4 Things to Do Before You Take a Career Break
Taking a career break is a life changing decision that isn’t talked about openly.
That lack of conversation can make it feel as though you’re having to figure everything out on your own. Like everyone else somehow knows what they’re doing and you’re the only one second-guessing every step.
You’re not.
Before I stepped away from my own career, there were a few things I wish I had known and now I’m going to share them with you!
1. Know Your TRUE Why
On the surface, many career breaks look the same.
“I’m staying home with my child.”
“I’m stepping away to focus on family.”
But when you dig deeper, the reasons behind that decision can be VERY different.
For me, staying home wasn’t something I had always dreamed of doing. In fact, I never really saw myself taking a career break at all. But given the circumstances we were in at the time, financially it made sense.
That’s very different from someone who has always wanted to be a stay-at-home parent.
From the outside, those choices might look identical. Internally, they’re not.
Take time to identify your specific reasons. Then write them down. Pen and paper. A Google Doc. The notes app on your phone. It doesn’t matter where.
If you do take a career break, there will be moments when you question yourself and think, “Why did I do this again?”
Having your reasons written down gives you something solid to come back to, a reminder that your decision was intentional and thought through.
2. Find People Who Get It
When you’re facing a life change this big, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one trying to figure it out.
You’re not.
Millions of people have taken career breaks before you, and millions will take them after you. The key is finding people who actually understand what this season looks like.
Seek out people who are currently on a career break or who have already taken one. When you talk to them, ask them questions you really want to know about, listen to their experiences, and gain insights you didn’t even realize you needed.
Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder. It comes from hearing someone say, “I felt that too.”
3. Update Your Resume Before You Step Away
This one often catches people off guard.
You might be thinking, “I haven’t even decided yet. Why would I update my resume now?”
Here’s the thing: there’s no downside.
If you update your resume and decide not to take a career break, you now have an updated resume. Woo-hoo!
If you do decide to step away, your future self will thank you. It is way easier to update your resume while you’re still working than months or years later when details are harder to remember.
In addition to your resume, forward yourself:
Performance reviews
Emails related to projects you worked on
Awards or recognitions
Any major accomplishments
Send them to your personal email so you have easy access when you’re ready to return to the workforce.
4. Run the Numbers
It’s one thing to say, “I think we can make this work.”
It’s another thing to actually see the numbers.
Running the numbers gives you a clear picture of what your financial landscape might look like in the coming months or even years. It also allows you to identify areas where you might scale back or make adjustments before you’re in the thick of your career break.
These conversations are much easier to have proactively than reactively trust me!
What Comes Next
Taking a career break isn’t something to rush into or avoid out of fear.
It’s a decision that deserves thoughtful consideration and honest conversations. So take the time now before you’re completely sleep deprived!
And if you're wondering how to best position your unique, amazing and talented self in your job search book your free discovery call to set yourself up for success as you return back to the paid workforce.