Experiencing a work stoppage, often referred to as sick leave, is usually a difficult time. During this period, people are often confronted with various negative feelings and emotions: fear, disappointment, sadness, guilt, and even shame. Many individuals on work stoppage also face a loss of meaning and identity. Questions that can be hard to answer may arise, especially when the duration of the leave extends:
- If I’m not working but technically still have a job, where do I stand in the job market?
- How can I define myself as a worker?
- What should I say to people who ask me what I do for a living?
Often, only the negative aspects of a work stoppage are remembered, but could there be positive sides to a situation that, at least on the surface, appears to have none?
Indeed, a work stoppage can sometimes be beneficial. Of course, several factors may have contributed to the need for time off, such as a very difficult, even toxic work environment, an accident (work-related or not), professional burnout, or difficulties balancing work and family life. It can thus be valuable to use this forced pause, when the time is right, to reassess our future in the job market.
Assessing Our Professional Journey
In general, many people are caught up in the whirlwind of life. The house, the partner, the children, the job, household chores, leisure activities… All of this often leaves little room for introspection. In fact, it is quite rare for people to take the time to stop and step back to evaluate their journey in the job market. During a work stoppage, you are somewhat forced to stop. So, why not also take the time, when you feel able to do so, to review what you’ve accomplished over the years in your career?
- What are my skills? Would I like to develop them further?
- What do I want for my future employment? Do I want to grow in my field? With my current employer? Elsewhere?
- What have I accomplished so far? What makes me proud?
Establishing Criteria and Recognizing Signals Not to Ignore
It’s possible to realize that you want to continue in the same path but would like things to be different from how they were before your break. Defining the criteria for your ideal job becomes crucial in order to eventually return to work in a “healthy” manner that will be sustainable. Moreover, illness or an accident can often result in visible symptoms that reflect a deeper imbalance. This pause could therefore be an opportunity to learn to recognize warning signs (chronic fatigue, mental overload, discomfort at work) in order to better anticipate them in the future.
- What are the elements that bother me? How could things be different?
- Are my limits clear to me? What are they? How can I make sure they are respected?
- Are my criteria realistic and aligned with the current job market?
Exploring Options
You can also take this opportunity to broaden your horizons. A work stoppage, although often imposed rather than chosen, can provide the mental space to ask questions that we didn’t have time to think about before. Once the urgency has passed, it’s the perfect time to consider other career paths without immediate pressure. This moment can be used to:
- Learn about other professions through podcasts, online articles, and testimonies from people who’ve changed careers.
- Exchange with close friends or former colleagues to gather external opinions, sometimes revealing skills or aspirations we’ve overlooked or ignored.
- Test gently: enrolling in a short course, attending an online webinar, or even doing a skills assessment with a career counselor could be a soft transition.
The idea is not to radically revolutionize everything immediately, but to expand your horizons. Sometimes, a simple realization is enough to guide your future steps with greater clarity.
Planning a Smooth Return
After a work stoppage, the transition back to work deserves careful preparation, both to preserve the benefits of rest and to avoid a relapse, whether physical or psychological.
After an extended break, the body and mind may need time to readjust to the professional rhythm, as we often lose our work habits (e.g., waking up early every morning, having a routine around work hours). Therefore, considering a gradual return, if possible, is often recommended. Some companies or insurance plans allow for a temporary part-time return or a progressive schedule spread over a few weeks – an option worth considering. Other employers may also be open to discussing adjustments to your role, partial telecommuting, or a temporary reduction of responsibilities. Clarifying your needs in this regard and expressing your expectations could help avoid misunderstandings and establish a protective framework.
Finally, setting realistic goals for the first weeks back is essential. Rather than aiming for immediate performance, it’s better to focus on adaptation, stability, and listening to your limits. A gradual return is not a luxury; it’s a long-term strategy for rebuilding a healthier and more sustainable relationship with work.
Written by Catherine Roquet and Sandy Vignola-Pétrin, career counselors at BrissonLegris
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