More Young Singaporean PMETs Are Taking Extended Career Breaks
- More young Singapore professionals are taking extended breaks from work, anywhere from a few months to an entire year, to avoid burnout and consider career changes.
- Technology improvements and an array of career options are notably contributing to this budding trend, while employers are urged to improve mental health support within the workplace.
- Despite its potential downsides, such as negotiation difficulties regarding salary and benefits, or concerns over skills relevancy, these career breaks could potentially offer personal growth opportunities and allow the exploration of different income sources.
The Straits Times reports that an upward trend is being observed among young professionals aged 20 to 30 who are taking extended breaks from their careers.
The Emerging Trend of Long-Term Career Breaks
A noticeable trend is emerging among young professionals who are breaking from the conventional route of consistent employment.
They are taking extended breaks, ranging from a few months to an entire year, not only in Singapore but in several other countries too.
This unexpected shift is largely driven by the collective seeking of a healthy work-life balance and exploration of diverse career opportunities.
Harnessing Technology and Numerous Career Options
It’s not surprising that fast technology advancements and the plethora of career choices play a significant role in persuading these young professionals to take such breaks.
The desire to evade excessive stress and burnout, coupled with the growing awareness of mental health, stands as a towering factor too.
Furthermore, younger workers are seeking connections and acceptance at their workplaces, which the older counterparts seem to relish more.
Managing Extended Breaks: An Employer’s Perspective
Employers are being urged to establish policies and structures which actively support their employees’ mental well-being.
This robust support network appears crucial in retaining younger employees since they are generally more susceptible to feeling isolated and stressed at work.
As highlighted by Mr John Shepherd Lim from Singapore Counselling Centre, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically shifted young professionals’ attitude towards their relationships with their employers. “With many retrenchments during the pandemic, it has shifted the way young professionals view their relationships with their employers – where the traditional notion of loyalty to a workplace has been eroded, and replaced with one where employees prioritize flexibility, autonomy and career alignment, over long-term commitment to their employers,” when Mr Lim was interviewed by The Straits Times.
The Flip Side of Extended Breaks
On the other hand, negotiating salary and benefits upon reentering job market after extended break might prove to be challenging.
Moreover, concerns potentially loom over the relevancy of skills after a substantial hiatus.
Simultaneously, the prospect of financial pressures during a career break could be daunting for a few, while others might explore other income sources.
Ways to Utilise Extended Career Breaks
However, experts insist that these breaks can open up opportunities for personal growth and rejuvenation.
As advised by Mr Danny Tan from Robert Walters Singapore, one can counter the potential negative perception by staying updated with industry trends and emphasising on the skills and experiences acquired during the break.
“Candidates can try to mitigate possible negative perceptions by keeping up with industry trends during their break… and can also emphasize skills and experiences gained during the break that are transferable to the desired role,” stated Danny Tan in his interview with The Straits Times.
A Call to Reimagine Career Paths
The shifting landscape of job security and the evolving mindset towards career paths signals a need to reassess traditional working models.
This new trend of extended breaks showcases the changing values of the younger working population.
As Dr Xu Le from National University of Singapore Business School stated, “Young people see the advantages of achieving a more balanced life as including a healthier body, a happier life and a certain level of freedom.”
A career break or a sabbatical – whatever you prefer to call it – are you considering one? Would the possible downsides deter you or would the opportunity for personal growth entice you? Share your comments below.
