Career breaks – yay or nay?
Let's start with some numbers. A LinkedIn survey of 23,000 workers revealed that a significant 62 percent have taken a career break, and 35 percent expressed their desire to take one in the future. However, there is still a stigma associated with a career break. Whether you took time off to raise your family, care for a loved one, or yourself – employers look at these gaps and wonder about them. As recruiters, we do too, because we know we must explain the gaps to our clients.
Why are career gaps concerning?
Employers worry you may:
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Let's delve into personal experiences.
One summer, I made the decision to pause and reflect on my career path. This was a significant step for me, having been in the workforce since I was 16, juggling school, early marriage, and then kids. It was the first time I took a break that wasn't maternity leave (which, let me tell you, is not a break). I took the opportunity to unwind, to truly unwind, and to reflect on the different careers and jobs I had in the past – what I liked, what I disliked, and what I was hoping to find next. This time was a gift, leading me to a new understanding of my professional goals and aspirations.
I realized that I had done some recruiting mandates and really enjoyed it, and it paid off. I was seeking work that was flexible, though. I had children whose schools expected parents to volunteer, and I enjoyed being there. I also had an elderly grandmother and parents who were approaching that age as well. I was lucky enough to find a job that accommodated my schedule. It was commission only, so when I worked, I had the potential to earn, but if my family needed me, I could attend to them, it was ideal.
Most employers don’t offer that flexibility, so people may need to take career breaks. Caring for kids, teens, elderly parents, or a sick loved one is very demanding. These breaks offer a respite from trying to juggle it all because, let’s be honest, it is very difficult to juggle it all. I don't think I would have been able to do it successfully, so instead of taking a full break for many years while I had kids and aging parents, I was able to find some balance doing both. I, however, am in the minority. Most people must juggle it all and are perpetually stressed out, worrying that something or someone is suffering. Taking a career break, if you can afford to, alleviates some of the worry and stress. Once people are able, they can rejoin the workforce, often feeling more energized, and more focused on their goals.
So how can we alleviate employer’s worries?
I suggest that those returning to work after a break – take some time and get caught up on the latest tech that your company uses. Play around with AI like ChatGPT, take some courses, and make sure to read up on changes in your field. Show the potential employers that you have done your research. You're up to date and ready to walk back in with minimal oversight. Ask them if there are other skills you need to brush up on and do it before you start. We often tell people who are looking to make a move to brush up on their Excel skills to use online videos to advance their skills. Excel is such a widely used tool that it certainly helps.
Make every effort to research the employer, understand their needs, and show them how your past experiences can help and how your break reenergized you for the greater challenges that await you.