Career break confessions: Part I

For the longest time, I believed that stepping away from anything — whether it be a project, a school activity, a career, or even a momentary pause in the restless pursuit of goals — was synonymous with failure. Sadly, this idea still seems to prevail in society’s perception. From an early age, I was taught that success meant a sprint towards a constantly shifting finish line. The finish line always seemed to move farther away, making the race never truly end. Taking a break from this pace wasn’t just discouraged; it was viewed as admitting defeat, as betraying my own drive for achievement.

However, as I am growing older, I am learning the importance of having a healthier relationship with ambition. While I still value this trait in myself, I am now learning to prioritise balance and self-care in order to lead a fulfilling life.

Picture this: Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 plays softly in the background. Years spent climbing the corporate ladder, chasing clients, and tending to endless deadlines and to-do lists. Take-away salads and coffees to go. Emergencies and urgent requests constantly arise, and someone always needs your help. You’re stuck in that daily grind, often forgetting there’s more to life. Meanwhile, your own needs take a backseat. Sounds familiar?

It’s like a scene from The Devil Wears Prada, but then you realise it’s more of a villain story. Groundbreaking, right? This has become my story, and while coping with burnout, I received a question – what if you took time to just rest and do nothing? I was speechless (and it’s not easy to make me speechless).

I knew it was the right decision for me. Since the school summer and winter vacations, I hadn’t taken any big breaks. All the vacation days I’ve taken in the past five to six years were primarily, rightfully, a getaway from work. But even during those times, I found myself thinking about work, or sometimes even talking or complaining about it. Writing this, I once again realize that I was part of the problem. It’s me, hi, my own anti-hero.

So, partly due to burnout and a desire for adventure, I decided to take a much-needed break. In true millennial fashion, I spent time journaling, reflecting, and weighing the pros and cons. After talking to my partner, friends, and family, I felt confident in my decision. Having some savings, and such an amazing support system gave me the final push I needed to make my choice.

Once I announced my decision at work, everyone offered overflowing advice: ‘Are you sure? The economy is terrible,’ and so on. Despite the doubts, it felt like the right place and time to make the leap. It’s a testament to the importance of my own support system and courage (or madness), that I had. And throughout my whole life there was almost never a time when the economy has not been terrible. On the other hand, the challenges of the current job market are truly something; but that’s story for another time.

But, let’s be real — making the decision, even with the right financial and life circumstances, is far from easy. It’s a cocktail of doubt, excitement, liberation, struggling with the idea of failure, courage, and uncertainty. It’s everything you expect and nothing you could have prepared for.

Taking a break from work is not merely a hiatus from the nine-to-five routine; it’s a bold declaration of self-discovery and reinvention. It’s about stepping off the familiar path to explore uncharted territories, both within ourselves and the world around us. As one of my friends, so brilliantly put it, the entire Lord of the Rings saga is just about two hobbits walking and figuring it out.

What career break definitely is not:

Despite what all the influencers and social media might suggest, it is not always a smooth ride. It’s more Dickensian than that; it is the best of times and the worst of times. Contrary to the promises of self-proclaimed gurus – during this time, I didn’t start my own business, created and sold my own masterclass or discover a profound life purpose. I also started making coffee at home, and guess what? It didn’t make me a millionaire.

If it worked out that way for others, great. For me, it was an opportunity to rest and contemplate my next steps. It wasn’t all meditation, journaling, and preaching to others about quitting jobs. Instead, it is dealing with job rejections, enduring interviews with no feedback, and grappling with the anxiety of an uncertain future. What no one tells you is that those kind of feelings and doubts an essential part of the journey.

What career break definitely is:

Resting. Rebuilding sleeping and eating habits after years of snoozed alarms, skipped meals, or eating with my laptop. Spending time with friends, family, but mostly with oneself. If you are one of the lucky ones, financially, you get to travel too. And after a few months, it’s your friends telling you that you’ve got your smile back or your face muscles seem more relaxed.

Burnout slowly leaves your body. Embracing anxiety and feeling afraid and uncertain about the future. I have discovered that I prefer feeling this way, at least for the time being, rather than pushing it down and feeling drained from work responsibilities.

Ultimately, I am discovering the value of slowing down and embracing moments of quiet introspection. It is during these times that I venture beyond my comfort zone, rediscovering long-forgotten hobbies (like this blog), and finding joy in simply being present. Applying for an amateur photography contest, going to a dance lesson to enjoy it rather than master it; trying running again; remembering I still hate it. Something like that. Sunny days outdoors, buying flowers, indulging in pastries, dealing with fears and keeping my head above water. While it may not always be glamorous or Instagram-worthy, it is undeniably authentic and deeply fulfilling.

And the journey continues…