Taking a Career Break: A Transformative Experience for Personal and Professional Growth

In the fast-paced world of product design leadership, where creativity, innovation, and strategic decisions shape the future of entire industries, taking a break can seem counterintuitive. Yet, as someone who has been on an almost year-long break, I can confidently say that stepping away from the constant hustle was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made.

Here’s how my career break not only revitalized my health but also provided the perfect environment for both personal and professional growth. If you’re considering doing the same, I hope this blog post inspires you to see the incredible value that a pause can bring.

The Power of Reflection: Reconnecting with My Purpose

As leaders, we often get consumed by daily tasks, deadlines, and the pursuit of success. While this constant push might drive short-term results, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Taking a career break gave me the space I needed to reflect on what truly matters. Without the constant pressure of meetings and milestones, I had the luxury to ask myself: What do I genuinely want to accomplish in my career?

Stepping back allowed me to clarify my long-term goals and rediscover my passion for product design leadership. I re-evaluated my strengths, areas for growth, and began to understand what kind of leader I want to be moving forward. This level of introspection is rarely possible when you’re knee-deep in the daily grind taking a step back from daily work routines allows for deeper self-reflection.

Prioritizing Health and Well-being

Health can be the first casualty of a demanding career. Before my break, I found myself constantly drained, mentally and physically. The time away from work helped me prioritize my health—both physical and mental.

I had the freedom to create routines that rejuvenated me: regular exercise, mindful practices like meditation, and plenty of rest. These habits weren’t just about feeling better in the moment; they’ve laid the foundation for better work-life balance when I return to leadership. A healthy leader is a more effective leader, and by taking care of myself, I’m now better equipped to take care of my team. Time away helps people re-establish healthy routines and promote a sustainable work-life balance.

Learning and Personal Growth

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of my career break was the opportunity to expand my horizons. I’ve always been curious about subjects outside of product design, but this break gave me the chance to dive deeply into them.

I began teaching Japanese and coaching individuals, which not only enhanced my communication skills but also provided a fresh perspective on mentoring and leadership. Working closely with students and guiding others through their personal and professional journeys helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to support growth in others.

I also explored psychology and history, studying human behavior and gaining insights into how past events shape our present thinking. This broad exploration has enriched my approach to leadership. At the same time, I dove into artificial intelligence, learning how it can revolutionize product design and bring new opportunities for innovation. Taking a break offers a great opportunity to explore new interests and grow personally.

The time spent learning wasn’t just for fun (although I enjoyed it immensely); it was an investment in myself. Gaining new knowledge and perspectives allows us to approach problems creatively, and as leaders, it’s essential to continuously evolve.

Creativity and Innovation: A Fresh Perspective

One of the changes I experienced was a renewed sense of creativity. When you’re constantly working, it’s easy to get stuck in habitual ways of thinking. However, stepping away from my regular responsibilities gave me space to explore new creative outlets—in particular, I picked up writing and producing blogs, something I hadn’t previously focused on.

This creative exercise not only helped me stay intellectually engaged during the break, but it also fostered new ideas that I can bring back into my professional life. Taking time away from daily pressures can fuel creativity in unexpected ways.

Renewed Commitment to Product Design Leadership

Perhaps most importantly, my career break helped renew my commitment to product design leadership. By stepping away, I could re-assess what I love about my work, what I want to improve, and how I can contribute more effectively. This clarity is something I never could have achieved without hitting pause. Taking a career break allows individuals to reconnect with their purpose and realign their career goals Time away helps individuals rediscover their passion and renew their sense of purpose in leadership.

I now have a clear vision for how I want to lead—focusing not just on projects and products, but on mentoring my team, fostering creativity, and promoting a healthy work culture. Taking this time for myself has, in turn, given me the tools to be a more empathetic and thoughtful leader.

Why You Should Consider a Career Break

If you’re on the fence about taking a break from your career, consider this: a well-planned break isn’t a step back; it’s a strategic move forward. It’s an opportunity to realign with your values, recharge your energy, and return to your career with new skills, ideas, and a clearer sense of purpose.

For me, the break was transformative in every way. I’ve reconnected with my health, learned new things, and reignited my passion for product design leadership. And when I return, I know I’ll be able to lead with more clarity, creativity, and commitment than ever before.

A career break doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your goals—it means you’re investing in your long-term success. So, if you’re feeling the pull to step back and reflect, listen to it. You might just find that it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.