The international break in soccer is a period of reprieve. For fans, it can feel like a void where club football is paused, but for players, it’s a necessary moment to refocus, reset, and, for some, to represent their countries. It’s an opportunity to recharge—albeit at the risk of breaking the rhythm, losing relevance, or facing the challenge of returning to the pace of top-tier competition. This same dichotomy applies to our own professional lives when we consider taking a career break or stepping back to attend to life’s broader demands.
Just like in football, where some players use the break to work on their fitness or recover from injuries, a career break can provide a valuable opportunity to focus on neglected personal goals or invest time in learning new skills. It’s a chance to tackle those DIY projects around the house that have been gathering dust in the garage, tend to family needs, or even just take a breather to prevent burnout. But the spectre of irrelevance lurks in the background. Can you really take time off without losing your edge?
The Tension Between Recharge and Relevance
There’s a natural anxiety in stepping away. Imagine a star midfielder on top form: the fear is that a few weeks on the sidelines might blunt the instincts, create a gap for a younger player to shine, or diminish the fanbase’s memory of your contribution. Similarly, professionals taking a hiatus might worry about being out of sight, or out of mind. Will colleagues, clients, and connections move on? Will one’s skills fade, or could the drive to perform wane?
This psychological tension is compounded by the fast-paced nature of the modern business world. Just as a footballer can come back from the break and find a new tactical system in place, executives and managers can return to find priorities have shifted, technology has evolved, or the competitive landscape has changed. So, the dilemma is clear: should we view the break as a welcome pause or a risky disruption?
Why the Break Is Still Worth It
When managed properly, though, a break can be more than just a pause—it can be a strategic reset. Top athletes use downtime not only for recovery but also for reflection and tactical refinement. They review their performance, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and return stronger. In a similar vein, taking time off professionally doesn’t have to mean switching the brain off entirely. It’s about shifting the focus from “doing” to “being”—being more present, being more reflective, and being more intentional about the next steps.
Use the break to sharpen the axe, as the saying goes. Attend a workshop, read up on emerging trends, or engage in side projects that expand your thinking. This kind of active disengagement can enhance creativity and even uncover new areas of passion. By the time you return, you’re not just back—you’re back better.
Managing the Risks: Staying Visible and Motivated
If the fear of being forgotten looms large, it’s essential to maintain a level of professional visibility during the hiatus. Staying connected with your network, sharing thoughts on industry trends, or engaging in strategic conversations can keep the flame alive without being fully immersed. This is the equivalent of a soccer player training with the squad while staying on the bench. You’re not in the spotlight, but you’re not out of the game either.
Keeping the brain engaged is another key strategy. Without the daily grind and urgent deadlines, it’s easy to lose motivation and slide into a comfort zone. Setting small goals—whether it’s completing a course, writing, or tackling a long-term project—ensures that the mental muscle remains active. Much like a player maintaining fitness through light drills, even minor activities keep you ready to hit the ground running when you return.
Re-Entry: Regaining Form and Focus
Returning after a break, like rejoining the club after international duty, can feel like stepping back onto the pitch after sitting on the bench. The first few weeks can be marked by self-doubt, a slight lag in decision-making, or feeling out of sync. The key is to approach this period not with impatience but with a sense of purpose.
Focus on integrating quickly, understanding what has changed, and bringing fresh perspectives gained during your time away. In football, a player returning from the break often performs better if they bring new energy, new strategies, or a different mentality to the squad. Similarly, those returning to their careers should lean into the opportunity to contribute renewed vigour and insight. After all, the time away wasn’t just about rest; it was about growth.
Conclusion: Embracing the Duality
Just like the international break, a career hiatus can be seen as both a blessing and a burden, a period of refreshment and a potential risk. The key to navigating this tension is mindset and intention. If viewed as an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and refine your approach, then the break doesn’t have to represent a loss of relevance but rather a recalibration of it.
So, if you’re considering a pause—whether it’s a sabbatical, a family-focused interlude, or simply a step back to focus on personal projects—embrace it for what it is: a tactical break in the game, a chance to realign. Yes, there’s always the risk of losing momentum, but the greatest players—and the most successful professionals—are those who know when to rest and how to come back stronger. After all, the best teams don’t fear a break; they plan for it. And when the whistle blows to resume, they’re ready to play.