Get the Best from a Career Break

Saying Hello to a Hiatus

Taking an extended break from work can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. When you’re not in your daily work routine, the possibilities are limitless. You can examine your priorities and values, and decide where you want to go in life. Or, if you’re a new parent, you can spend lots of quality time with your baby, uninterrupted by the demands of a 9-to-5 job. You can further your education or even launch that business you’ve been thinking about for years.

“I’ve been working for quite a while now. Am I throwing away everything I’ve achieved if I take a break?”

But before you walk into your boss’s office and explain that the company will just have to survive without you for the next year or so, there are a few things you might want to consider. When you contemplate a career break, ask yourself some basic questions, including:

• What do you specifically hope to accomplish?
• How determined are you to see it through?
• Have you talked to anyone about your idea?
• What concrete plans are in place?
• Are you financially prepared?
• What will you do if things don’t go according to plan?

“A career break is some time away from your usual working role and everyday routine. There are many positive reasons to consider taking one: Starting a family is the most common, but study, travel, trying out a business idea or caring for family members are other positive priorities.”

The answers to these questions will tell you if you’re ready to take the plunge. You may be fortunate to work for a company that views career breaks favorably. An organization that has invested time and money in your training and growth will expect you to return with a fresh outlook, new skills and a deeper commitment. In general, younger employees who are less set in their routines are more likely to pursue career breaks.

“Visualize the beginning, middle and end of your time away and your eventual return to work.”

Consider the career ramifications. Taking time out from work means giving up a steady paycheck. Additionally, you will have a time gap on your resume that you’ll need to explain to potential employers if and when you return to the workforce.

Before speaking with your boss – which for many is the scariest part of pursuing a career break – solidify your plans with your family. Make sure everyone is on the same page and that you have strong support. When you approach your boss, show confidence; know exactly what you’re going to ask. Explain how this break will make you a better employee and what benefits it could bring to the company. Perhaps your organization has a policy that allows you to take a sabbatical. Be prepared for your boss to deny your request. You may have some negotiating room, but the boss may also inform you that you have no alternative except maintaining full-time status if you want to keep your job.

Do You Know Where You’re Going?

The fact that you’re even thinking about a career break indicates that you may be struggling to balance your values. You may be genuinely unhappy at work or simply unsure of the direction you’re heading in life. To help determine your priorities, find a quiet room, close your eyes and pretend you are looking back at your life many years from now. List what went well and what did not. Your positive accomplishments might include:

• Spending quality time with your family.
• Cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships with friends.
• Building a successful business.
• Volunteering your time to help others in need.

“Remember that people other than yourself may be affected by your decision to have a career break.”

Among your regrets might be:

• Spending money needlessly.
• Not traveling enough.
• Staying in “safe,” but unsatisfactory, jobs.
• Not helping others enough.

Next, consolidate these thoughts into subject categories and write them down: Family, professional productivity, planning for the future, fun, adventure and volunteerism. Now list these categories in the order of their importance to you. Don’t worry about society’s standards or what your next-door neighbor would say. Focus only on your values.

“In general, the younger you are and the less routine your life is, the less inhibited you may feel about taking the plunge.”

When you’ve completed your list, determine whether your objectives are being satisfied right now and if you’re comfortable looking at the same picture five or 10 years down the road. Think about the goals and values that matter. Putting your priorities in order will lead you to increased self-awareness and help you determine whether a career break is appropriate.

Weigh Your Options

Career breaks present terrific opportunities. You can use the time to fulfill a dream or to do something that’s really worthwhile to you. If trying to climb Mt. Everest or working for the Peace Corps in a developing country or earning an M.B.A. or doing something meaningful is your dream, whether it is lucrative or not, then pursue it.

“Money is the single consideration most likely to put people off taking a break.”

Your employer might offer several options for working out a satisfactory arrangement. Perhaps you qualify for a paid sabbatical, where your company allows you to return to school for an advanced degree. Or your company may grant you unpaid leave for a specific period and hold your job open.

If your organization is large and flexible enough, you might be able to transfer to another department for a refreshing change. Learning additional skills will make you a more valuable employee, and can prevent boredom and staleness. Talk it over with your supervisor, who may offer other creative suggestions. Savvy companies prefer to keep their best people happy, rather than having to spend valuable time and money recruiting and training new employees.

“Make sure that you leave with the best possible reputation so that you’ll get a glowing reference.”

The reality, however, is that to get a career break you may have to leave your job. That can be a blessing in disguise since it would give you the freedom to explore a new field, start your own business, or enter the nonprofit or volunteer sector. Depending upon your skills and experience, you might also find opportunities overseas.

Don’t Forget about Money

Finances are a huge consideration when you contemplate a career break. Some individuals are fortunate enough or prudent enough to have saved sufficient money to sustain them for several months. But most people who depend on a regular paycheck will need to make significant adjustments in their lifestyles to stop working, even for a short time. The financial stress caused by not properly preparing for a break can offset any benefit you may derive from it.

