“Aunty, I’m thinking of taking a career break. What should I do?”
First of all… good for you for taking a break and taking care of yourself. I also took a 9-month career back in 2023, and it was one of the best times of my life.
However, contrary to popular belief, I didn’t spend all those nine months lying on the sofa, drunk-texting, binge-watching Netflix.
Here’s what I did, and what I’d recommend to anyone taking a break.
1. Learn something new. Take a course. Read books. Attend talks. Keep your brain curious!
2. Stay connected. Meet old colleagues for drinks. Attend networking events. Stay visible within your industry.
3. Take care of your health. This was a game changer for me. Catch up on sleep. Go for medical check-ups you’ve been postponing. Eat on time.
4. Review your finances. Know how kong your savings can comfortably support you. Remember a career break is not a permanent holiday!
5. Reflect, reflect, reflect. Do you want to return to the same career? Or even the same industry? Take the time and space to figure out what you want in the next chapter of your career.
When taking a break, use the time intentionally. Rest when you need to rest. Learn when you have the energy to learn.
And when you’re ready, return stronger than when you left.
We’ve got this!
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
