What to Do During a Career Break

 

Taking a career break can be a transformative experience, offering time to recharge, reflect, and realign your goals. Whether it’s for personal growth, education, family, or travel, how you use this time can significantly impact your professional and personal development.

If you’re currently on a career break or planning one, this guide will help you make the most of it.

Why Take a Career Break?

A career break can serve various purposes, such as:

• Reassessing Goals: Determine if your current career aligns with your long-term vision.
• Addressing Personal Needs: Focus on health, family, or personal challenges.
• Exploring Opportunities: Pursue new skills or interests without work pressures.

A career break doesn’t mean pausing progress—it’s an opportunity to pivot, learn, and grow.

What to Do During a Career Break

1. Reassess Your Career Goals

Take the time to evaluate where you are and where you want to go professionally.

How to Reassess:

• Reflect on past roles: What did you enjoy? What didn’t you like?
• Consider new paths: Are there other industries or roles that excite you?
• Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve after the break.

Example: If you’ve been in marketing but always loved writing, this might be the time to explore content creation as a career.

2. Learn New Skills

Use your break to upskill or reskill for future opportunities.

Ways to Learn:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses in diverse fields.
• Workshops: Join local or virtual workshops to gain hands-on experience.
• Certifications: Get certified in areas relevant to your field or desired career path.

Example: If you’re interested in data science, consider earning a certification in Python programming or analytics.

3. Build Your Network

Career breaks provide a chance to expand your professional circle without the pressure of a full-time job.

Networking Tips:

• Attend industry events or conferences.
• Reconnect with former colleagues or mentors.
• Engage on LinkedIn by sharing insights or commenting on posts.

Pro Tip: Building relationships during your break can open doors to opportunities when you’re ready to return.

4. Explore New Interests

A career break is a great time to dive into hobbies or passions you’ve been putting off.

Activities to Try:

• Creative Arts: Painting, writing, or photography.
• Fitness Goals: Join a yoga class, train for a marathon, or explore new sports.
• Community Involvement: Volunteer for causes you care about.

Example: If you’ve always been curious about cooking, take a culinary course or experiment with new recipes.

5. Focus on Personal Development

Career breaks aren’t just about professional growth—they’re also a chance to work on yourself.

Ways to Grow Personally:

• Read books on self-improvement, leadership, or mindfulness.
• Practice meditation or journaling to gain clarity and reduce stress.
• Set fitness and wellness goals for a healthier lifestyle.

Pro Tip: Personal development enhances your confidence and mindset, which are crucial for your career.

6. Travel and Gain New Perspectives

If possible, explore new places to broaden your horizons.

Benefits of Travel:

• Learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
• Gain fresh perspectives that can inspire creativity.
• Use the time for introspection and relaxation.

Example: A solo trip to a new city or country can spark new ideas for your career.

7. Volunteer or Freelance

Stay engaged by contributing to meaningful projects or working part-time.

Options:

• Volunteer for non-profits in areas you’re passionate about.
• Freelance in your field to keep your skills sharp and build your portfolio.
• Mentor someone starting out in your industry.

Pro Tip: Volunteering or freelancing adds valuable experiences to your resume during your break.

8. Plan for Your Return

While enjoying your break, don’t forget to strategize your comeback.

How to Prepare:

• Update your resume with any new skills or experiences.
• Practice your pitch to explain your career break positively in interviews.
• Research companies or roles you’re interested in.

Example: If your break was for education, highlight how it prepared you for the next phase of your career.

Common Challenges During a Career Break and How to Overcome Them

1. Feeling Out of Touch Professionally:
   Solution: Stay updated on industry trends by reading blogs, attending webinars, or joining forums.

2. Fear of Explaining the Break:
   Solution: Frame your break as a period of growth and learning in interviews.

3. Loss of Confidence:
   Solution: Reflect on your achievements and remind yourself of your strengths.

Benefits of a Career Break

Taking a career break offers numerous advantages:

• Increased Clarity: You return to work with a fresh perspective.
• Enhanced Skills: You gain new knowledge and experiences.
• Improved Well-Being: Time off helps reduce burnout and boosts mental health.

Examples of Productive Career Break Activities

• Completing a master’s degree or certification.
• Starting a blog or side project.
• Learning a new language or technical skill.
• Networking at industry events or online communities.

Conclusion

A career break doesn’t have to mean stepping away from growth—it’s an opportunity to redefine your goals, develop new skills, and return to work stronger than before.

What would you do if you had the chance to take a career break? Share your ideas below!