You don't have to buckle down and be sensible forever post-40. More and more people are choosing to take career sabbaticals or 'golden gap years'. How? The key is in the planning, writes Jess Stuart.
I’ve fond memories of my OE in my early twenties, unsure what I wanted from life, a lot to figure out. The space helped, as did understanding other perspectives and broadening my horizons traveling the globe.
Career coach Jess Stuart explains a growing trend of New Zealanders choosing to take career sabbaticals and midlife breaks. (Source: Breakfast)
Then came a decade of knuckling down, climbing the career ladder and earning a living. A decade that resulted in burnout and a midlife unravelling, which led to another OE. A midlife sabbatical as I stepped away to clear up the mess I’d made and gain some perspective on what was next. It wasn’t backpacking around Asia this time though, this was study, cultural immersions and reflection to plan my future. I took a mid-career sabbatical to reflect, recharge, and realign my goals. The decade that followed has been my best yet and I put that down to something that has become a rising phenomenon.
The rise of the midlife sabbatical
I remember a time in my HR days where gaps in career history would be a cause for concern. These days it’s proof you’re constantly learning and growing. As a result, we’re seeing a rise of the midlife sabbatical. Career breaks no longer signal “career death” they’re often viewed as a sign of self-awareness or even strategic repositioning.
Many people hit a natural point in their forties or fifties where they begin to question their values, purpose, and the trajectory of their career. This is less about a crisis (despite what your mother might think) and more about a desire for alignment and authenticity.
We’re also long overdue a break from work by this stage of our careers and, if we’ve worked our way up the ladder, might be in a better financial position than we were on our first OE backpacking around Asia.
After decades in the workforce, many experience chronic stress or burnout, prompting the need for a pause. Others might not have got to that point but still, work isn't firing them the way it used to. Career breaks are seen as a way to reset mentally, physically, and emotionally, especially after high-stakes roles or long service.
After two decades in senior marketing roles, Hana, 46 from Wellington hit burnout. She took a nine-month sabbatical to travel solo through South America and reconnect with her heritage. The time away helped her reset, and she returned with a new sense of purpose, retraining as a wellness coach and starting her own small consultancy focused on mindful leadership.
But a midlife career break doesn't always involve travel. For others it might be a chance to reconnect with family, or to embark on a creative project such as writing a book.
Mike, 51 and an Auckland-based engineer, took a six-month unpaid leave to care for his elderly father and spend more time with his teenage sons. The break gave him perspective on what really mattered to him, and he’s since returned to work part-time while studying toward a diploma in social work, a career pivot he never imagined in his 30s.
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Midlife: a time of flux
This period of midlife sometimes coincides with big changes in life: the loss of elderly parents, kids leaving home, a separation or divorce, maybe the sale of a family home and a smaller mortgage. All of these can make the previously unthinkable suddenly seem more doable.
We’re also living and working longer than before which makes a midlife break not only possible but sustainable. Taking a year off at 45 isn’t “early retirement” when there's every chance you'll work past 65. It's often seen as a mid-career recharge or reinvention.
Usually by this stage of our life we’ve got a better idea of what we want, too. We’re more aligned to our purpose and in a position where we might be keen to pursue passion projects, sabbaticals, caregiving, travel, or study during midlife.
The idea of waiting for retirement to “live” feels outdated. Career breaks give people space to redefine success on their own terms.
It can be a necessity sometimes too. Given many in midlife become part of the “sandwich generation”, caring for both children and aging parents. Career breaks are sometimes not optional, for family or personal health reasons.
Midlife career breaks are rising because people are more self-aware, less tied to linear career paths, and more willing to prioritise wellbeing and purpose over productivity. The modern work culture is slowly catching up, making these breaks not only more acceptable, but often celebrated.
But what if I can't find another job?
This is probably the biggest fear among the midlife group – and understandably: there can be a very real prejudice against hiring older people in some sectors. It's a matter of risk assessment on your part: by taking time out to revitalise and reassess you could make yourself more attractive to future employers. During your sabbatical you might also refine your own ambitions so that, as was the case with both Mike and Hana above, slipping back into your old company, role or industry isn't your goal.
Alternatively, it can be possible to take a lengthy break without giving up your current position. Organisations are beginning to see the value of sabbaticals and midlife breaks, especially for retaining talent and offering personal flexibility to manage midlife. Some even offer formal sabbatical programs.
So if you’ve been intrigued by this idea and wondering how it might work for you, here’s a few things to consider before you pack your bags and book your flights.
Where do I start?
1. Start with purpose
Ask yourself: What’s this break really for? Clarity helps you shape the experience, whether it's for burnout recovery, exploration, study or reconnection.
2. Sort the finances
This is often the biggest blocker, but it’s solvable with planning. Start a savings account for your OE. Work out your monthly expenses and how long you want off. Build a financial cushion (ideally 6–12 months’ basic expenses). Consider part-time/freelance work during your break, if needed.
3. Craft your career narrative
Think ahead to how you'll explain the break to future employers or clients. Make it sound; intentional, reflective and growth-oriented.
4. Plan your re-entry
Don’t wait until the break ends to think about what’s next. Keep your LinkedIn profile warm and stay lightly connected to your network.
With a background in HR, Jess Stuart is now a Waiheke-based career coach and the author of several books including: Burnout to Brilliance and I Love Mondays.
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