Taking a break from traditional employment

Everyone needs a break on occasion—sometimes even a substantial break. The good news is that between economic changes and COVID-19, gaps in employment history are not as surprising as they used to be, and many people are open about their reasons. But as recently as 2019, research found that while a gap of 1–2 years did not greatly affect interview callback rates, those rates decreased significantly with longer gaps— to 3–5% from 10–11% with the former . So, if you are thinking about exiting a job or the job market for a while, how can you minimize its impact on your professional future? Before the break. As when mapping out a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you need to plan your break carefully. Include ways that you will remain connected to your professional network—or even grow it in some cases—by attending professional society meetings or visiting mentors, keeping your knowledge and skills current,