Taking a career break can feel like stepping out of the spotlight, but it is an intermission, not the end of the show. Much like enjoying a brief break during a movie to grab your popcorn, a career break gives you a chance to recharge, reassess, and refocus.

As Erika Taylor said, “Sometimes, you have to take a step back to move forward.” A break is much needed to change gears. If you are hesitant to take one, try these ideas compiled through life experiences and endless chats with my mentors.

1. Enjoy the Pause Like an Intermission: A mentor once compared a career break to an intermission. An opportunity to recharge and reflect. Just as you would enjoy a quick break during a long movie, you can use this time to step back from the hustle and bustle of daily work life. Do not rush through it. Collect your ‘popcorn,’ whether in the form of new hobbies, learning opportunities, or even spiritual travels with family. These are your moments to re-engage with life outside of your career and find joy in the things that might have been sidelined earlier.
2. Come Out of the False Bubble: Consciously break your bubble and step into the real world. Jobs often give us the illusion of security and comfort. We get caught in a false bubble, believing that staying on the same path is the only way forward. But real growth happens when you pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. Embrace the break, own the transition, and come back stronger with clarity and purpose.
3. Find Balance: The first few weeks or months can be tough as you grapple with a new routine. It is important to strike a balance between rest and exploration. Read books that inspire you, write about your experiences, travel, or even teach and share your expertise. Balance your search with time spent with family, who is your anchor as you navigate this phase of life. As you explore, remember you don’t have to be all-in or all-out. Work on projects or leads that align with your future goals and bring a sense of purpose. Your career break is about nurturing your soul and finding peace with where you are in the journey of life.
4. Manifest Like a CEO: You are the CEO of your life. Take the time to reflect on what role you want to give yourself. Where do you want to go next? Write down your core values and skills. What verticals are your experiences in? Do you want to cross over to another sector? What excites you? What mission aligns with your future goals? Which industry can your transferable skills be best used for? Set a clear purpose for the next phase of your career. Just like a director plans the next scene, plan your next career move with ease, happiness, focus, and vision.
5. Seek a Happy Challenge: A career break can be the perfect time to seek out challenges that align with your passion and purpose. Look back on what projects or industries sparked your curiosity. Look ahead to focus on something that stimulates you. Treat your search like a hunt for a happy challenge. Seek something that leaves you feeling fulfilled and content, like you are giving back or building something new. Imagine it as choosing the next exciting movie to watch – find something that truly excites you.
6. Rest at the Base Camp: A career break is like reaching a base camp on a long trek. It is not the end of the journey- it’s a crucial pause to rest, reassess, and strategize the climb ahead. As trekker we don’t rush to the summit; we stop at the base camp to adapt, regain strength, and prepare for the next challenge. Likewise, stepping back in your career is not a setback- it is a calculative move to ensure you reach new heights with clarity and resilience.

Your best is ahead of you. While it might seem like a leap of faith, a career break is needed to change gears. When you take time to focus on your health, family, or personal interests, you create a foundation that supports long-term growth. The best years of your career are often ahead of you, and with a more focused mind, you can approach them with renewed energy. Think of your break as a way to collect yourself and prepare for even greater achievements in the future.

Turn your career break into a launchpad. A career break isn’t the end of the road. It’s a much-needed intermission that can propel you toward something even greater. Whether you use it to explore new opportunities, focus on personal growth, or reimagine your career path, it’s a step toward a more fulfilling life. Society often glorifies relentless hustle, but taking a break can be a powerful act of self-care and self-discovery. So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, remember that it’s good to take a pause. Embrace the journey, for it is in these moments of stillness that you will find your true self. Life is not a race. It’s a journey, and sometimes, the most beautiful paths are the ones we discover when we take a moment to pause and look around.

So, do not feel you will be out of the spotlight. It’s just time to pick your popcorn. Now, sweet, salty, or caramelized – it’s your call 🙂