I was always planning to take a short sabbatical right before we this garbage job market, and then I couldn’t figuring it would be such a headache to get another job once I came back. But the people who have taken voluntary sabbaticals or other kinds of time-off work, how do you justify the gap while applying for jobs again?

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I just said it. Either in recruiter screen or CV blurb. It’s not uncommon. Either ppl have gaps due to lay offs or freelance work or sabbatical. I notice if you’re confident others will be as well.

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Gaps are common in today's market, I've attended AMAs by recruiters and hiring managers who assured us this is normal and there is no stigma.

I took a sabbatical that turned into 20 months of unemployment. On my resume, I highlighted productive things I did during that time: led professional workshops, gave talks to community groups and university classes, took some relevant online courses for certifications, and organized networking/professional events for people in my field.

Additionally I tried to start my own LLC during that time (I didn't do anything with it, but I filed with my secretary of state and still pay the fees / file reports each year), which also covers me for employment gaps during background checks.

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