First, let's get this #1 question out of the way — taking a mid-career break doesn't mean killing your career nor does it mean breaking the bank.
On the contrary, stepping away from the daily grind can be one of the most empowering and rejuvenating decisions you make. A well-planned career break can provide the space to reset, reflect, and rediscover what truly matters to you, both personally and professionally. It’s not about abandoning your career; it’s about giving yourself permission to pause, recalibrate, and return with renewed clarity and purpose.
But let’s also be real—taking a mid-career break can feel terrifying. I get it. The idea of stepping away from a steady paycheck and a clear path can bring up all kinds of doubts: Will this hurt my career? Can I even afford it? But let me tell you something I’ve learned: taking a break doesn’t mean you’re throwing your career away or setting yourself up for financial disaster. It means you’re choosing to put yourself first, to take a step back and focus on what truly matters—for your life and your future.
One thing I wish I had when I was planning my mid-career break was a mentor who had gone through it that I could talk to, advise me on what to watch out for, set goals and purpose, and navigate through the challenges. That's why I'm here to help guide those who are contemplating of taking a mid-career break.
But first, let's debunk some misconceptions.
1. "A mid-career break will ruin my career."
Many people fear that stepping away will make them less relevant or employable. In reality, a well-structured career break can enhance your skills, broaden your perspective, and make you more valuable in the long run. It's all about setting goals, purpose, and planning—don't just go into a career break to "have fun". When you're ready to re-enter the job force, clear communication about your learnings and how it added value to your career can turn it into a strength.
2. “I need to have it all figured out.”
I find it better to not have everything meticulously planned and booked from the beginning. Allow the break itself to help you figure out what’s next as you gain time back, introspect, and guide you where you go. As long as you are intentional about your decisions along the way.
3. “I can’t afford it.”
Not all mid-career breaks mean "traveling the world 24/7". While financial planning is essential, a career break doesn’t have to be expensive. With budgeting, saving, and possibly exploring options like freelance, side gigs, or remote part-time work, you can make it financially feasible. Your career break could also mean just staying in the city where you currently live, but immersing yourself into the community, by volunteering for local organizations as an example. Or it could also mean experiencing new culture somewhere abroad with low living cost (e.g. Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe).
4. “It’s selfish or irresponsible.”
I was struggling with this the most when I decided to take a mid-career break. But overtime, I realize that prioritizing my own mental health, personal growth, or itch for exploration is not selfish—it’s a responsible choice that can benefit myself and those around me in the long term. It's okay to prioritize our own happiness and self-satisfaction sometimes as long as we know it would make us a better human being in the long run.
5. “I’ll fall behind my peers.”
I get it. It's hard to feel like we're falling off the "wheel". But taking a break doesn’t mean losing momentum. See it as a self-investment that would bring you unforgettable experiences and valuable skills that will help you return to your career with a fresh perspective—potentially even ahead of where you were and propel you faster into the future.
6. “It’s just a long vacation.”
A mid-career break is NOT a long vacation. Trust me on this. Don't get me wrong, a career break is meant to be a break, but it doesn't mean we stop being productive. Use this valuable down time to involve meaningful activities like learning new skills, volunteering, traveling, or exploring new career directions—it’s much more than just a time off.
7. “Work hard when young, you can travel with lots of money when you retire.”
The future is not guaranteed. I repeat, the future is NOT guaranteed. The grim reality is we are not getting younger and our health declines as we age. Knock wood, who knows what will happen to our health and body in 10 years time? Don't wait too long. Take risks and travel when you are still able to do it physically, mentally, and financially. Spend time with people you love while they are still here and learn other cultures as much as you can while you can still learn. Work will still be there when you return.
When I decided to take my own career break, I worried about all those things too. But with some careful planning, careful budgeting, and a lot of soul-searching, I realized that the break wasn’t an end—it was a beginning. It gave me the clarity to figure out what I really wanted, the courage to chase it, and the energy to come back stronger. A break isn’t about pressing pause on your potential; it’s about giving yourself the time and space to rediscover it.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure to pull the trigger, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I've done the scary thing and can confidently say those feeling are valid and normal.
Let me help you and let's go through it together.
