|March 23, 2026
FTE Meaning: What Does FTE Mean?
You might come across the term FTE in job descriptions, salary discussions, or HR documents. But what is the meaning... Read more...
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Taking a career break is normal, but a decision that needs careful thought. If you’ve taken a step back from your career at any point, it may be difficult to jump back in and find a job. In this guide, we cover what a career break means, and more importantly, how to find a job after a career break?
A 2024 study showed that 62% of employees in the UK have taken a career break and 35% may in the future. With everyone jumping on board, it’s important to ask ourselves what a career break actually means.
A career break can be defined as a period of unpaid leave from employment which can last from a few months to several years. Unlike a standard holiday, this is an intentional pause from work used for personal or professional development.
Common reasons for a career break include:
If you’re considering a career break, you may have heard the term sabbatical leave. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them.
For more information on sabbatical leave, read our dedicated article: Sabbatical Leave: What Is A Sabbatical & What Does It Involve?
Before you hand in your notice, it’s important to weigh the “career gap penalty” against the benefits.
Taking a career break is a big life move, so it’s important to think it through. Mapping out your money and your goals ensures your time off feels like a step forward rather than just a gap on your CV.
You need a departure strategy.
This bit of prep work gives you the confidence to explain your story clearly when you eventually start getting interviews again.
Here’s a few things to think about:
The key here is to be able to prove that your time away was valuable and not just a ‘gap’ on your CV. It’s important to highlight what you’ve learned and how it’s going to help you in your new role.
Yes, you should own the gap on your CV. Your career break should be listed in the ‘Experience’ section of your CV as if it were a job.
Example: Career Break | Oct 2023 – Present. “Took a planned break to manage a full-scale home renovation and complete a certification in Employee Management.”
For more tips on how to explain gaps in your CV, read our blog: How To Explain Gaps In Your CV: A Guide.
There are the versatile abilities you can pick up – like leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. They can be transferred from one job to benefit you in a completely different job.
When it comes to transferable skills you might have picked up during a career gap, these can include, where relevant:
Many UK firms (especially in STEM and Finance) now offer “Returnships.” These are 3-6 month paid placements designed to help professionals refresh their skills and transition back into senior roles.
You often join with a group of other returners, giving you an instant support network of people in the same boat.
It’s not a 100% guarantee to a permanent role, but it’s a great way to build a bridge between the gap as you enter the workforce again.
Learn from seasoned industry experts with our 1-on-1 Coaching service!
Currently asking yourself how to find a job after a career break? The key is to reframe that gap as a period of growth rather than just absence from work.
Decide if sabbatical leave or a career break is right for you, and set clear and realistic goals for your time of absence. Be aware of financial implications and set up a savings fund if necessary.
We hope you found this guide useful. For more helpful advice and insights, explore the articles below.
If you want to discuss any of the above with one of our team of experts, or need any kind of job advice, take a look at our career coaching services,
We also provide professional CV writing to help you land your next role.If you’d like to discuss any of the above further or are looking to take the next step in your career, do get in touch with our team today!
