Sometimes, when life becomes overwhelming, you just need a break from work—and a two-week vacation won’t do it. Whether you’re a parent or other caregiver, have health issues, or are stressed out from overwork or office politics, taking a career pause can give you a chance to recoup your physical and mental health before you burn out completely.
Read on for advice on why you may need a career break, how to take a bigger break from your work situation if you’ve determined a career pause is necessary, and tips to stay in the game if you decide you don’t want to unplug completely.