Ask an expert is our weekly column dedicated to helping readers overcome problems at work and get ahead in their careers. This week, Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts, chief executive of career advice firm Trevor-Roberts, helps a reader plan their next steps after redundancy.

The problem: I’ve just been made redundant from a role I held for the past five years. I would like to take a break for a few months to figure out my next move, rather than rushing into more of the same. But I’m not sure how to best use my time, and I don’t know how I would explain a career break to a future employer. Any suggestions?