A career break, often taken to combat burnout, pursue personal goals, or handle life circumstances, can be both liberating and challenging. However, navigating reentry into the workforce after such a hiatus often requires careful planning and strategy.
Recently, British singer Adele announced she would take an extended break from work to rest and enjoy her life after years of professional success. Her decision reignited discussions on the pros and cons of stepping away from one's career, as well as its potential long-term impact.
Understanding Career Breaks
A career break is a gap in one's employment history, either planned or due to unforeseen circumstances. The reasons for such breaks vary widely—ranging from caregiving responsibilities and health issues to pursuing higher education or exploring alternative careers. According to Roma Puri, an associate professor of organizational behavior, such decisions often stem from dissatisfaction with work, personal fulfillment goals, or the need to recharge after extended periods of professional engagement.
While there’s no set duration for an ideal career break, experts suggest limiting it to a manageable period—typically a few months to three years—to avoid difficulties reentering the workforce.
A 2022 LinkedIn survey found that 62% of 23,000 global participants had taken a career break at some point, while 35% expressed an intention to take one in the future. This trend prompted LinkedIn to introduce a “career break” feature, enabling users to explain gaps in their profiles and share the reasons behind them.
The Challenges of Returning
Returning to work after a career break can be complex, particularly in regions where such gaps are stigmatized. For instance, Anshika Sahay, a former corporate lawyer from Delhi, encountered biases during her job search after a nine-month break for medical reasons. "Career breaks are often viewed as a sign of professional instability or incompetence," she notes, underscoring the lack of normalization around such gaps in many industries.
Similarly, Ishani Pruthi, who left her job at a toxic workplace, found that being honest about the reason for her career break could be viewed negatively by prospective employers. "Many suggest not mentioning workplace culture issues to avoid being perceived as difficult," she explains.
Strategic Planning for a Career Break
Taking a career break requires thoughtful preparation. Key considerations include:
Defining the Duration: Decide how long you can realistically step away from the workforce.
Assessing Financial Backup: Understand your financial situation and whether adjustments to your lifestyle or spending are necessary.
Evaluating Career Impact: Determine how the break might affect future job prospects and whether it aligns with your long-term career goals.
According to career coaches, mid-career professionals with 10–15 years of experience often find it easier to manage career breaks due to their established networks and industry knowledge. However, fresh graduates or early-career professionals should approach breaks cautiously unless unavoidable.
Preparing for Reentry
Experts recommend the following strategies to ease the transition back into the workforce:
Update Your Professional Profile: Refresh your LinkedIn profile, résumé, and cover letter, emphasizing skills gained during the break.
Network Strategicall*: Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Attend events to build new connections.
Highlight Growth: Showcase any upskilling, volunteer work, or personal projects you pursued during your time away.
Be Honest and Confident: Clearly explain your reasons for the break without fear of judgment.
Embracing the Benefits
Although career breaks can be challenging, they offer an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and clarity about future goals. As career coach Bhakti Talati notes, "A career break isn’t the end of your professional journey; it’s a pause to focus on what matters most at that point in your life."
With the right preparation and mindset, a career break can become a transformative experience rather than a setback.
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