A career break is risky. For them, it paid off.
Six people who took career breaks for reasons ranging from childcare to starting a business shared how they bounced back into their industries, or carved out new paths.
In an era marked by widespread job cuts, scarce hiring opportunities, and a pervasive trend of mass applications, taking a career break may appear to be a perilous choice. However, what if it turns out to be the most advantageous decision? Government figures indicate that although career breaks are quite prevalent, with individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce accounting for about 30% of unemployed Americans, transitioning back to the job market can be challenging.
A 2026 research study published in Labour Economics surveyed 163 recruiters in Belgium, who were asked about their likelihood to interview or hire a candidate who had taken a career break. The likelihood generally decreased as the duration of the break increased. In an interview with Business Insider, six individuals who took a break from work shared their experiences, stating that the risk ultimately led to significant outcomes.
One person successfully launched a new business while embarking on a South American adventure, while another achieved their life's ultimate goal: caring for her ailing parents.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
