<h1>Taking a break from your career to travel the world sounds dreamy. But in a job market that moves fast, does pressing pause put you at a disadvantage?</h1><h2>In an episode of the <strong>BBK Network</strong> podcast, Hiredly’s VP of People and Culture, Joselyn Lau joined the panel to unpack the career implications of working holidays. Alongside returnees and first-timers, they discussed how to weigh the pros and cons—and how to make the experience work <i>for</i> your future.</h2><p>A working holiday can either be a detour or a launchpad. It all depends on your clarity, planning, and mindset. If you’re pausing your career, make sure you're still growing—professionally, personally, and emotionally—while you’re away.</p><hr><h2>1. Know What You’re Pressing Pause On<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_26_105639697_5e25ed6f7d.png"></h2><p>Joselyn pointed out that if you’re already on a clear career path—whether climbing the ranks in sales or building momentum in a niche industry—taking a long break might stall your progress.</p><p>Especially in fast-paced sectors like tech, where tools and frameworks evolve quickly, even six months away can leave your skills behind.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/addressing-employment-gap?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Stay Competitive During a Career Gap</a></p><hr><h2>2. But If You’re Feeling Lost—It Could Be a Game Changer<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_26_105708797_fa42bce231.png"></h2><p>On the flip side, if you’re unsure what direction you’re headed in, a working holiday might be the reset you need.</p><p>One guest described it as a “side quest” from life’s usual grind. By changing your surroundings, testing different jobs, and meeting new people, you may discover strengths and interests you never knew you had.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/successful-career-switch-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Successful Career Switch in Malaysia: Where to Begin</a></p><hr><h2>3. You Can’t Pause the World While You’re Gone</h2><p>The most honest take? While you’re finding yourself abroad, others back home might be <strong>moving up the ladder</strong>.</p><p>Joselyn emphasized that returning from a career break means being prepared to re-enter a job market that has kept evolving. That doesn’t mean you’ll be left behind—but you’ll need to show employers you’re ready to jump back in.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-combat-workplace-complacency?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Stay Career-Ready Even on a Break</a></p><hr><h2>4. Employers Won’t Judge—If You Own Your Story<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_26_105742189_4d170d9f26.png"></h2><p>Many worry about how hiring managers will perceive their break. But Joselyn shared that it’s <strong>all about how you frame it</strong>.</p><p>If you can clearly explain why you took the time off, what you gained, and how it makes you a better candidate today, most recruiters won’t just accept your break—they’ll respect it.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-introduce-yourself-to-employers?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Introduce Yourself to Employers with Confidence</a></p><hr><h3>If you're navigating a career change, starting fresh, or just figuring out what’s next, join Hiredly’s <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Talent Community</a>—a space built for driven young professionals like you to connect, learn, and explore meaningful career paths. Ready to take the next step? Discover your <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Work Personality</a>, or explore exciting job opportunities on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=should_you_take_a_career_break_for_a_working_holiday?&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly </a>today.</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crxQbzHIVFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out the full BBK episode here</a></h3>

Considering a working holiday but worried about how it’ll affect your career? Here's how to decide if it's worth the pause—and how to make the most of it.

Should You Take a Career Break for a Working Holiday?