“Having a plan will help you...but don’t feel you have to stick to it rigidly. You may decide to rethink your objectives as a result of experiences you have early on, so try to remain focused, but be flexible, too.”

If you’ve been steadily employed for a number of years, you probably have a good idea of how well your salary addresses your financial commitments. Depending on your obligations, you may be able to find a part-time job and still meet your obligations. Take a closer look at your bills. Make sure the interest rate on your mortgage is as low as possible. Shop around for better terms for car and health insurance. Consider a personal consolidation loan that may simplify your situation and save some money. You may be able to defer payments on your 401(K) or your child’s college fund until you resume a full-time position. Budgeting is even more crucial with a reduced income. Allow for unexpected occurrences such as car repairs, or medical or dental emergencies.

Alternative Routes

If your employer denies your request for a career break and you really need a change, don’t despair. You and your company may still be able to derive a mutually satisfactory approach. Telecommuting is becoming more and more popular as a viable alternative for workers who want more flexibility, so try to determine if working from home is practical in your situation.

“One downside to keep in mind when considering a career break is that it can be very difficult to get back into work afterwards.”

If a telecommuting precedent has already been established in your company, you obviously stand a greater chance of presenting a compelling case. Ask colleagues who telecommute whether they enjoy it. Try to find out how many employees have successfully applied for a work-at-home option. Consider whether you could meet your responsibilities as a telecommuter.

“This is particularly true if you have used your break to do something ‘off topic’ – you may find that you are not the same person as you were before, and that your job no longer suits who you are!”

Be ready to present a strong case to your boss. Emphasize that your motivation is strong and that you will keep the quality of your work at a high level. Point out that you can even work extra hours at home, if needed. Explain that working from home will allow you to take better care of your children, resulting in fewer sick days and personal days. Your boss may meet you halfway and allow you to spend a couple of days a week working from home. Accept the offer graciously. Don’t be antagonistic or act disappointed. Keep an eye on your larger opportunities. After all, you may need a good reference one day.

Back in the Saddle Again

Throughout your break maintain contact with your co-workers. That will make the transition back to work a little smoother. However, don’t count on a hero’s welcome. Some of your colleagues may have envied your decision to take a break. Others may resent having to give up the added responsibilities or even the extra office space they assumed in your absence. You might even encounter outright hostility. Just try to maintain a positive attitude, and be as productive and helpful as possible.

“Recognize that you may experience culture shock initially when you return to work, and decide in advance how you can help yourself cope.”

Even if everyone is welcoming and positive, the transition back to work after a career break can cause anxiety. You may be returning to your old job, but you are bound to find changes. Maybe there are new employees or different operating procedures or an upgraded computer system. You may not have your usual self-confidence, but don’t fret. In a week or two, you’ll be back in your routine and you’ll feel much more comfortable.

“Try not to step on anyone’s toes, especially those who have been covering for you in your absence.”

When you have the opportunity for casual conversation, talk with your co-workers about the positive aspects of your career break. They’ll want to hear about your experience, why it made you a better employee, what you did or learned, and how the company will benefit. Your top managers may also want to interview you formally. Before you return to work, think carefully about the different aspects of your experience so that you will be prepared to articulate them.

Exploring New Horizons

What if your career break is so enlightening and energizing that you decide not to return to your old job? After reflecting on your values and priorities, you may decide to enter an entirely different field. You may want new challenges and a change of pace. Sit down and consider your options. Review your career. Be very specific and honest with yourself. Have you accomplished what you set out to do when you entered the workforce? Has your career been fulfilling or a disappointment? Are your skills transferable to another field? Are you prepared to relocate for a promising opportunity? Do you need more training?

“Unless you spread the word yourself, people may not recognize what a break has done for you.”

Obviously, transitions within the same profession are easier. A newspaper reporter yearning to be a freelance magazine writer will almost certainly have an easier time than a construction worker who wants to be a computer programmer. Be realistic about your ambitions. Even if you possess the necessary skills, the industry you are interested in may be overcrowded and not currently hiring. Basic Internet research can tell you what professions are most promising for your future.

Maybe you’re not quite sure where your interests lie, but you want to get back to working full-time and you are open to possibilities. Promote yourself. Tell your friends and neighbors about your talents and experience. Explain why you would be a terrific employee and why you want to move ahead. You may not wind up in your dream job, but you could get a step or two closer to figuring out what you really want to do. A career break may only come along once in a lifetime, so don’t waste this ideal growth opportunity. Use it to fortify yourself for the future.

Bentley Moore Executive

We hope that you found this summary both insightful and of use.

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About the Author

The “Steps to Success” series, published by A&C Black, offers small books on career skills, including managing projects, handling stress and working from home.