Career Break
Career Break
and return to work
A career break is typically not because of a lack of performance but from due to an outside factor (caretaking, sickness, relocation).
Research shows that:
High performing individuals don’t lose performance because they took a break
Career break has been more frequent in recent years
Millennials are more prone to take career breaks
Programs for relaunchers have become more common*
The motivation of people returning to work after a break is high. They are thoughtful about the companies where they want to work, and they return more focused and with more stability
People who return to work after a break may experience some challenges such as:
lack of confidence
impostor syndrome
anxiety
lifestyle change
Returners need to:
- take the time to clarify what are they looking for (i.e. what is their ideal work environment)
- do some research and find a match between their career goals and opportunities where they can use their expertise
- talk about the career break and what they did during that time
- focus on transferable skills
- demonstrate their resilience and adaptability
- and cast a wide net by looking at different programs and networking with people who have gone through those programs
If you are a relauncher, do not apologize for the break, confidently talk about what you did: volunteering, worked part-time, took classes, travel, took a leadership role in a community organization, etc.
Women used to be those taking career breaks. However, men are taking career breaks too due to elder care, in the pursuit of other interests, to travel, or because they retired early and want to continue to work or are looking for a different industry or role.
In general, return to work programs provide candidates with 12-16 weeks of training to learn about the organization, upskill technology, and provide a mentorship program. At the end of the training, there is an option to being offered a permanent position, if performance has been met.
If you are returning to work, you’re not alone. Many people have experienced career breaks, moved to other industries and career journeys, and have managed to return to work successfully.
Examples of Re-entry Programs:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Re-entry Program
Path Forward - return to work programs in the US
Related:
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