to focus on yourself. Let’s look a little deeper into why some time away from the office might be beneficial to you.
1. Shift your mindset
A career break can shift your mindset and provide a healthy detachment from work, allowing individuals to explore new opportunities. Many people may not change their career or companies for years, but change can be beneficial. After a few months, one may decide to change their career direction, apply for senior roles, or return to their old company. This decision is a positive step towards determining one’s true life purpose.
2. Expand your skill set
Take a career break to expand your skillset, upskill, or retrain. With less work stress and more free time, focus on studying or gaining new qualifications through higher education, online courses, or volunteer work. This break can improve your future employability and open new opportunities.
3. Strengthen family bonds
A healthy work-life balance is important for a fulfilling life, and it also emphasizes the importance of healthy family relationships. While quality time with family is often limited during annual leave, extending breaks and spending more time with them can provide numerous benefits. This is especially important for elderly parents who may struggle with caring duties.
4. Take time off from a toxic workplace
A toxic work environment can lead to issues like gossip, discrimination, office tension, and employee burnout. However, it’s also common for employees to blur the line between work and home life, working overtime, or discussing their job outside of the office. A career break can help recover from this environment, providing time to rest and create distance between the two jobs. This can help avoid bringing negative feelings with you to the new job.
5. Reflect on your career path
If you find yourself in a rut at work, stagnating, and lacking motivation, it’s time to re-evaluate and reflect on your career path. A career break can help you reflect on your goals, determine your future path, and feel accomplished and satisfied with your career choices in 10 years.
6. Get involved in a passion project
A passion project is any work outside of work that brings joy and satisfaction, such as podcasting, writing, or coding. A career break allows individuals to focus on their passions, gaining self-fulfillment that would be challenging to achieve in addition to work responsibilities.
7. Travel the world
Travel breaks from work can be an exciting adventure, providing new learnings and experiences. Consider it as an adult gap year or year abroad, allowing you to take out as much time as needed. Traveling can broaden your horizons, boost confidence, improve communication skills, and make you a better-rounded person, potentially making you more employable when you return to the workplace.
8. Focus on your mental health and well-being
A career break is common for health reasons and mental health reasons, as professional life can lead to stress, burnout, and sleep issues. Prioritizing health over attractive salaries or job titles is important. A career break can provide a respite from work stress, reset, and regain self-motivation, allowing individuals to return to work with a healthier mindset.
9. Expand your career connections
Expanding your career connections is important for both new and established professionals. Opportunities include attending events, webinars, and connecting on online platforms like LinkedIn. This network can enhance your business profile, broaden career prospects, and aid in job search if you return to work. It’s also beneficial for those considering starting a business.
Explaining a career break/career gap to potential employers
Taking a career break is definitely not shameful and can be beneficial for you, as being open and explaining it to potential employers can help you impress your interviewer. Here’s our advice on how to explain a career break/career gap to potential employers.
- List your career break openly on your CV and in your cover letter
- Expect to explain your career break in your job interview
- Showcase any role-specific new skills or qualifications you’ve gained during your break from work
- Highlight any new skills or experiences you developed while on your break.
- Highlight any events during your time off that show likeable characteristics, such as charity work, hobbies or volunteering
- Discuss your career break confidently, highlighting its value and how it has shaped you.
How to manage a career break
1. Take a step back and consider your career path
Before taking a career break, assess your achievements, challenges, and satisfaction in your current role. Consider potential promotions or appraisals and how your break could impact them. Consider your career path and how it aligns with long-term goals.
2. Don’t forget about a back-up plan
Ensure a backup strategy is in place for career breaks, as unexpected circumstances like industry changes or family changes can disrupt your career objectives. Consider a side hustle or alternative revenue source to maintain your stability.
3. Build meaningful professional connections
Maintaining a strong professional network is important for career success, both during and after a break. Strengthen connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry peers, providing support, guidance, and potential opportunities when re-entering the workforce.
4. Enhance your skill set
During your career break, invest time in upskilling by acquiring new knowledge, certifications, or attending workshops to stay competitive, boost confidence, and adapt to the evolving professional landscape.
5. Keep a record of your professional growth
Record career break experiences in a journal or document, showcasing growth, achievements, and skills acquired. This documentation can be valuable when returning to work and demonstrating on CVs and interviews.
Related article: Is Taking a Mid-Career Break a Good Idea?
How to plan a career break
1. Let your employer know
To take a career break, inform your employer and have an open conversation about your intentions. Discuss potential adjustments and consider sabbatical options or incentives. If a career break is necessary, go for it, staying true to your needs and considering the options available.
2. Sort out your financial planning
Before a career break, create a budget for a steady income or explore alternative revenue streams. Reduce financial stress by reviewing your personal budget, reassessing insurance policies, and finding cost-saving measures.
3. Define what you want to get out of your career break
During your break, create a structured plan outlining activities and steps to achieve goals, such as global travel or family starting. Track skill development and identify areas for improvement. Align your activities with your personal development plan, incorporating educational pursuits or lifestyle aspirations, to ensure a smooth transition.
4. Plan your return to work
During your career break, consider planning a smooth return to the workforce, whether it’s resuming a similar role, exploring a career change, or pursuing entrepreneurship, and create a detailed plan with specific steps for your return.
5. Fully enjoy your time away from work
Embrace your career break as a thoughtful decision for personal and professional growth, applying newly acquired skills to future endeavors.
May this sharing provide benefits and guidance for you.
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