Why Taking a Career Break Can Revitalize Your Professional Path
A career break can be a strong choice. It allows you to regain your passion for work, explore new career paths, or manage personal matters. For those feeling burned out, it can be a lifesaver.
Financial planning is essential. Although stepping away from a salary can be costly, careful budgeting reduces anxiety and helps you enjoy your time off.
Marie, a career breaker with over 20 years in tech, left her director-level role due to burnout. She emphasized the importance of understanding your reasons for taking a break. “Feeling the ‘why’ gives you confidence,” she said. Many people may think you are making a mistake, but knowing your motivation strengthens your resolve.
A LinkedIn survey found that nearly 62% of employees have taken a career break. Over a third expressed a desire to take one in the future. Instead of damaging your CV, a career break can demonstrate that you are intentional about your career and willing to invest in yourself.
Women often leave corporate jobs to take breaks or pursue new ventures, according to Ciara Garvan, founder of WorkJuggle. With people living longer, many can have multiple careers, and a break can facilitate this transition.
If you still like your job but need a pause, consider discussing leave options with your manager. Marie suggested checking your company’s HR policy first. You might find you only need a month off rather than quitting completely.
The pandemic shifted priorities for many workers. Companies that offer sabbaticals are now more appealing. Parents can take unpaid parental leave or carer’s leave, keeping their jobs open for their return.
Creating a financial plan helps ease the transition into a career break. Financial consultant Daniel Hardiman explained that reviewing your finances reduces stress. For example, one client left her job but saved money on childcare, cutting her income loss significantly.
Start saving a portion of your salary before taking a break. Marie set a target to save enough for nine months of living expenses. This approach helps avoid financial strain while you’re off work.
What are the potential benefits of taking a career break for mental health and well-being?
News Directory 3 Interview: The Value of Career Breaks with Expert Ciara Garvan
In our ongoing exploration of workplace trends, we spoke with Ciara Garvan, the founder of WorkJuggle, to delve into the growing acceptance and potential benefits of taking career breaks. As more employees reevaluate their career trajectories and personal well-being, understanding the nuances of stepping away from work has never been more critical.
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Ciara. Why do you think more employees are considering career breaks today?
Ciara Garvan: Thank you for having me! There are several factors at play. The pandemic shifted priorities for a lot of individuals, prompting many to reevaluate their lives and what they truly want. A career break serves as a valuable opportunity for people to step back, regain focus, and recharge. In addition, the idea that one must continuously escalate in their career is now outdated. With the reality that people live longer, it’s become increasingly common to shift paths or start new ventures after a break.
News Directory 3: You mentioned people’s motivations for taking a break. We recently interviewed Marie, a former tech director, who emphasized the importance of understanding one’s “why”. Can you elaborate on this?
Ciara Garvan: Absolutely. Recognizing your reasoning provides clarity and empowerment. Many people fear judgment from colleagues or employers when they consider a break. However, when you understand and articulate your motivations—be it burnout or the desire to pursue a new career—it builds your confidence. Marie is a great example of someone who took a well-considered step back. This clarity can also help counteract concerns about damaging your CV; instead, a break can highlight your commitment to self-care and intentional career management.
News Directory 3: How do you recommend employees navigate the financial aspects of taking a career break?
Ciara Garvan: Financial planning is crucial. It can be alarming to step away from a salary, but this doesn’t have to mean financial ruin. I’ve worked with clients who successfully budgeted for breaks by reviewing their finances and planning out their spending. Daniel Hardiman, a financial consultant, emphasizes how this preparation alleviates stress. For instance, one client saved significantly by reducing unnecessary expenditures while on leave, which made her transition smoother.
News Directory 3: What advice do you have for those who still enjoy their jobs but feel they need a pause?
Ciara Garvan: Communication is key. I suggest starting a conversation with your manager about potential leave options before considering quitting altogether. Many organizations have policies about sabbaticals, parental leave, or even carer’s leave, which can allow you to take time off without severing ties to your role completely. As we’ve seen, companies are increasingly supportive of such discussions, which helps retain talented employees.
News Directory 3: What insights do you have about the growing trend of women taking career breaks?
Ciara Garvan: Women often find themselves at pivotal points in their lives where a career break is essential for various reasons—whether it be family commitments, personal health, or a desire to switch careers. Many women feel empowered to make these choices now, which is enabling them to redefine success on their own terms. It’s a promising trend that reflects a shift towards a more balanced approach to work and life.
News Directory 3: Final thoughts for those considering taking a career break?
Ciara Garvan: Embrace the journey! A career break is not a setback but an investment in your long-term well-being and happiness. Explore your passions, re-evaluate your career goals, and remember that intentional time off can greatly enhance your future professional life. The insights gained during this period of reflection can lead you to opportunities you may never have considered before.
We thank Ciara Garvan for her valuable insights into the significance of career breaks in today’s work landscape. As more individuals recognize the importance of mental well-being, changes in professional attitudes may pave the way for a more fulfilling work culture.
For further insights and expert analysis, stay tuned to News Directory 3.
Being on a reduced budget might actually decrease spending. When living at home, you may find yourself less reliant on takeout and other indulgences. Tracking your needs and wants can reveal surprising savings opportunities. Marie cut unnecessary expenses by reviewing subscriptions and planning meals.
It’s wise to have at least a six-month financial cushion for unexpected bills, Garvan advised. Additionally, review your health cover. Talk to your manager about options for maintaining coverage during your leave.
Consider the impact on your pension contributions. Taking a break can lead to gaps that affect your future pension payouts. Women often face a gender pension gap due to time away from work for caregiving responsibilities.
You can counteract potential gaps by making additional voluntary contributions in advance or upon return. Those taking breaks for caregiving should look into the Homemaker’s Scheme to help with PRSI contributions.
If your job offers a share scheme, timing your resignation is critical. Holding onto shares for a minimum time could lead to tax exemptions.
If you do quit, you can apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit, though there may be a waiting period.
Finally, a career break opens new possibilities. It’s an excellent time to explore interests or learn new skills. Many free educational resources are available, such as local events and online courses.
Using this time wisely can lead to personal growth and renewed clarity about your career objectives. Whether you decide to return to corporate life or take a new path, a career break can be a significant and rewarding step.