A career break is an extended period away from employment, often taken for personal growth, family commitments, travel, or further studies. Unlike garden leave, where employees remain on payroll while serving notice, a career break is typically unpaid and initiated by the employee. In Singapore’s fast-paced work culture, taking a career break can seem daunting, but with careful planning, it can be a valuable and rewarding decision.

This guide explores the reasons for taking a career break, the implications for employment, legal considerations, and how to transition back into the workforce effectively.

What Is a Career Break?

A career break refers to a voluntary pause in employment, often lasting months or even years. Unlike sabbaticals, which are usually employer-approved, career breaks are often self-initiated and require employees to resign from their jobs. While some companies offer re-employment opportunities after a career break, others may not, making it essential to plan carefully.

Career Break vs. Sabbatical: Which One is Right for You?

A career break and a sabbatical may seem similar, but they have key differences:

• Career Break: Typically self-initiated and unpaid, requiring resignation or an extended leave agreement with no guaranteed return.
• Sabbatical: Employer-approved leave, often paid or partially paid, with a defined return-to-work plan.

If your goal is personal development, further studies, or travel without an urgent need to return to the same employer, a career break may be suitable. However, if you want job security while taking time off, a sabbatical is the better choice—though not all companies offer this option.

Career Break vs. Garden Leave: Key Differences

A career break differs significantly from garden leave. Garden leave occurs when an employer instructs an employee to stay away from work during their notice period while still receiving their salary and benefits. It is often used to protect company interests, especially in roles involving confidential information.

Key Differences:

While both involve stepping away from work, garden leave is a temporary and paid arrangement, whereas a career break is a personal choice with financial implications.

Common Reasons for Taking a Career Break

People in Singapore take career breaks for various reasons, including:

1. Family Responsibilities – Caring for young children, elderly parents, or a spouse.
2. Health and Well-being – Taking time off for physical or mental health recovery.
3. Further Studies – Pursuing additional qualifications to enhance career prospects.
4. Travel and Personal Development – Exploring different cultures or learning new skills.
5. Career Transition – Switching industries or starting a business.

Is a Career Break Legally Recognised in Singapore?

There are no specific laws in Singapore governing career breaks. Unlike maternity or childcare leave, a career break is not a statutory entitlement. It is considered a voluntary decision made by the employee, which means employers are not legally required to grant extended unpaid leave or guarantee re-employment.

However, some organisations have career break policies allowing employees to take time off with an option to return under agreed conditions. Checking your employment contract and discussing with HR can clarify your options.

Can You Request a Career Break from Your Employer?

Yes, you can request a career break, but approval depends on company policy and business needs. If your company does not have a formal career break policy, you may propose:

• Unpaid Leave Arrangement: If you wish to return after a fixed period.
• Sabbatical Leave: If your employer offers it as part of a benefits package.
• Part-Time Work or Remote Options: To maintain some employment while taking a break.

When making your request, highlight how your absence can be managed, your potential return timeline, and the benefits of granting the break (such as upskilling or reducing burnout).

Will a Career Break Affect Your CPF and Benefits?

Yes, taking a career break can impact your financial situation in several ways:

• CPF Contributions: If you are not employed, CPF contributions from both employer and employee will stop, affecting retirement savings.
• Health and Insurance Benefits: If your employer provides medical coverage, it may end unless you opt for personal insurance.
• Annual and Sick Leave Accrual: Since you are not employed, you won’t accumulate statutory benefits like annual leave, sick leave, or bonuses.
• Career Progression: Some employers may view long breaks as gaps in employment, though this can be mitigated by strategic skill-building during your break.

Learn more about CPF contribution in our comprehensive guide.

Career Break Options for Working Parents in Singapore

Working parents often take career breaks for childcare or family-related responsibilities. If you are considering this, here are some options:

1. Government-Supported Leave: Maternity, paternity, and childcare leave are available, but they are limited in duration. A career break may be necessary for longer-term caregiving.
2. Part-Time or Flexible Work: Some employers offer part-time arrangements to ease the transition between full-time work and a career break.
3. Entrepreneurship or Freelancing: Starting a business or freelancing allows parents to balance work and family responsibilities more flexibly.
4. Unpaid Parental Leave: Some companies offer unpaid parental leave as part of their benefits package.

How to Plan for a Successful Career Break

Taking a career break requires strategic planning to ensure a smooth transition out of and back into employment.

1. Discuss With Your Employer

If your reason for a career break aligns with professional development, your employer might offer flexible arrangements like unpaid leave or a sabbatical.

2. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve—whether it’s acquiring new skills, spending time with family, or exploring new career paths.

3. Enhance Your Skillset

Consider online courses, certifications, or volunteer work to keep your skills relevant.

4. Network and Stay Updated

Maintain professional relationships and stay informed about industry trends to facilitate re-entry into the workforce.

5. Prepare for Job Re-Entry

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile to highlight skills gained during your break. Employers value transferable skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Returning to Work After a Career Break

Rejoining the workforce can be challenging, but a well-planned approach makes it easier.

1. Leverage Your Career Break Experience

Frame your break as a period of growth, emphasising skills gained rather than employment gaps.

2. Consider Alternative Employment Options

If returning to your previous role is difficult, explore freelancing, contract roles, or part-time work as a stepping stone.

3. Use Government and Industry Support

Singapore offers career transition support, including:

• SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Helps mid-career professionals gain work experience.
• SkillsFuture Credits – Funds upskilling courses for professional development.

Conclusion

A career break in Singapore can be a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. While it requires financial and strategic planning, it can ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction and work-life balance. By staying connected with industry trends and leveraging available resources, professionals can ensure a seamless transition back into the workforce.

If you’re considering a career break, assess your motivations, plan financially, and explore options for re-employment post-break. And if you’re currently on garden leave, this could be an opportunity to test the waters before committing to a full-fledged career break.

For more insights on employment transitions, check out our detailed guide on Garden Leave in Singapore.