What is a Career Break?

It is a period away from one’s job by choice. Employees might take a career break for many reasons, including family, health, personal and professional development. A career break can be positive for employees focused on work-life balance, those wishing to explore new interests, those looking to pursue higher education, or those who want a break from their jobs.

Some companies offer career breaks to benefit their employees; others do not. An employee agrees not to work for an agreed length to take a career break. The employee taking a career break can be family-related, health-related, personal, or professional. The duration of a career break is usually less than a sabbatical.

Benefits of taking a career break

Sometimes, employees feel burnt out, or they need to take a long break from work for various reasons. In this case, an employee can take a career break. It has many benefits, including:

• You will have a lot of time to start something new.
• You can change your career path.
• Learn some new skills and get some certifications.
• Profession network expansion.
• Give attention to your personal life.
• Take care of your physical and mental health.

Reasons for taking a career break

As said earlier, there are plenty of reasons why employees take career breaks:

• To spend time with family: Employees often live far away from home for work. A career break can help them be close to home. For new parents, a career break can be an important time to nurture their baby and spend more time as a family.
• Take care of your health: If your health has been deteriorating for unexplainable reasons, a career break can be a time to improve it.
• To be a caregiver: If you have elderly parents or relatives who need your attention, taking some time off from your career is a good way to dedicate more time to their caretaking.
• To start your business: When someone wants to start something on their own, they can take a career break and start a business. This phase can be solely dedicated to the new company, and you can figure out how to make it work during your career break. If it doesn’t, it is always possible to return to your job.

How to plan for a career break

Career breaks can be long-time-offs. You have to be financially and mentally prepared to take the long break. To avoid unnecessary stress, you need to plan ahead of time; here is how you can do it –

Save enough money for the break

When it comes to career breaks, nobody knows how long it is going to be. Sometimes, you may have to be on a break for a longer time than expected. So, it would help if you prepared for every possibility. Save enough for the career break, and keep in mind the duration of the break, your needs, the economy, and any emergencies that may arise during that time.

Be ready to face challenges

During the career break, you may run out of money. You can take freelance work during this time to keep yourself afloat. Be flexible enough to work through the challenges that come your way.

Make a return-to-work plan

While planning for a career break, you can also make a return to work plan. Keep in touch with your current employer. Ask if they have any policy for career breaks or sabbaticals, if they do good for you. You can request them for a career break and be back later. You can also maintain your relationship with your employer and ask for a recommendation when looking for a new job. Keep networking and expanding your professional circle to get a new job when needed.

FAQs

Is it good to take a career break?

Career breaks aren’t bad and should be taken when the person is ready for a long break. If an employee is burnt out or has an emergency health issue or family problems, they have to take an extended career break. Sometimes, career breaks are unavoidable, and nobody can do anything about it.

How long is an acceptable career break?

A 1-2 year career break is acceptable. However, you can take a longer one when needed. Remember, the longer the break, the harder it will be to re-enter the workforce. Sometimes, you can take a short career break of 6 months to plan your next move better.

Can you work during a career break?

Yes, you can work during a career break in an alternate career to keep paying the bills. For example, if you are travelling abroad, you can take volunteering jobs for free accommodation and food.

How to write a career break in a CV?

You can mention a career break in the CV if it is long. Do not highlight it or draw attention to it. Instead, you can mention the skills you learned during this time in your career.

How do you recover from a career break?

It would help if you were mentally prepared to recover from your career break. Take control of the narrative. Stepping out of your comfort zone and rejoining the workforce can be challenging; however, try to take it slow and be patient with yourself.