What’s the importance of taking time off?

According to LinkedIn, over sixty percent of professionals have taken a career break. And many of them reported that it made them more resilient and better at their jobs (Source: LinkedIn Career Break Feature Announcement, 2022). Career breaks are often seen as red flags by employers and employees. A common thought is that a career break is taken because of lack of ambition or failure. In reality, career breaks can give you a sense of clarity, time for personal growth, and a competitive edge. It’s time that you stop fearing the gap career breaks create.

Constant productivity is not real

There is a strong cultural obsession over typical 9-5 jobs. Most of the time people associate continuous and non-stop work as success. There are future complications that can affect your body and mind because of non-stop working. It increases mental health issues, decreases fitness and job satisfaction. Hence, don’t see taking a break as something negative but necessary.

Types of Career Breaks

1. Voluntary breaks: A lot of people take voluntary breaks to travel, for personal projects, to pursue higher education, to start a family business and spend more time with family.

2. Involuntary breaks: A lot of people have to leave their jobs out of compulsion. Some get laid off, some have to take a break due to health conditions, some leave to care for a family member, and some due to economic instability.

        It’s important to emphasise that not all career breaks are planned before and it’s ok to take breaks in an emergency.

Advantages of a Career Break

1. Take time off to build yourself mentally; to grow strength and ability to face challenges.

2. Use your time away to learn new skills. Get used to good habits like reading. Keep yourself updated with the latest news and information. Gain global exposure and cultural awareness by travelling. 
3. Gain a strong sense of direction. During your time away you can find the right path if you have been feeling lost all this time.
4. Establish better boundaries. Most importantly set clear boundaries between work and your personal life. Try not to let them clash. This helps you have a healthy life overall. 
5. Improve personal values. Career breaks give you enough time to think about your values. You can think how much of your values you have upheld when you had been working.
6. Chase your passions and interests. If you didn’t have time to go for your dreams unrelated to your job so far, now is the time to do that. You can paint, learn singing, or dancing, or cooking. You never know when you can make your passions profitable.

Many people struggle to explain the gap caused by the career break in an interview or their CV.

On your CV

Be honest. Write in bullet points why you took the break. Mention if it’s for personal reasons like family caregiving, or educational purposes like a period of sabbatical, or for health considerations. Don’t forget to mention the skills you gained during the break. 

In an Interview 

Explain you took the break as a conscious choice. Share the things you learnt during the break and how it can be an advantage for the company you are interviewing for. Be confident and say that you are ready to get back to work with complete focus. 

The Employer’s perspective 

There has been a shift in the mindset of employers. They are not doubtful about career breaks on a resume like before. More companies are welcoming mental wellness, sabbaticals, and divergent career paths. Many employers are ready to hire people who like to work remotely. They have become flexible in that sense. Many hiring managers now value adaptability and resilience over rigid and plain job history. 

A career break is a detour and just a part of the journey. So, do not fear stepping back when there is a need to. Long-term success is not measured by staying busy but by staying aligned.

Thinking of taking a break or have you just returned from a break? Explore the wide variety of job opportunities now at CareerFirst.lk 

You can gain more information about career growth, expectations and job satisfaction in the blog section of our website. 

"The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is taking a career break bad for my future job prospects?

Not at all. While career breaks were once viewed negatively, today many employers understand and even respect them. If you use the time productively  to rest, learn, or reflect it can actually enhance your value as a candidate.

2. What are valid reasons to take a career break?

There are no “invalid” reasons, but common ones include:

• Travel or personal growth
• Health and mental wellness
• Caregiving responsibilities
• Further education or upskilling
• Layoffs or economic instability

It’s important to be honest with yourself and your employer about why the break was necessary

3. How can I explain a career break on my CV without sounding unprofessional?

Keep it simple and transparent. You can include a brief explanation such as:

"Career Break (2023–2024): Took time off for personal development and caregiving responsibilities. During this period, completed online certifications in digital marketing and volunteered with a local NGO."

Be sure to highlight any transferable skills or activities during the break.

4. How do I talk about a career break in a job interview?

Speak with confidence. Frame your break as a conscious decision and explain what you gained from it. For example:

“I took a break to care for a family member and during that time, I also completed courses in project management. It gave me a new perspective and helped me sharpen my time management and empathetic skills which I bring back to my professional life now.”

5. Will employers see me as less ambitious if I take a break?

“In today’s job market, many employers appreciate candidates who prioritise well-being and long-term clarity. Career breaks are increasingly being recognised as a sign of self-awareness, not lack of ambition.”