Taking a career break

A Career break can sound attractive, but it is important that you take time to think about if it’s really suitable for you.

Taking a career break – is it for me?

Be honest with yourself – will six months or a year away from your career really make all the difference, or are you simply in the wrong job?

There are lots of different reasons why people choose to take time out from their career:

Travel
Volunteering
Studying
Devote time to a special project
Care for a family member
See more of your friends or relatives

This is not an exhaustive list, but in each case, there is something positive pulling you from your career, rather than negative factors such as stress, boredom and time pressures pushing you away. You are more likely to benefit from a career break if you have a constructive plan of how you will spend your time.

Career break - positives

Taking time out from work to do something that you really enjoy can give you a fresh perspective on life.
It can allow you to recharge your batteries and return to your job with renewed enthusiasm.
You can develop new skills which enhance your ability to do your job when you return.

Career break - negatives

Plan ahead to make sure you can fund your break and continue any existing financial commitments.
During your time away from your job, colleagues, processes, policies and systems may change, and that you may need to refresh your skills, brush up on your knowledge and catch up on any developments that have passed you by during your break.

Career break – practical issues

Many large companies have policies for staff wanting to take career breaks, which guarantee you a job to return to, plus some continuation of service and benefits such as your pension, make sure you know how your service-related benefits will be affected.
If no policy exists at your workplace, talk to your employer, as you may be able to reach an informal arrangement, make sure this is in writing.
If your employer can’t help you may decide to take a chance and resign, hoping that you can get your old job back later. Think carefully before taking this course of action, and take advice from your family.