Took a long break from freelance/FT to get myself in shape, make a film, travel, luckily I’ve saved up. When I DO decide to return to work and if people ask why the long gap, what do I say? Just that?

likehelpful
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IMO, the fact that you did this for yourself makes you a better creative/human being. Anyone that would look down on that should make you think twice about working for them in the first place.

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Thanks if I were hiring I’d be into the person that did their own thang to recharge but I do feel that bad Juju everyone is talking about here - I’ve gotten “must be nice” comments in past and I’m like scurrrred.

This is a non-issue. Did the exact same many times, you're a "freelancer" don't go on about your time off—until after you are hired. You were consulting at different places "off and on" is all they need to know. Switch conversation back to your experience, they won't be the wiser. That's how you do it.

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Yeah I’m trying to find a way to keep it vague yet grounded you know?

smart

Honesty is the best policy. Everyone interviewing you will be jealous you put time into *gasp* YOU!

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@CD1 on my resume I glob my work together. So for the entirety of the period I put a date like, "Title, Consultant for Clients xxxxx, xxxx, xxxxx," Then a date that covers the period I was on vacation, to present time, like "6/17-present"

What's funny, even when I was traveling in the middle of SEA, I consulted and sometimes bartered with business owners about design, marketing and technology, as they were all interested in advertising and appealing to Westerners and needed very basic knowledge. So I actually did work on the road a bit.

As a freelancer, I agree with the others. You were freelancing. Period. In the past two years I’ve had to take significant time off to care for family. If a client was a friend, I told them what was going on. If others reached out, I’d say I was booked already but would be in touch when I was free. My resume shows years I was freelancing and clients I worked for, I don’t need to account for all my time.

I wouldn’t mention the travel, and I say that as someone who loves to travel. For some people it might bring up issues regarding money and whether you’re serious about work. You know you saved up. But the impression could be you’re a trust funder who’s going to bail and run off to Bali next week.

in your case, you were making a film, which is cool and aligns with your career. Say (or write on your resume) you were freelancing and making a film. That’s the bait and the conversation should pivot to that. Some agencies love that well-rounded stuff.

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Maybe do something creative to journal/memorialize your break. Write about it. Shoot it. Paint it.

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If you’re a freelancer, unless you have a steady gig, literally no one has to know unless you want to tel them. I just mean on your resume no one will ever know how long your gap is, you don’t list dates for freelancer gigs. go enjoy life and be happy

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Last time I had a freelance break I was asked what I was up to and that was only 3-5 mo

I took time off to make a film. Done. Who doesn’t want to hire someone interesting?

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CD2 it was a first film but it won at an oscars qualifying festival this year but umm I’m prob gonna hide it from these folks.. they seem to want you “ads24/7” FM Ads only!ads all the time!

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Interviewer (whispers): Damn that’s awesome

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I have been doing that for years. Take off months at a time to travel. I focus on my work part and mention travel when asked. My repeat network knows I travel, though often I just say I'm "not available until x date". Yes, some people have preconceptions of your work ethic. So I overcompensate when I do work to prove them wrong. Want to keep this lifestyle going and it's working so far.

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If someone reaches out to you for a gig just say you’re available. If you’re returning in a few months say “until xx”. If it’s a year just leave it at not available, or if it’s someone that regularly reaches out to you just say you’re taking a short sabbatical and will reach out when you return.

Also yes if the ask why the long gap, say exactly that. Otherwise people will assume the worst (eg you couldn’t get work)

I’m traveling atm. When recruiters reach out I say I’m traveling but will get in touch when I return on x date.

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