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Career breaks

It is important to make time to plan your break carefully before you go, especially if you want to return to SET employment later on. The advice below also applies to going on maternity leave.

If you intend to return to the same employer:

  • talk things through with your line manager
  • discuss how much contact you want to have (do you still want to receive the company newsletter? would you want to attend occasional meetings or seminars?)
  • think of other ways you can 'stay in the loop': subscriptions to journals, professional memberships and joining relevant groups can all help
  • think creatively about how you could return to work flexibly

If you are leaving without another job to go to:

  • making plans before you go is even more crucial if you want to return to SET employment
  • keep up membership of your professional institution and other relevant networks (many have a reduced membership fee for people on a career break or low income)
  • you may be able to identify a mentor who you can stay in touch with during your break
  • make sure that your plans are realistic and achievable - you may have new responsibilities that affect how available you are for job seeking and work

Further support

Further information