The Power and Purpose of Taking a Career-Break!

Summary: Career breaks are prolonged periods of time out from employment. Here I discuss why you should consider taking a career break... Perhaps it is time to start living that life you have imagined for so long?

"No one on his deathbed ever said I wish I had spent more time at the office" (Paul Tsongas)

It refers to a temporary pause in a person's career, during which they voluntarily take time off from their regular employment or professional responsibilities. It is a planned and intentional period of time when an individual steps away from their job or career to focus on other aspects of life, personal development, or to address specific life events or priorities.

A recent study by CV-Library found that, just under one third (32 per cent) of the working age population has taken some form of break during the course of their careers. According to the CIPD and MINTEL, for various different reasons, around 90,000 people in the UK (less than 0.3% of the working age population) take some sort of career break every year. People tend to take these breaks to pursue other personal interests or responsibilities. In a career break, unlike a sabbatical, you do not typically have a job lined up for your return to work.

My Quick LinkedIn Consultation Poll Results

Although taking a career break does have various benefits, such as personal growth, rejuvenation, pursuing other interests, or addressing work-life balance, according to my quick LinkedIn Poll, an overwhelming 71% of respondents revealed that they are not prepared to take a career-break in the next three years (see image below).

Now the question is, why do people want to keep on working without a break? Here I share a few solid reasons on why people may choose not to take a career-break:

• Financial Considerations:?Many individuals rely on their income for financial stability and fulfilling their financial obligations, such as paying bills, supporting their families, or saving for the future. Taking a career break may disrupt their financial situation and create uncertainties.
• Career Progression:?Some people are focused on advancing in their careers and believe that taking a break could slow down their progress. They may fear that their skills might become outdated, or they might miss out on opportunities for promotions or career development.
• Job Security:?In certain industries or job markets, there may be a perception that taking a break could negatively impact job security. Employers might prioritize individuals with continuous work experience, and taking time off may make it more challenging to re-enter the workforce.
• Professional Reputation:?Some individuals worry that a career break could negatively affect their professional reputation. They fear being perceived as less committed or less dedicated to their work, which could impact future job prospects or networking opportunities.
• Personal Fulfillment:?For some people, their work is a source of personal fulfillment, and they may genuinely enjoy their careers. They might not feel the need or desire to take a break because they find satisfaction and purpose in their professional pursuits.
• External Expectations:?Societal or cultural expectations, as well as pressure from family or peers, can influence individuals' decisions regarding career breaks. Some individuals may feel obligated to maintain a consistent career trajectory to meet external expectations, even if they might personally desire a break.

We all need to agree that the decision to take a career break is highly individual and depends on personal circumstances, priorities, and aspirations. However, if you can take a break, why not do it??

Why Taking A Career-Break Is A Good Idea?

Taking a career break can be a good idea for various reasons, and it can offer several benefits:

• Recharge and Renewal: A career break provides an opportunity to step away from the daily grind, giving you time to rest, recharge, and regain your enthusiasm and passion for work. It can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.
• Personal Growth: During a career break, you can focus on personal development, exploring new interests, acquiring new skills, or pursuing hobbies that may have been neglected due to work commitments.
• Career Reflection: A break allows you to step back and assess your career trajectory. It gives you the chance to reassess your goals, values, and aspirations, helping you make more informed decisions about your future career path.
• Work-Life Balance: In some cases, a career break can help individuals achieve a better work-life balance. It allows time for family commitments, travel, or other life events that might have been challenging to manage while working full-time.
• Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Stepping away from your routine can lead to fresh perspectives and enhanced creativity. Sometimes, taking a break can spark new ideas and innovative thinking when you return to your career.
• Skill Diversification: Career breaks can be an opportunity to acquire new skills or expand existing ones, making you more valuable and adaptable in the job market.
• Career Transition: A career break might be the catalyst for transitioning to a new career or exploring different industries, especially if you have been considering a change but felt too entrenched in your current job.
• Reduced Stress and Improved Health: Lower stress levels during a career break can have positive effects on both mental and physical health, leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle.
• Reconnect with Loved Ones: If work commitments have kept you away from family and friends, a career break allows you to spend quality time with loved ones and strengthen personal relationships.
• Time for Long-Term Projects: If you have had long-term personal projects or dreams, a career break can offer the dedicated time needed to pursue them without work-related interruptions.

I am in favor of career breaks, especially if you are feeling tired and unfulfilled at work. If this is the case, do take a step back to carefully think things through, see the bigger picture, reset and rebalance your life. Are you in the right career? Do you like the people you work with? Do you need a better worklife balance? It is all about quality of life and finding a happy compromise between your personal interests, friends, family and work. It is always a wise move to take some time off to consider your options.

For this purpose, yes, if possible, do take an extended break from work. It will give you a new perspective on your career and life. Taking a career break can seem scary at first, but it could be one of the best decisions you ever make.?Your job should not be perceived as something that has to be prioritised over all other aspects of your life.

