Compared to previous generations in the workforce, today it is increasingly common for people to take extended time away from work at some stage during their career. This is a change largely driven by shifting societal norms, priorities and attitudes towards work-life balance.
“Whether a career gap involves a sabbatical or taking time out for health or family reasons, long-term employment without any breaks is increasingly rare,” says Jennifer Grove, a Partner for Gerard Daniels. “As a society we have become more accustomed to employment gaps, so they no longer hold the stigma they once did. There’s also no need for this time to vastly impede an individual’s career or prevent them from returning to a senior leadership role.”
With any form of extended leave, the way you plan and manage this time will shape your experience returning to work. Here are some important considerations for navigating this important career juncture.
Managing your career gap
Life can be unpredictable, so you can’t always plan time your time away from work. But when you do have some control, it pays to be strategic in your approach.
It’s easier to repower than to restart
It’s preferable to keep one foot in the workforce, particularly if you perform a senior role, but your ability to do this will depend on why you’re taking time off.
"If you can’t work in any capacity during this time, focus on what you can sustain,” says Jennifer. “For example, it's important to stay across technology trends, given the rapid pace of change that’s happening across all sectors and the competitive advantage that it can bring. Maintaining key relationships and keeping abreast of industry developments will also make it easier for you to pick up where you left off.
How much time do you need?
The timing and duration for your career gap is another important consideration. “If your circumstances are unpredictable or likely to change, you might not want to be too prescriptive in how you structure this time,” says Jennifer. “If you do have some choice, try to think beyond your leave, to consider how the timing will affect your return.”
How will you return?
A senior leader may plan extended time away from work if they feel the need to recharge, achieve better work-life balance or redefine their relationship with work. “Depending on your reason for taking leave, this time can change your perspective and priorities, so it’s a good idea to build in some flexibility into your arrangement to return to the right role, at the right time, in the right capacity,” says Jennifer.
Having the career gap conversation
How you communicate your time away from work is shaped by your own personal circumstances, and while some people communicate openly, not everyone feels comfortable having career gap conversations. “Pretending a career gap didn’t happen can create red flags,” says Jennifer. “When you communicate confidently before, during and after this time, it allows you to control the narrative and frame your experience positively.”
“If you don’t feel comfortable talking widely about your career gap, discussing it quietly with trusted individuals allows them to keep you informed and advocate quietly on your behalf,” Jennifer continues. “The more informed your advocacy network is on your plans and intentions, the more lead time there is for productive conversations, with and about you.”
Managing your return
Consider all opportunities
How and when you manage your return to work is entirely up to you, but it pays to keep an open mind when looking for new opportunities. “If you’ve taken a considerable amount of time off work, you may look for a role that allows you to reconnect or re-establish yourself,” she says. “This can be a good way to get into the right head space as you work back up to full speed.”
Confidence is key
Confidence is a huge part of returning to work. “Maintaining key relationships and industry knowledge is a good way to build your confidence for returning from extended time out of work,” says Jennifer. “Finding ways to develop yourself or invest in professional learning also helps to refine your skills and keep them aligned with the leadership requirement.”
Building strategic partnerships
If you are looking to return to work in a new role or different capacity, partnering with a specialist executive search firm allows you to explore these opportunities. By communicating your intentions early, you are more likely to find a role that is well timed and aligned with your requirements.
Looking to connect with new leadership opportunities after taking time out?
Connect with Jennifer or reach out to your local Gerard Daniels team.
