4 Things to Do at the Beginning of Your Career Break

The beginning of a career break can be a strange mix of emotions. You might feel excited about the change and hopeful about what this new season will bring. At the same time, it can also feel a little chaotic. The structure that once shaped your days is suddenly gone, and you may find yourself wondering how to navigate this new rhythm of life.

If you're a parent or caregiver stepping away from the paid workforce, this transition can feel even more significant. You're moving into a role that demands a lot of your time and energy, often without the clear boundaries that you were used to.

The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do early on that will help you feel more grounded as you adjust. Here are four things that can make the beginning of your career break a bit smoother.

1. Set up routines that serve you

Before your career break, your schedule probably had a predictable structure. You woke up at a certain time, went to work, took lunch, and wrapped up the day on a fairly consistent schedule.

Once you're on a career break, that structure goes poof! While there are still responsibilities and schedules to manage, they often less predictable.

Creating a few simple routines can make a big difference. Small habits can bring a sense of stability to your day and help you feel more in control.

This could be something as simple as setting an alarm so you wake up around the same time each day. You might lay out clothes the night before to make mornings easier. If you have kids, scheduling regular playdates or weekly outings can also give your week a helpful rhythm.

The goal is simply to create patterns that make your life feel a little easier and more manageable.

2. Find one thing that’s just for you

If you’ve stepped into a caregiving role, your days may suddenly revolve around the needs of other people. It’s easy to spend your entire day giving your time, attention, and energy to others.

That’s why it’s important to intentionally choose one small thing that belongs to you.

For me, that’s my morning workout. I take about an hour each morning to exercise, and it completely changes the tone of my day. It helps me feel more energized and more like myself.

You might not have an hour. That’s okay.

Even ten or fifteen minutes can make a difference. Maybe it's reading a few pages of a book at night. Maybe it's stepping outside for a short walk. Maybe it's enjoying an uninterrupted shower where no one is asking you questions (ahhh bliss!).

These small pockets of time can help protect your energy and give you something to look forward to each day.

3. Open up lines of communication

One of the most helpful things you can do during a career break is surround yourself with people who understand what you're going through.

In my earlier post about preparing for a career break, I talked about identifying people who "get it." These might be friends who are also taking time away from work, parents in a similar stage of life, or people who have already navigated a career break themselves.

Now is the time to lean into those connections.

For me, joining a local mom’s group made a huge difference. It created a space where I could show up exactly as I was. No preparation. No pressure. Just honest conversations with people who understood the ups and downs of motherhood.

For you, that might look like connecting with other parents, joining a local group, or even reaching out to someone who has already returned to work after a break.

If you have a partner, open communication there is just as important. Regularly checking in with each other about how you're both doing can help ensure you're navigating this transition as a team.

4. Give yourself permission to rest

This was one of the hardest lessons for me to learn.

When I first stepped away from work, I had this mindset that if my child was sleeping, I should immediately jump into productivity mode. Laundry needed to be done. Dishes needed to be cleaned. Appointments needed to be scheduled.

There was always something that felt more "productive" than resting.

But the truth is, a career break is a major life transition. You're adjusting to a completely different pace, a different identity, and a different set of responsibilities.

It's normal for your mind and body to feel tired as you navigate that shift.

Giving yourself permission to rest doesn't mean doing nothing all day. It might simply mean sitting quietly for a few minutes, taking a breath, and reminding yourself that you're allowed to slow down.

Even small moments of rest can help you recharge and show up more fully for yourself and others.

A new season takes time to settle into

The beginning of a career break can feel unfamiliar, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Like any major life transition, it takes time to find your footing and YOU WILL!

If you’re currently on a career break, I’d love to hear how it’s going for you. What has been the biggest surprise during this transition?

And when you’re ready, continue the series here: Next: What to Do During the Middle of Your Career Break.