"Amidst the tempests of life, sometimes we must grant ourselves a career break, a sacred pause, to rediscover our passions, refill our creative wells, and rekindle the spark that drives us forward."

So, give yourself a defined time frame for your break. Note that a long weekend or one or two weeks of annual leave at the beach just won’t cut it. Generally, a period of six to twelve months is considered a decent career break. Some people even take two years off work. It will help you relax, spend some quality time with your family, focus on hobbies, get fit, travel a bit, and re-evaluate your future career goals. This long break will allow you to reflect, evaluate and plan for what comes next.

Why Employers Should Encourage Career-Breaks...

Encouraging employees to take a career break can be beneficial for both the employees and the employers. By offering and promoting career breaks, employers show their commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and personal development. Career breaks allow employees to recharge and prevent burnout, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity upon their return.

During the break, employees may gain new skills and experiences that can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the workplace. Additionally, supporting career breaks can enhance employee loyalty and retention, as employees feel valued and supported in their personal growth and life events, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

"Life is not a straight line; it's filled with unexpected pauses and pivots. A career break is but a chapter in the grand narrative of self-discovery and growth"

Taking a career break is nothing to be ashamed of and you do not need to hide it from anybody. Employers respect those who decide to take a break to recharge batteries for that long life marathon ahead. They know that taking a long break from work is good for one's physical wellbeing and mental health. So, speak confidently about your decision to take a career break and show employers that you are not conscience-stricken about it. To the contrary, educate them on the benefits of this necessary professional breather!

Such extended escape prevent long-term burnout by reducing the relentless stress and strain of the daily work life. In general it does benefit the overall wellbeing and sense of self-worth of employees.

Moreover, career breaks help employees expand their horizons, reinforce business networks, develop fresh ideas, and in general, help them become much better at their jobs by allowing them to gain other valuable skills linked to their professional and personal passions.

Beyond the Break... When Employees Choose Not to Return!

Employees can use these breaks as an opportunity to work on a career change without having the feeling of having to return to your old job after a few months.?Often those who take a break from work do leave regular employment to set up their own businesses, go freelance, or to retrain in a different area. If you wish to move into another work sector, think about how you can build on your career break experience to make the move.

"Taking a career break will definitely help you gain perspective and figure out what you really want from life"

It's essential for both employees and employers to communicate openly and transparently throughout the career break process. Employers should clearly outline their expectations, policies, and potential implications related to career breaks, while employees should communicate their intentions and plans to return or not return as early as possible to allow for proper planning and decision-making.

It is important to note that in some instances, these career breaks may also make you realize just how much you enjoy your current job! With this fresh perspective, you could return feeling energized, rejuvenated, with renewed enthusiasm for the life you were planning to leave behind!

Some Final Thoughts...

Of course, we need to be aware of some arguments against taking a career break. You need to consider the potential gap in your career progress, losing touch with your field of expertise, the immediate financial loss, and all the necessary adjustments that you will need to make when returning to the workforce. Remember, the longer the break, the bigger the impact on getting back into work.

So, before you put into effect your escape, make sure you have planned well in advance so you can take care of yourself and your finances through it all. Do calculate a budget and see how feasible it is to take a break from work and for how long. Make sure you can handle the dramatic drop in income. You should have the equivalent of at least six to twelve months of expenses in your savings account.

Although you are not working in your normal job, it does not mean you cannot have a side gig or personal hobby that allows you to make some money on the side, even if it does not match your previous income, for example, writing, making fine art, photography, cooking, teaching, professional organising, etc. Pick up a fun side hustle and bank the money you earn.

Remember, the main reason people choose to take a career break is mainly to have a well-deserved rest, clear their minds and refocus! A career break will provide a respite from accumulated work stress and give you time to reset, gain back your self-motivation and jump back into work with a healthier and fresher mindset.

Most people are trapped in their professions and live on autopilot for too long without changing lines of work or employers, when in fact, change is a good thing. You need to take responsibility for your life. Do not miss out on potential life-changing opportunities. Know that it is only you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. So, whatever you want to do, do it now, the future is promised to no one!

• Read more: Your Job Can Be a Great Adventure... It's Up to You!
• Read more: Now is the Time for Worklife Balance!
• Read more: Dealing with Chronically Overworked Employees
• Read more: Creating a culture of 'Wellbeing'

Thanks for reading my blog & your kind support. Were any of the insights provided of value to you? I would welcome your feedback - please do ‘Like’ or ‘Comment’ your experience on this subject in the space provided! -?Follow me on LinkedIn ?for more articles and insights!

Disclaimer: The author is making this ‘Opinion Blog / Guide’ available in his personal effort to advance the understanding of best practices in workplace related matters. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this ‘Opinion Blog / Guide’ or for the results obtained from the use of the information provided. The information is provided on an ‘as is’ basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied. The views expressed are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of any entity whatsoever with which the author has been, is now, or is to be affiliated in the future.