CAREER BREAK

Hiring After a Career Break – And Taking One Too: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Many of us have seen people talk about taking a career break. Sometimes it’s seen as something only young people do, and other times, it’s seen to gain a fresh perspective. Today, we’re looking at both sides: hiring someone after a career break and the fears or doubts people have about taking a break themselves. This article will cover the benefits of hiring career returners—those who bring new energy, fresh ideas, and strong motivation back to work—while also exploring the common worries of folks who want to take a break but feel held back by fear. We’ll talk about back-to-work recruitment strategies and discuss what it really means to both hire and take a career break.

Hiring Career Returners: A Fresh, New Perspective

There are many benefits when a company hires someone returning after a career break. Career returners often have been away from the work scene for a while, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t skilled or experienced. Many times, they come back with new ideas and energy that can boost a team.

New Energy and Motivation

Career returners are usually very motivated. They’ve taken the brave step to step away from their job, and coming back to work shows that they are serious about making a difference. Their time away can also mean they are refreshed and ready to put in the effort to succeed. Many companies have found that hiring career returners brings a level of dedication and focus that is hard to find elsewhere.

Fresh Ideas and Perspectives

Another big benefit of hiring someone after a career break is the fresh perspective they offer. Being away from the traditional work routine often gives these employees a new way to look at problems. They might suggest ideas that haven’t been considered before, which can lead to creative solutions and innovation. When a company looks for back-to-work recruitment strategies, including career returners in the team can open many new possibilities.

Diverse Life Experience

Career returners usually have a rich background that goes beyond just their job skills. They may have managed a household, volunteered in the community, or even pursued personal projects during their break. This diverse life experience can be a big asset to any team, as it shows they can handle different challenges and adapt to various situations.

Real-World Skills and Stability

It is often said that experience is the best teacher. Career returners have learned from real-life experiences, and these lessons can be invaluable. Many times, they also show a strong sense of stability and loyalty to their employers. Since finding work again can be a challenge, they are often very grateful for the opportunity and are likely to stick around for a long time.

The Other Side: Fears of Taking a Career Break

On the flip side, many people think about taking a career break but then decide not to because of fears and worries. Even though a break might bring new perspectives and benefits, common fears can hold people back.

Fear of Falling Behind

One of the biggest worries is the fear of falling behind peers. In a fast-paced world, many believe that if they step away from their job, even for a little while, they might lose their edge. This fear is often fueled by the idea that only young people take breaks and that staying in the same job is the only way to move up. The truth is, taking a break can sometimes lead to personal growth and a refreshed approach to work.

Concerns About Skill Gaps

Another common concern is that taking a break might lead to skill gaps. People worry that the longer they are away, the harder it will be to catch up with new technologies or industry trends. However, many career returners overcome this by engaging in self-learning, online courses, or volunteer work. While it’s a valid concern, there are ways to keep skills up to date during a break, and many companies offer on-the-job training to help returning employees get back up to speed.

Worry About Being Judged

There is also a fear of being judged by colleagues or employers. Some individuals think that if they take a break, others might assume they are not as committed or capable as those who stayed continuously employed. This social pressure can be very strong, and it may stop some talented individuals from taking the break they need to recharge or take care of personal matters.

Financial and Career Uncertainty

Taking a break from a career can also bring up worries about finances and future career prospects. For many, the idea of leaving a stable job, even temporarily, is risky. There is always the concern that returning might be harder than expected or that the company might not value their previous experience as much. This fear is the main reasons why some people stick to a continuous career path, even if they feel burnt out or unfulfilled.

With that said, you can find many stories, and even we dealt with candidates who took advantage of their break and built their own business.

Bridging the Gap: How Companies and Individuals Can Benefit

By looking at both sides, it becomes clear that there is value in both hiring career returners and allowing people the freedom to take a break. The key is to create an environment where both ideas can coexist.

For Employers: How to Embrace Career Returners

If you’re an employer looking to shake up your hiring game and add some real-life experience to your team, here are some practical, no-nonsense tips:

1. Keep Your Job Ads Real:
   Ditch the corporate fluff. Write job ads that speak plainly, letting candidates know you’re serious about welcoming people who have taken a break. For instance, you might say, “We value diverse paths – including those who’ve hit pause and come back stronger.” This approach not only catches the eye of experienced professionals but also signals that your company isn’t stuck in a one-track mindset.
2. Offer Real Flexibility:
   Career returners often have more on their plate—whether it’s family duties, personal projects, or just getting back into the swing of things. Instead of the same old 9-to-5, try offering part-time roles, flexible hours, or even remote work options. This shows you understand that life happens, and you’re willing to work with your team’s unique needs.
3. Pair Up for Success:
   Instead of just tossing someone into the deep end, set up a buddy or mentorship system. Pair new hires with someone who knows the ropes and can help them navigate the company’s quirks. Real stories from mentors often make a big difference; think of it as having a seasoned coworker by your side while you find your footing again.
4. Look Beyond the Resume:
   When reviewing applications, focus on the whole story—not just the recent job history. Ask candidates about the skills they picked up during their break, whether from volunteer work, hobbies, or even life challenges. This way, you’re not just checking boxes but recognizing the real-world skills that only life experience can teach.
5. Build a Down-to-Earth Culture:
   Creating a welcoming environment isn’t just about policies on paper. It’s about real people interacting every day. Encourage your team to be approachable and supportive, not just during orientation but all the time. Sometimes that means having a team lunch or a casual chat where everyone can share a laugh. A little human touch goes a long way in helping new hires feel they belong.

For Individuals: How to Overcome the Fears of Taking a Career Break

If you’re thinking about taking a break from work but feel scared, here are some simple ideas to help you out:

1. See the Good in a Break:
   Remember, taking time off can help you see things in a new way. It might seem scary at first, but a break can help you grow and learn more about yourself and what you want, there is always a reason behind the thought of taking a break.
2. Plan Ahead:
   If you worry about falling behind, try to plan by taking a few online courses, joining a workshop, or even volunteering. This way, you can keep your skills fresh while you’re away.
3. Talk to People Who Did It:
   Ask friends or colleagues who have taken a break and then returned to work. They can share what worked for them and help ease your worries.
4. Try Short or Part-Time Breaks:
   You don’t always need to take a long break. A short break or part-time work might give you the rest you need without risking your whole career. Many companies offer you to take a sabbatical after X amount of years worked.
5. Trust Yourself:
   Remember, you have many good skills and experiences. Taking a break doesn’t mean you are any less capable. Many employers like the fresh view and the life lessons that come from a break.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Both employers and individuals can gain a lot from career breaks. For companies, hiring someone who has taken a break can mean getting a worker with new ideas and strong drive. For you, taking time off might be the chance to recharge, learn new things, return even stronger or build your own business. A break isn’t a step backward—it can be a step forward.

It’s important to know that everyone has worries. Employers want to make sure that people coming back feel supported, and you might worry that a break will hurt your future. When both sides work together to solve these problems, everyone wins.

In Summary

Taking a career break isn’t just about leaving your job—it’s about growing and renewing. Employers get fresh energy and new ideas, and you get the time to learn, rest, and come back with a new perspective. Both paths have their challenges and fears, but with the right planning, support, and a bit of courage, you can overcome them.

So, if you’re thinking about taking a break, try to see it as a chance to learn and come back stronger. And if you’re an employer, think about how welcoming your company can be to those who have taken a break. Life is always changing, and sometimes stepping away can lead to the best ideas and even more success later on.