Career break is easier said than actually done.

[arunima]

Work, job or career play a central role in any adulthood. And one is blessed if the work they do is aligned with their interest and passion. A good work place with healthy work ethics and employee friendly policies enhance the mental and emotional health of the employees. But in the current times, stressful work hours, work life imbalance, toxic work place etc are more and more in talk. And that definitely is concerning as a vast working population is experiencing mental health due to such stress. People often talk about career break to rejuvenate. But in practicality, it is easier said than done. It's not an easy decision and you have so many things to weigh in. You have genuine worries. And it becomes even tougher if you are paid well and you have a lot of financial obligations to look for. The article talks about one such employee going through a mental problem but is stuck with work for her own reasons. Share your experiences and stories. Feel free to have your opinion.

'I cry before work’: 34-year-old techie earning Rs 40 LPA is mentally drained and seeks internet's advice on career break

A 34-year-old woman earning Rs 40 lakh annually is contemplating a career break. She feels exhausted and cries before work due to stress. She has been working continuously for 12 years. She worries about the impact on her salary and job prospects. Online users are advising her to prioritize her...

m.economictimes.com

 

[Brem]

It's true that taking a break from work is not always as easy as just taking a sick day. Some people don't feel they have the time to waste, or can afford to lose any work. Even though some jobs do offer sick leave and do offer paid time off depending on the job, it's still wise to take a day or two to get a break, even if it feels like it's impossible. Find a way to take a break when things become too overwhelming, because keeping it bottled up, makes it worse down the road.

But I get it, it's not easy to take a break, because maybe you don't have that suck leave or paid time off. And the idea of debt is always looming around the corner, so some people can't afford to take a break, so I totally understand that. If that's the case, it's time to talk to your employer about a possible raise or better benefits like some paid time off or sick leave for mental health needs.

 

[Teri W]

When you consider that there are bills to pay, you genuinely don't want to take a break from your work. It is very difficult to even when you know that your body and mind needs a break. You might even be actively looking for overtime so you can earn more.

 

[Hazel]

Taking a career break can feel freeing at first, but it’s not always easy. For some, it reduces stress and burnout, giving space to breathe, travel, or focus on family. For others, it triggers anxiety about money, career gaps, or identity loss. The impact on mental health really depends on why the break is taken and how it’s managed.

 

[arunima]

@Brem ,@Teri W ,@Hazel. You all have put some really valuable and practical inputs here. There are things that seem easy when talked and discussed, but implementing them comes with a lot of considerations. It's not easy as life has so many obligations to be fulfilled and having money and constant source of income is so crucial. Career and job are also a way to stay engaged.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Taking a career break can feel freeing at first, but it’s not always easy. For some, it reduces stress and burnout, giving space to breathe, travel, or focus on family. For others, it triggers anxiety about money, career gaps, or identity loss. The impact on mental health really depends on why the break is taken and how it’s managed.

You are very correct. A lot of people don't talk about the emotional burden of what comes after the break and happens to so many people. I think if one plans a break with purpose, it will helps to reduce that anxiety gap.

 

[Fidelia]

I know there are people that derive their core self identity from their jobs. And to stay for an extended period without work, it seems to them like they have been stripped of their self identity. Career breaks is impossible for such people.