These days it feels like one financial crisis seems to replace the next. With global markets under stress, we are asked to work longer, harder and with fewer resources. It’s not that we like to, it’s simply a reality of today’s working environment.

A recent stellar candidate who lost her job at a top-tier securities company after her job function was off-shored to Singapore asked me the following question: “This might be a good opportunity for me to take a break in my career, but how long of a break can I afford to take?”

Conscious that the job market at the moment is quite slow, it is often tempting to reconsider your options after receiving several months’ severance package. It is equally easy to get into a lull and enjoy some time off.

Unfortunately, long employment gaps in a CV can be unforgiving. Potential employers start asking questions such as, “What has this individual been doing for the past 8 or 12 months?” and “Why has s/he not been able to find a job during such a long period?”

The reality is that in an ever changing world, regulations, processes and systems are constantly updated. Our inability to keep up with change whilst away from the market makes us less competitive and less marketable.

Whilst we may not control certain decisions, such as headcount allowances, you can certainly take control of your career and return to the market as soon as possible.

If it is a case that market conditions are particularly adverse, rather than staying on the sideline, why not take this time to enroll in continuing education classes? Get certified and add that CPA, project management or MBA qualification that was missing from your CV!

If you are considering a career break to advance your professional development, a few institutions like Temple University Japan, McGill University Japan, or Deloitte Leadership Academy offer very enriching programmes:

• http://www.tuj.ac.jp/cont-ed/certificate/index.html
• http://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/mbajapan
• http://www.deloitte.la/welcome/

So, are you still thinking about taking that long break?

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