I spoke to 6 people who bounced back from a career break. These 3 lessons stuck with me.

In a recent series called My Big Break, reporter Charissa Cheong interviewed people who took career breaks and returned to the workforce. Cheong interviewed six individuals and discovered three key lessons from their experiences.

Firstly, maintaining connections with one's professional network can greatly facilitate a career comeback. Nicki Schroeder, a UK-based media lawyer, had success re-entering her industry after a ten-year break when her contacts helped her get back up to speed and provide her with relevant information during her job interview. Similarly, Ramya Ramesh, a semiconductor professional, used her previous employer's returner program and sought advice from former colleagues, while Adam Stewart, a former Google employee, turned to his contacts for guidance and new connections.

Secondly, a career break can offer an opportunity to explore new paths and remain open-minded. Mounika Chinnam and Natasya Pawanteh, both of whom took long absences from their original industries, discovered new roles in different sectors. Chinnam, after a seven-year break, found an internship in digital marketing and later landed a full-time role in a new industry. Pawanteh, after caring for her parents, transitioned into nonprofit work, finding satisfaction in her new career direction.

Lastly, sacrifice can provide a sense of personal growth and character development. Cheong was inspired by the stories of individuals like Schroeder and Pawanteh, who stepped back to care for family members. This sacrifice allowed them to develop a greater sense of selflessness and present-mindedness. In her as-told-to essay, Pawanteh reflected on how caring for her parents made her realize the importance of being present for others, stating, "It was a privilege to look after them until the end of their days, and I think that will be the greatest achievement of my life."