Why Professionals Are Hitting the Pause Button on Their Careers
Professionals have taken time away from work for decades for a variety of reasons. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we also saw an increase in people taking career breaks after re-evaluating their career or life’s purpose.
So, what is a career break? It’s an unpaid, intentional leave of absence from work. We often associate career breaks with parents taking time away from work to care for their children, but people take breaks for various personal and professional reasons, each contributing to their growth and skill set in unique ways.
For What Other Reasons Do People Take Career Breaks?
Caring for Aging Parents
Taking time away from work to care for loved ones is common. In fact, more than one in six Americans working full or part-time help with the care of an elderly or disabled family member or friend. But sometimes, caregiving responsibilities for aging parents require people to step away from the workforce. Some even argue that caretaking isn’t a career break, but rather a different type of career. It’s a full-time responsibility with challenges that build essential skills like time management, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.
Education & Skill Growth
Many professionals take time away to earn degrees, certifications, or acquire new skills. As we progress through our careers, it’s common to feel like we want to change the trajectory of our career path or get further knowledge in our area. Whether through higher education, online courses, or volunteer work, this focused learning enhances career prospects and broadens future opportunities.
Addressing Burnout & Stress
Another reason people take time away from work is to address burnout and stress. Burnout is on the rise, affecting 77% of employees at least once in their careers. Not only can burnout make people less productive at work, but it can also impact their overall health. Career breaks serve as a crucial reset, allowing professionals to decompress, regain motivation, and redefine their career goals.
The Benefits of Career Breaks
Taking a step back from work doesn’t mean stepping away from growth, as it can be one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s career. A career break offers the chance to reflect and realign priorities, leading to personal development that extends far beyond the workplace. Career breaks offer:
- Personal Growth: A chance to step out of comfort zones and assess life goals.
- Renewed Drive: Return with a fresh perspective, increased motivation, and stronger professional aspirations.
- Skill Development: From communication, to time management, to resilience, career breaks foster competencies that enrich careers in the long run.
Shifting the Culture Around Career Breaks
With more professionals opting for career breaks, it’s time to normalize their benefits, no matter why a Returner takes one. Companies are starting to see the value that Returners bring — empathy, adaptability, fresh skills, and more. Not only are their skills desirable, but they’re proven to be more committed to their roles. At reacHIRE, we have an 87% full-time job placement rate and 92% retention after two years, making it a no-brainer to hire these talented professionals.
A career break shouldn’t be a career breaker.® Taking time from work can be an essential move for taking care of your loved ones and yourself, and it often leads to being a strategic move for personal and professional development. It’s time to embrace a new narrative around stepping away from work.