Taking a career break has become more significant in today’s fast-paced work environment. It allows professionals to dedicate more time to parenting and pursue personal or professional development. However, deciding to take a career break has its advantages and drawbacks, which may differ depending on gender. It is essential to comprehend what it takes to prepare better for the break if you plan to return to work.
LinkedIn data shows that women in the U.S. are more likely to take a career break than men. Nearly 43% more women have a career break listed on their LinkedIn profile than men.
Gen Zs, the younger generations on their side, also think that career breaks are favorable and force employers to reconsider their preconceived notions about the résumé gap.
The most common reasons for a career break
One of the most common reasons why women take a break from their career is full-time parenting. Achieving a better work-life balance is a primary reason for taking a career break, especially for women who need to dedicate more time to caregiving. Taking a career break can also be used for personal development. Many companies offer now sabbaticals as a benefit, from several weeks off to even a year.
Career breaks provide individuals with the opportunity to focus on personal development, such as pursuing further education, exploring new passions, or gaining valuable life experiences. This can increase their marketability and open doors to new career opportunities. On the other hand, men who take time off are more likely to cite retirement, a career transition, or professional development.
Cons of Taking a Career Break
Career breaks have certain downsides that one should take into account. Recent research by ResumeGo, found that applicants with gaps in their CVs were, on average, 45% less likely to get invited to an interview than those without. These include disruption to career progression, financial implications, and skill decay, which may vary depending on the industry and the duration of the break. It is essential to plan and manage finances adequately and consider that a career break may require retraining or catching up on industry developments.
One of the most significant concerns for professionals who are thinking of taking a career break is the potential disruption to their career progression. Employers sometimes view gaps in employment history negatively, which could make it more challenging to secure desired roles or promotions.
Data shows that only 33% of women who take a career break return to the same industry afterward. Among women who return to the same industry after a career break, only 4.3% re-enter at a higher level of seniority. On the other hand, if they switch industries, 13.9% of women re-enter at a higher level of seniority. It is worth noting that women hold more than half of entry-level positions in the US, but they only hold just over a quarter of C-suite positions.
Returning to Work: Challenges and Strategies
Returning to work after a career break can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Companies that value diversity and inclusion often have structured programs and policies in place to support employees returning from breaks. These may include mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and reintegration training to ease the transition back into the workforce.
With careful planning and strategic approaches, the transition can be navigated more effectively:
1. Update your skills: Take relevant courses or attend industry events before returning to work to stay up-to-date.
2. Network: Reconnect with colleagues, attend industry events, and build new connections to open doors to job opportunities and mentorship.
3. Update your resume and LinkedIn: Highlight your skills, accomplishments, and experiences gained during your break. Emphasize transferable skills and readiness to work.
4. Seek coaching: Consider mentorship or coaching from professionals who successfully re-entered the workforce.
How to Talk About the Career Break in Interviews
Addressing a career break during an interview requires confidence. First of all, change how you think about your career break so that it is not seen as a disadvantage, but rather as an example of your ability to focus and commit. The decision to take a break demonstrates your dedication to your goals, and if an organization is unwilling to hire you because of your career break, it talk about their culture. Own your decision, no matter if those gaps were chosen (to be a caretaker, to take a break, etc.) or not (due to layoffs for instance). Instead, evaluate the company’s values and culture and decide if they are a good fit for you.
Be straightforward in explaining why you took the career break, what you did during the break, and the things you learned or skills you developed. Highlight transferable skills. In the case of parenting, you can highlight skills like communication and time management. Focus on the growth that you experienced and your willingness to continue learning.
By proactively addressing the career break, focusing on skills and accomplishments, and demonstrating readiness to re-enter the workforce, you can confidently navigate interviews and showcase your value to potential employers. Career breaks can be transformative experiences, and with the right strategies, especially women, can leverage them as stepping stones to new opportunities and professional growth.