Does it look bad if an applicant took a career break (1 year) for self-improvement?

[Anonymous]

I am considering a career change.

I want to learn skills (e. g. AI, Machine Learning, etc.) that would help me with that career change, but it is not easy for me to make time for it as I work more than 40 hrs a week. I would like to quit my job and focus on developing skills full time.

I have enough money saved to do this.

My goal is to create a portfolio of projects demonstrating my newly learned skills.

Updates

+1 y

I am not getting any younger and I am not sure how easy it will be for me to learn things when I am older.

[SueShe]

If you take a career break and you self-improve by doing job oriented courses, then it does not look bad as you clearly give signs that you want to move ahead and learn additional things that may help you in your career.

If on the other hand you simply take a sabbatical year to go traveling or go after your hobbies, then it will not look good in your curriculum vitae and your job applications may be turned down because of that fact.

If you want to self-improve and that this self-improvement will lead you to gain further knowledge, then it is good and not bad. Just don't stay off the job market for too long.

[IslaTheWitch]

You can simply write a sabbatical without sharing details. I got such a break after my mom passed away. If they want to know more they will ask you and then you can share the details... it's how it works for me

[LiamJHayden]

You can always tell them it was to care for an ailing loved one. Just do not elaborate that you were the loved one.

[DrPepper12]

Dont you remember that relative you had to care for because of long COVID? I do...

[DishLady]

It depends. Coming out of the pandemic a lot of people took breaks. The acceptance rate of this decision is closely linked with the type of job you’re looking for.

[dustybiker2]

It doesn't look good to future employers. They will hire someone dependable over you.

[sheikalana]

It doesn't look bad but you better have a good answer when they ask you why didn't you work for 1 year.

[electromagnetic]

Nope as long as you can explain the gap in employment.

[Anonymous]

I think its fine, just make sure you explain yourself.

[TheSpaceGnome]

The world needs less AI, not more.

[VV3ZZY123]

there's a risk you end up homeless if you quit.

[DonVitoCorleone]

It was a very unnecessary question.

[In_Trance]

Yes it does

[DonFredoCorleone]

Definitely