Sometimes we need to distance ourselves to realize that a job or career isn’t the right fit. A career break offers the opportunity to explore different options or even try out a new field. Some ways to test the waters include requesting informational interviews or volunteering with an organization to get a sense of the corporate culture. This is also a good time to experiment with working remotely or turning that passion project into your own small business.

A career break can be a life-changing experience. While many people dream of taking time off mid-career, few actually do it. The good news is that taking a hiatus can highlight to an organization that you want to further your skillset and expand your horizons. The key is to assert with confidence why you took time out, then shift the focus to future contributions you hope to make. Own it unapologetically, and you’ll soon find that taking a career break was the best decision you ever made.