Career breaks - good or bad idea?
Kylie Wright
People Leader || Entrepreneur & Searching for a Business to Acquire || Director @ SME Ventures
I started my career in the mid 90’s.? On the back of a recession.? Being in work constantly in “something that always pays a good salary” was the only career advice I was given.?
Thankfully, for knowledge workers in 2023 we are in a more evolved place of choice.? It’s not easier.? There are still plenty of hard things to tackle in a good career but I believe it is better.
We are in a place where entrepreneurs are admired, attention to health and well-being is (more) respected and career breaks are possible.
I have a philosophy of taking them after each hefty role.? But I don’t do it lightly.? And always “earn and learn” during this time.?
A career break can set you up for the next big thing.? It can encourage deep learning.? It can make you a more well-rounded person.
There are talent platforms to help you source leads for advisory and consulting gigs if you are on a career break. Platforms like https://catalant.com/, https://glginsights.com/, or https://www.bluwave.net/ if you are experienced in the PE world.? And of course all the gig worker sites if you have a trade that is relevant.
There are also great tools to manage your network and find new angles to your career.? Like LinkedIn :)
And there are social platforms to build your brand both personally and professionally if you want to.
领英推荐
So how to decide if we need a career break and is it still risky to have a gap on your CV?
My view is that the most compelling reason to take a career break is to invest in your relationships -- which can take a hit while you are intensely focused on a job.?
Each of my three career breaks has been driven by the need to spend more time with a family member while also investing in myself.? ?
They have always been a good idea.? But it is very personal and finding interim work has its ups and downs.?
Right now I am taking a career break to spend time with my father.? I will never regret this. And my career will benefit.?
The way I am investing in my career during this time is building new networks, undertaking a course and advising growth companies on #talent #strategy.?
By the end of 2023 I will come back brighter and ready for the next chapter.? My CV will look much the same. But my soul will be better for it.?
Content Associate
4 个月Came across this post just when I was in two minds whether I should go for that break or not. Thanks for this Kylie Wright . Very insightful ?
Empowering Careers: CV Expert, Founder at PurpleCV & Mentor for Future Leaders
1 年A good read, thanks Kylie. If you think about it, it’s very unhealthy to work many years non-stop! We have come across many candidates who are nervous about gaps in their CV, but it’s not the end of the world. You can use that time to decide what’s next, learn some new skills and prepare for your next goal. We have a blog with more information on how to address gaps in your CV. If you’d like me to share the article, let me know!
Accommodation Property Investments ? Non-Executive Director ? Not-for-Profit Consultant
1 年Lovely piece Kylie, enjoy the time
Business & Technology Transformation Leader | Thought Leader - Bridging the gap between Cybersecurity and Technology Transformation | Public Sector & Financial Services | Identity & Access Management | CISO & CIO Advisor
1 年Great article Kylie, very well written. Everyone needs to pause and rethink their next steps and purpose.
Success Life Coach - for when you want more. I'll help you discover what you want out of life and coach you with the right tools to achieve it.
1 年Great article, thank you. Taking a break to have a clear mind and refocus on what is important to you and where you want to spend the next period of time is well used time. We all have things we are passionate about and it is a chance to relook at what and where we want to go next. All the best for the next step.