Synopsis: A lot of individuals fear taking a break because they feel it can negatively impact their opportunities. The general impression is that a break can be a career killer instead of giving it a boost. But this need not be true if the time is used in a constructive way.
There comes a time when individuals might decide to take a break from their professional journey. The reasons can be personal or professional, and the duration of the break can vary from months to years.
While these factors can have an impact when such people want to resume their careers, managing these and the perceptions around the reasons can go a long way in making the return as enjoyable as a well-deserved break. It all starts with planning — from the time you decide to take a break.
When to consider a career break
Career breaks can be either planned or arise unexpectedly due to personal circumstances.
Sangeeta Lal, Senior Partner, TRANSEARCH India, says executives contemplate a career break when they find themselves on a professional plateau — there is no growth in sight for a while. They might decide to take some time off because of the monotony of repetitive tasks, a lack of excitement in their current role, or a sense that the organisational landscape is no longer aligned with their professional goals.
In addition, she says individuals can also consider a break when faced with the prospect of moving into a role that lacks functional appeal or relocating to another location, especially if these changes do not align with their career aspirations.
Harold D’Souza, Co-Founder and Director, WalkWater Talent Advisors, an executive search and talent advisory company, expresses a similar opinion. He says the right time to consider a work hiatus is when individuals experience signs of burnout, diminished motivation or face personal circumstances that demand dedicated attention. Recognising these signals early allows individuals to prioritise their well-being and take the necessary steps to address the challenges effectively.
Make the best use of a career break
A lot of individuals fear taking a break because they feel it can negatively impact their opportunities. The general impression is that a break can be a career killer instead of giving it a boost. But this need not be true if the time is used in a constructive way.
In Lal’s opinion, career breaks serve as a strategic opportunity for individuals to upgrade their skills. Whether through participation in management programmes, exploring new technologies or certification as coaches, professionals must actively invest in self-improvement during these intervals.
“I recall an executive who pursued an MBA early in his career from a non-Ivy League institution. However, as the landscape has evolved and today, many renowned Ivy League colleges offer comprehensive one-year executive MBA programmes, incorporating diverse elements to meet the needs of professionals, he felt it was a good time to gain a global perspective from a prestigious college, get to network, and learn from faculty and students around the world,” says Lal.
This is an example of how even experienced professionals can plan a break without fear. Such a move will widen the spectrum of knowledge and help grab better growth opportunities.
D’Souza says utilising a career break optimally involves mixing it up with personal development, upskilling and rejuvenation. During this period, he says individuals should engage in meaningful projects. However, it’s important to avoid pitfalls such as isolation, procrastination or neglecting skill development. Striking a balance between relaxation and constructive activities ensures a well-rounded and productive break, he adds.
How long should a career break last
Once a decision has been made to take a break, it is important to know how long a professional can be away from the employment landscape.
Lal says that in her experience, a majority of individuals aiming to re-enter the workforce successfully achieve this goal within a span of six months to two years of taking the break. However, employers accept candidates who have taken longer breaks also provided the reasons are seen worthy and are communicated properly.
She points out that the post-Covid era has ushered in a notable shift in employer attitudes. There is a marked increase in understanding and expressing empathy towards professionals with career breaks. An accommodating stance is visible now; it wasn’t so prevalent in the pre-Covid era.
D’Souza says the ideal duration of a career break can depend on the circumstances. While shorter breaks are often easier to manage, a well-justified longer break focused on personal growth or entrepreneurial ventures can be equally valuable. Staying connected through networking and staying informed about industry trends are crucial during any break.
Fields that are open to post-career-break candidates
The receptiveness of organisations to executives returning from a career break is often influenced by the ethos and values of the company. From a general perspective, industries associated with the new economy, startup ecosystem and digital technology tend to be more open to such returns.
After Covid, there has been a noticeable trend toward a more flexible and case-specific evaluation of individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce, says the senior partner in TRANSEARCH.
She recalls an instance where a C-suite executive with nearly 20 years of work experience decided to leave a multinational organisation, returned to India, and took an 18-month work hiatus due to professional and personal reasons. When he decided to re-enter the job market through a well-connected and thoughtful approach, he successfully landed a CEO role in a prominent Indian company. This highlights the evolving openness to executive returns within the professional landscape.
While explaining the behaviour of various industries towards career breaks, D’Souza says that industries like IT, marketing and creative sectors are generally more open to post-career-break candidates, emphasising skills over a continuous work trajectory. On the other hand, areas with strict regulatory requirements or those where continuous experience is critical, such as law or certain medical professions, might pose more challenges for individuals returning after a break.
Preparing to return to the workforce
A key piece of advice from Lal to anyone returning to the job market and exploring opportunities is to deeply analyse the market dynamics and intricacies.
In her experience, employers typically assess individuals based on their awareness of the current business challenges and the rapidly changing business landscape. Demonstrating to the potential employer that one is well aware of the nuances of the job situation is paramount.
Additionally, she says that leveraging social media as a platform to share industry insights and market commentary can serve as a powerful tool, establishing one’s presence as a thought leader in the field. This often catches the eye of recruiters, further enhancing one’s professional visibility and appeal. Many executives might check out briefly, but never really leave, she adds.
D’Souza’s strategies for a successful return involve updating skills, networking and tailoring a resume to highlight experiences gained during the break. He says that leveraging professional connections, seeking mentorship, and being transparent about the career break during interviews can help individuals turn this period into a positive narrative for prospective employers.
Source: The Economic Times