The Career Break Decision Diagnostic

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Considering a career break can feel exciting, overwhelming, irresponsible, liberating, unrealistic, or all of the above!

This assessment takes just 5-8 minutes to complete, and is designed to help you think more clearly about the practical, emotional, financial, and logistical factors involved in stepping away from work.

There are no right or wrong answers. If requested, a complementary 15-minute call to review a summary of your assessment is available.
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NamePlease enter your name
First Name
Last Name
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EmailPlease enter your email to receive results
example@example.com
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How often do you think about taking a break from your career?Select 1
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Never
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When you think about stepping away from your current situation, what stops you first?Select up to 3
I don't know where to begin
Money
Health insurance/benefits
Fear of damaging my career
Family impact
Loss of momentum or status
I'm unsure what the break would look like
Nothing specific, just the unknown
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If your income stopped tomorrow, how long could you maintain your current lifestyle?Select 1
Less than 3 months
3–6 months
6–12 months
1–3 years
+3 years
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What about your current situation feels the most important to preserve?Select up to 3
Career momentum and future professional opportunities
Key relationships
Stability and predictability
Retirement and long-term financial goals
My physical and mental health
My sense of purpose and identity
Time with friends, family or aging parents
I'm not sure yet
Other
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Have you modeled a break financially?Select 1
No, it feels too overwhelming
I've thought about it a little
I've run rough numbers
I've stress-tested scenarios already
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Which feels most true?Select 1
I haven’t looked at the math at all
The math doesn’t work yet
The math might work, but it still feels scary
I think the math works — but I worry about other factors
I’m financially confident
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What worries you the most about re-entry after a possible break?
Explaining the gap
Compensation reduction
Loss of seniority
Ageism
Failure to find a comparable role
Nothing, I'm confident I can pivot
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If you took 6-12 months off, what feels most accurate?Select 1
I’d return to the same role
I’d want a lighter version of my current role
I'd want to change industries completely
I don't know what I'd want
I wouldn't go back
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If nothing changes in 2 years, how do you feel?Select 1
Relieved — stability matters
Neutral — life is fine
Slightly disappointed
Regretful
Deeply uneasy about wasting time
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Which of these best describes what you're seeking?
Relief from burnout or pressure
More time with family and loved ones
Slower pace
I'm overwhelmed
Flexibility to support family
Stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment
Time to explore what comes next
Travel or living abroad
I'm not completely sure yet
Other
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What does your ideal version of a career break include?
Travel
Reinvention
Caregiving
Testing out retirement
Volunteering
Rest
Relocation
Hybrid work
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What feels the least clear right now?Select up to 3
Family alignment
A financial plan
A career re-entry strategy
What I would actually do during a break
Whether this is even the right move
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How close do you feel to making a real decision about a career break?Select 1
I'm thinking about it but not close
I'm actively trying to decide now
It's more of a "someday" idea
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Based on your answers, it's common to find a few areas that need to be worked through before making an informed decision. Would you find it helpful to walk through your specific situation in a structured strategy session?Select 1
Yes - I'd like to schedule one
Maybe - I'd like to learn more first
Not right now
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