How to know if it is time for a career break

Workers feeling burnt out and disengaged may rush to find a new job – but a holiday or career break may be all that is needed.

Burnout and disengagement from work is on the rise this year – and when most of us are stuck under lockdown or restrictions, the burden weighs even heavier.

The latest Gartner Global Talent Monitor report reveals burned out workers are ready for change, with a 2.6 per cent decrease in workers’ intent to stay with their current employer and 5 per cent increase in active jobseeking compared to last year.

The proportion of employees showing high discretionary effort – that is, their willingness to go above and beyond for their employer – has fallen to 16 per cent, below the global average of 16.5 per cent, and just 9 per cent of Australian workers are considered engaged in their job.

But will a new job solve all problems?

BEAT WINTER BLUES

For many, the lack of appetite for work lately was just the winter blues – even for those who not in the cold southern states.

December and January were a long time ago for those who take annual leave in summer school holidays.

The Moccona Me-Time Study found the average worker started 2021 with 13 unused annual leave days – almost two-thirds their annual leave balance – despite 27 per cent of workers being forced to take an average of nine days’ forced leave last year, as they could not holiday to use them.

Is it time for a break from work? Picture: iStock

Bespoke HR managing director Paulette Kolarz says lockdowns are not considered a break, even for those who cannot do their job at home, such as construction workers.

“What you’re not doing is properly resting or taking leave like you would,” she says.

“You’re looking after child responsibilities or doing other things.

“That’s contributing to a general all-round frustration, exhaustion, and fed-up-ness.”

She says when people are not rested, it affects their work.

“They are not in the best position to make decisions with clarity,” she says.

“Ask yourself, when have you had a break over the past two years?”

She says workers should still consider taking proper annual leave in September to recharge for the run to Christmas.

How long people need to take off work may range from a long weekend to two weeks, she says.

“You might not be able to do the Queensland trip or things like that, but how can you still replicate a similar thing you might do on annual leave, so you are switching off and not just having time off at home, doing what you did at home in lockdown,” she says.

“If it’s the beach or water that relaxes you, how do you replicate that?

“Do at least one thing that feels ‘holiday normal’ for you.”

Robert Half’s Nicole Gorton says employers should encourage staff to take a break. Picture: Supplied

YOU’RE TIRED, NOT UNHAPPY

Many workers have coupled little time off with long hours in the past 18 months, trying to keep up with workloads or doing extra as they no longer have a commute.

Research by recruiter Robert Half reveals 60 per cent of business leaders are concerned employees are more likely to experience burnout this year than last year.

Some organisations have implemented extra leave entitlements to help people juggle home and life, and free up time to focus on wellbeing activities.

Most (85 per cent) are willing to hire a contractor to cover a full-time employee recuperating on leave, with 42 per cent not previously considering this option but open to doing so in 2021.

Director Nicole Gorton says a temporary hire also avoids overburdening teammates with the workload of the employee on leave.

“Running on empty can have a negative effect on employees’ mental health and wellbeing, and managers should make it a priority to encourage their teams to enjoy a well-deserved vacation,” she says.

The Coach Place Global’s Lisa Stephenson says a career break may be the best option. Picture: Supplied

TAKE A LONGER BREAK

A couple of weeks away from work may not be enough time off.

Often workers will look to another job as a cure, but their problem may follow them.

A career break gives workers time to volunteer or pursue a hobby, or even upskill for their job.

In the past, many workers would travel.

The Coach Place Global founder Lisa Stephenson says six months is most commonly taken but it is important to define the purpose of the break.

“People who dream of escaping commitment and having the freedom to do whatever they feel like on any given day are better suited to taking a sabbatical or ‘adult gap year’,” she says.

“Meanwhile, the people who maximise a career break often use the time to expand their networks and improve their physical and emotional health, while staying in touch with their current employer/team and working with a coach or mentor.

“There is normally an investment of some kind in their education, whether it be formal study or taking a secondment in a different industry that requires some accelerated learning.”

She says it is important to negotiate a career break and its goals with the employer, particularly if the intention is to return to the same role.

“I have seen people take breaks only to stagnate, miss opportunities and lose momentum with critical working relationships,” she says.

“Our test question with coaching clients is: Will you be better, healthier, smarter and happier if you take a career break?

“If it helps you get closer to your long-term goals, it’s worth pursuing.”

Emma Clark takes some “me time” in her garden to avoid burnout. Picture: Supplied

SCHEDULE SOME “ME TIME”

A lack of “me time” is why 45 per cent of Australians are more stressed and anxious than ever before – a feeling Emma Clark knows well.

The software company account director agrees with the Moccona Me-Time Study results, saying the perception that she had more time on her hands because of Covid lockdowns led her to feel a bit more pressure to go above and beyond, and do more work.

“That’s not to say many workplaces aren’t supportive – they are,” she says.

“It’s the pressure that everyone’s putting on themselves.”

As Clark, 30, last year found there were days she never left the house and saw daylight, she decided to schedule time out each day to prevent burnout.

Sitting outside in the garden with a cup of coffee and a book, and going for a walk, are her favourite activities.

She also took a leave day recently to create a long weekend to celebrate her birthday.

“It’s nice to take some time off and not be at my desk,” she says.

Originally published as How to know if it is time for a career break