Make it a Positive Experience

Taking a career break is an exciting time in one’s life as it is often planned and keenly anticipated: e.g.  A trip round the world, maternity leave or sabbatical. In some instances though this is not the case and it could be the result of redundancy or illness.  Whatever the scenario there is always a point in time when you have to return to work and this in itself can conjure up a mixed bag of emotions that have to be dealt with.

Back to Work

So you have had a period of time away from the desk, computer and Blackberry and now you are back to work on Monday.  When did you start thinking about this fact – a month, a week or a day in advance?  How did you feel? Speaking to individuals about this it was apparent that anxiety levels varied depending on the reason for their career break.  Returning after a planned 1 month’s unpaid parental leave gave no cause for concern until the day before other than the fact they had to get in the car a drive to work - indeed they looked forward to returning to a team environment.  Maternity leave likewise presented an opportunity for a return to adult conversation but did raise concerns about ‘What have I missed out on?’ and ‘Can I still do the job?’  In the case of redundancy and where there is an obvious need to return to work, thoughts of going back were very much at the forefront of the mind.  So the break can be both stressful and pleasant depending on the circumstances.

Benefits & Concerns

For many it was just the thing they needed.  It generated a renewed vigour for life; enabled issues to be put into perspective, created a sensible balance in life, identified things about themselves they didn’t already know and presented them with positive experiences to use back in the workplace.  For instance exposure to different cultures and environments can offer greater understanding of how others work in different countries; a realisation that playing the political game is not really your cup of tea and perhaps time for a change; spending more quality time with family makes you realise the need for a better work life balance.    The realisation that it is a time to go out and do something you have always wanted to do – see the world, work for a charity, start a family or finish building the house – can have a very positive effect going forward.

If the break is planned, or not, there are downsides experienced.  Your level of confidence may be affected – can I remember what I do and how to do it? – How can I maintain my CPD? – The team has changed, will my job change?   Your overall enthusiasm for work may have diminished making it difficult on the first day back.  For example returning to a highly pressurised and responsible role after maternity leave not only allowed an individual to be treated as a person in her own right but presented concerns of confidence, having upto date knowledge and whether support would be forthcoming. The personal need to perform the job to the highest standard and with full commitment was not easy when only working part-time and the difficult decision was made to change to a job that gave more flexibility for family life, but did not necessarily satisfy their high level of capability.

Declare it or not?

Future employers read CV’s with great care and recognise work gaps and will undoubtedly throughout the interview process question an individual about that period of time. That is if you have declared it!  But why wouldn’t you?  These days it is a common occurrence and should not be seen as unusual in any way.  Presented in a positive manner on the CV it can be seen to add value to your whole skill set. Then at interview you can take the opportunity to demonstrate how you have benefited from the experience – you return to work reinvigorated, highly motivated, with renewed levels of energy and a desire to achieve greater levels of success in your career.  Show that you have maintained an interest in the market and are abreast of significant events. Demonstrating CPD is always a good indicator that you have recognised the need to stay upto date whilst away from the working environment. 

There are some employers who view such breaks in a dim light and are suspicious as to the reasons why.  So do not give them cause for concern and speak with confidence about it and show good reason for the break even if it was not of your own making.   To say you went off windsurfing for a year with no other purpose than to get a nice tan and catch the breeze may not go down too well!

It should be a positive experience so make sure it is.

• A planned break should be planned – know what you are going to do and why
• Turn an unplanned break into a positive experience wherever possible
• Gain as many new experiences as you can
• Make good use of those experiences when returning to work
• Stay upto date with market news
• Continue CPD if time allows
• Be honest about it – show it on your CV in a positive light
• Be honest about what you have learnt about yourself – it is time for a change then make it
• Enjoy!