Plan the return before you leave.

Rarely by itself. What causes damage is usually a break that's unfunded, unexplained, and has no plan for coming back — leading to a rushed, pressured search. This plan tackles each: a clear purpose, the right leave arrangement, a full budget, a light keep-warm routine and a dated return. It can't guarantee a bigger role afterwards, but it removes the avoidable risks.

Ask first. Many employers offer sabbaticals, unpaid leave or career breaks, sometimes after a certain length of service, and having a job to return to reduces the risk dramatically. Check your contract and policy, and get any agreement in writing — including whether your role is held and what happens to pay, pension and benefits during the leave.

More than the break itself. Add hidden costs like health cover, pension or social contributions that may pause, the months of job searching afterwards if no job is held, and a buffer. In the calculator, a six-month break on 25,000 of savings comes up short once three months of searching are included — but works with money to spare if your job is held.

With a light routine — an hour or two a week reading about your field, one short course or small project, and a brief update to key contacts every couple of months. Check that licences or certificates won't lapse. If the break is for burnout or recovery, rest comes first and the routine can start later.

Earlier than feels natural. Work backwards from your planned return date: CV and profile update, network outreach, first applications. In many fields that means starting two to three months or more before your first day back. Put the date in your calendar before you leave, along with a savings safety line.