Preparing for your Break
Before you go on a career break, whether you intend it to be only a few months or something longer, it’s important to do some planning.
The tips below suggest some actions you can take in advance, that will help to make the process more straightforward.
Decide how you want to approach it
Will you be taking a complete break from your normal working activity, or will you still attend the occasional meeting or event? It’s important to work out the details in advance so that both you and your Head of Discipline know what to expect.
Keep in touch
Keeping in touch with your Head of Discipline and colleagues in your area will make the transition smoother and will mean you’re kept in the loop while you’re away.
Plan your contact
Decide in advance whether you want to still receive departmental emails or other communications, and discuss with your Head of Discipline exactly how much contact you’d like to have with them over your break.
Stay informed
The more you can keep informed about new developments in your field, the less catching up you will have to do when you return. If you are subscribed to any professional journals or newsletters, maintain your subscriptions during your break.
Think about your return
Give some thought to how you want to eventually return to work. Will it be exactly as you worked before? Will you try to negotiate flexible working? Reduced hours?
Read our information on flexible working and College policies for more information.
Additional resources and information
Nature Podcast: Career Breaks for Women
Jan Bogg, Director of the Breaking Barriers Programme at the University of Liverpool, offers advice for women considering a career break, including how to stay in the loop while on maternity leave.