A long-term break in employment – does it mean anything?

For many people, work is not only a source of income, but also an important element defining their identity and self-esteem. For this reason, a long-term break in employment often raises concerns and can be a cause for concern. But does such an event really mean anything?

First, it is worth noting that the reasons for a long-term break in employment can be different. They may be related to personal circumstances, such as illness, caring for children or loved ones, the need to move or a change of career direction. Another reason may be the difficult situation on the labour market, the inability to find a suitable job, especially during the economic crisis. In any case, a long-term break in employment does not necessarily mean that the person is less valuable or less professionally capable.

On the other hand, it happens that a long-term break in employment may result from a lack of initiative on the part of the job seeker, low motivation to find it or lack of ability to promote their professional experience and skills. In this case, a break in employment may indeed show disadvantages of character or lack of commitment.

However, it should be remembered that a long-term break in employment does not have to be an obstacle to returning to the labour market. For this purpose, it is worth taking advantage of various types of training programs, internships or volunteering, which can help in acquiring new skills and experience. Opening to various forms of employment, such as temporary work or mandate contracts, can also help the return to the labour market.

Nowadays, especially in the age of digitalization, it is also especially important to have the right digital competences, which are a key skill in many industries. Therefore, it is worth spending time learning how to use a computer, office programs, as well as more specialized tools related to a given industry.