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Career Break

What is Career Break?

A career break is a period of time off from employment that is mutually agreed upon by the employer and employee for either personal or professional reasons. Higher education, health concerns, family emergency, or to enhance the skill gaps, etc., are a few reasons for a career break. However, the duration for career breaks is a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 2 years. Usually, the career breaks are unpaid, yet a few employers pay the employees a reduced amount compared to the regular payments in order to secure the employee’s come back.

For example, a full-time accountant in a company left the job and took a break of 3 months as he had to undergo an operation due to multiple health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Career Break

Why do employees take career breaks?

There are many reasons why an employee will want to take a gap year. Some of them are listed below;

  • To gain a new perspective on their job functionalities and preferences
  • To learn new skills
  • For personal or family-related reasons
  • To get away from negative work environments
  • To reassess their career options

How long does a career break is for?

A professional career gap lasts between one or two years. On the other hand, the most usual break is between six months to two years. Many companies offer a gap of around two months to let the employees try out career possibilities.

Does an employee on a gap year get paid?

Gap years’ are often unpaid. Although, if you are on a break from a company’s learning perspective, some of the companies might pay a minimum wage.

Is an employee still an employee while on a break?

A career sabbatical is something that keeps you employed while being on a break which means you can come back and take back your job.

What is the difference between a career break and a sabbatical?

A career sabbatical is an absence of leave from work. It might be for those who want to take a break from their professional time for personal time or improve their skills. On the contrary, a career break requires you to resign from the current position to take a break from it.

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