Adults Are Taking Gap Years to Redefine Their Careers

In her early 30s, a magazine editor found herself completely wrung out—juggling long hours, looming deadlines, and the persistent question of whether to have children. She drafted a resignation email, ready to walk away from her career entirely.

When her boss called her in, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Instead of accepting her resignation, the boss offered a compromise: "Take some time off," she said. "Come back to manage a new launch later this year."

That brief pause became a transformative experience. What began as a quiet yoga retreat near Kerala, India, evolved into an adventure across Indonesia—climbing Mount Bromo and motorbiking through Yogyakarta. It wasn't a traditional gap year, but it was long enough to reset her perspective entirely.

The following year, she stepped into her boss's role, leading the very creative team she had almost left behind. That experience crystallized a powerful realization: time off doesn't have to derail a career—it can redefine it.

The traditional concept of a gap year—typically taken by students between high school and college—has evolved. Today, established professionals are increasingly stepping away from their careers at the height of their earning potential.

These aren't 20-somethings still finding their path. They're mid-career leaders, executives, and specialists who have built substantial careers but find themselves questioning their trajectory.

As one professional noted, "I wasn't a student with few obligations or a 20-something who hadn't settled on a career path. I was an established professional stepping away when the stakes were high."

This shift represents a fundamental change in how society views career breaks. Rather than being seen as a derailment, extended time off is increasingly viewed as a strategic career move—a chance to gain perspective, develop new skills, and return with renewed purpose.

David Burkus, an organizational psychologist and author, has been studying sabbaticals since 2015. His research reveals compelling benefits that extend far beyond personal well-being.

"People report better mental and physical health, increased confidence, and a greater sense of purpose after an extended break."

Burkus also identified significant advantages for employers. Teams that experience a colleague's absence often cross-train and share knowledge more effectively, becoming less dependent on a few "indispensable" people.

A 2022 peer-reviewed study published in the Academy of Management interviewed 50 professionals who had taken extended time off. The findings were striking: all interviewees said they returned as better leaders.

DJ DiDonna, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and coauthor of the study, noted that every person he interviewed wished they had taken a sabbatical earlier in their career.

Extended time away from work carries real financial implications. Lower earnings, disrupted savings, and slower compounding are genuine risks that professionals must weigh carefully.

However, for many, the long-term benefits outweigh these short-term costs. The return to work often brings increased productivity, better decision-making, and clearer career direction.

Despite these potential advantages, paid sabbaticals remain a rarity in the United States. According to Society for Human Resource Management data:

• Only 5% of companies offered paid sabbaticals in 2019
• This rose to 7% by 2023
• Employee demand continues to outpace employer offerings

Interestingly, the demand for leave benefits shows no signs of slowing. In SHRM's 2025 benefits survey, leave was the second-highest priority for workers—trailing only health benefits—for the fourth year in a row.

When is the optimal moment to step away? Research suggests the best times for a sabbatical often coincide with natural life transitions.

DiDonna identified several key moments when extended breaks make particular sense:

• During a honeymoon period after marriage
• When children leave home (the "empty nest" phase)
• In the "twilight career" stage before retirement

These transition points offer natural opportunities for reflection and redirection. The magazine editor's experience demonstrates this principle—her break came during a period of personal questioning about life's next chapter.

The result wasn't just personal renewal. She returned to a promotion, stepping into her former boss's role and leading the team she had nearly abandoned. The break didn't just preserve her career—it elevated it.

The landscape of work continues to evolve, and with it, our understanding of career sustainability. Extended breaks are shifting from rare exceptions to strategic tools for professional development.

For employers, the message is becoming clearer: supporting employee sabbaticals isn't just a perk—it's an investment in team resilience and leadership development. When done thoughtfully, time away strengthens both individuals and organizations.

For professionals considering this path, the evidence suggests that stepping away at the right moment can be transformative. The key lies in intentional timing and viewing the break not as an escape, but as a strategic pause that can redefine what comes next.

As more professionals share their experiences, the stigma around career breaks continues to fade. What was once seen as a risky detour is increasingly recognized as a deliberate choice—one that can lead to greater clarity, confidence, and purpose in both work and life.