Even the most ambitious and accomplished of HBS professionals will want, or need, to step back from business commitments to address more personal concerns, such as:
- Childcare and family growth
- Elder care and family commitments
- Unanticipated job loss, one’s own or a partners’
- Planned, yet premature retirement
- Re-examination of commitments, “soul searching”
Whether you anticipate a career break, or wish to position yourself favorably in the event of an unplanned job loss, you can take steps now to make re-entry as pain-free and seamless as possible. Key among these are:
Networking
Taking a break from a job should not mean disappearing from the marketplace. Continue to maintain and expand your network, both virtually (digital communities, like LinkedIn) and in-person.
Harvard ManageMentor: Leveraging Your Networks
Networking is a crucial skill for all managers. Learning to create an effective network, improve your interpersonal skills, access new information, and connect with important organizational stakeholders in this self-guided course.
Resume Maintenance
Make it a habit to document your career experiences and update your resume/CV, both in print and in your online profiles, so that your public persona reflects your personal experiences. Keeping your resume current allows you to remain relevant, regardless of where you are in your life and career path.
