In this guide
Career changes and transitions
Planning a career break so returning is easier
What to settle before a career break: references, evidence of your work, how you will describe the break, and light ways to keep skills and contacts current.
Collect evidence while it is easy
Before your last day
- Ask two people who know your work whether they will be referees, and note their personal contact details.
- Write down your main achievements from the last two years while the details are fresh.
- Save copies of anything you are allowed to keep, such as appraisal summaries or certificates.
- Update your resume and professional profiles to reflect your current role accurately.
- Note renewal dates for any licences, memberships or certifications.
Decide how you will describe the break
A one-line description is enough on a resume, and you do not have to share private details. Deciding it now means you will not be caught out later.
| Reason | Resume line |
|---|---|
| Caring for a family member | Career break: full-time carer for a family member |
| Raising children | Career break: parental responsibilities |
| Travel | Career break: extended travel |
| Study | Career break: full-time study, with the course named |
| Health | Career break: health reasons, now resolved, or simply 'career break' |
Keep a light connection to your field
You do not need to work during a break, and a rest is a legitimate reason for one. If you want to make returning easier, choose one low-effort habit rather than a demanding plan.
- A short check-in every few months with one or two former colleagues.
- Following one industry newsletter or professional body update.
- Keeping a licence or membership active if lapsing would be costly to fix.
- Occasional volunteering or a small project, only if it suits you.
Settle the practical questions
Check how the break affects things that run in the background: workplace pensions, health or insurance cover linked to your job, and any notice or repayment conditions in your contract, such as repaying training costs. If your employer offers unpaid leave or a sabbatical instead of resignation, compare the two before you decide.
A note to your future self
Roles I would want to return to: Skills I am strongest in right now: Three achievements I am proud of, with the result: People who would vouch for me and how to reach them: Anything I must renew, and when:
Common questions
Is it better to ask for a sabbatical than to resign?
If your employer offers one and you might want to return, a sabbatical keeps the option open. If you are sure you want a different role afterwards, resigning may be simpler.
How long a break is too long?
There is no fixed limit. Longer breaks need a little more preparation to return, mainly refreshed skills and current references.
Put it into practice
Guidance by career stageDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.