Work gap and Latin America

I bet a lot of us have been asked this question by an interviewer at some point of time in our career- why the work gap? Of course this question is asked to someone who has done something different from the norm and hasn’t been actively employed between two successive work assignments. Say, taken a career break to take care of an ailing parent, gone fishing salmon for a year around the world or say became a monk for a year or two in the Himalayas with an absolute interest in breathing quality air.

Work culture is part of a bigger fabric- Culture of the land. It is derived from the norms laid out by the society. By that thin line sketched into a blurred something within which all things human must operate. From work culture, an Organization draws its SOPs, leadership styles, people orientation, hierarchy and so on and so forth. To summarise the relation – Culture of the land -> Work Culture -> Organization Culture. This shows us the the relation between all three just mentioned.

When we meet our friends and discuss our work and companies we work for, the first question we ask is how’s the boss? how’s the work culture? Do you like/love your work? Or you might hear, “hey, you should join us. You will love it. The work culture is amazing.” The influence and importance of work culture is paramount in our day to to day work lives. One of the by-products of work culture is work-gap or well work-gap?

The general notion that we get from our friends, family and co-workers about work is that one should find work before quitting the current one as it becomes easier to a) find work b) negotiate a better compensation package c) showing continuity in career. (not in the same order) All of this creates a sense of fear and apprehension among professionals to take that bold step to either start their own venture, come back home to take care of their ailing parents or take a much needed career holiday. In some societies and countries, having a work gap is frowned upon. It’s considered as a stigma, a failure to continue blindfolded in this rat race which leads to nowhere towards self-actualisation.

Often the first question that a candidate is asked on seeing a career break, is “why this work gap?” Instead of pinning down the candidate, why not ask “how have you prepared yourself to keep yourself validated to your work role and market challenges ?” Or more open assertive statement such as “I’m curious to know what all you accomplished during your work hiatus.” This makes the candidate feel it is OK to take a career break and that it is not seen as a downright stigma by the hiring manager. It will allow the candidate to be excited to talk and feel synergy in the conversation. Our work culture needs to first start appreciating that someone has had that courage to actually take a work gap. Reason for that break is secondary. There are many such unending lists of examples where the interviewer or hiring manager asks unwarranted questions. We constantly see updates on LinkedIn as what the hiring managers should do and what they shouldn’t.

They say : Be the change you want to see in the world. If we as a society do the right thing and embrace work gap with open arms, Organizations will be forced to change as well. Keeping that thought in mind;

Here’ what needs to be done to fix the once worked, twice shy situation:

• Define the purpose for which you need to take the hiatus. Attach a meaningful role to it. For example the objective of your hiatus could be ” Take a bike tour of entire Latin America in six months”. Your role could be “Curiosum viatorem” (literally translated off google, in Latin) or chose your own poison.
• Talk about this “role/new opportunity” and buy in your internal stakeholders like family and close friends and that monk in the woods whom you confide in.
• Set a date by when you want to begin this role. Be specific and prepare for it. Financially and otherwise. Stick to the plan.
• When the day arrives, use your social media to announce it to the world. Update your LinkedIn profile. This way your commitment won’t waiver and you will see through this new change in your life.
• When you meet new people, don’t say “I’m doing nothing.” Instead recall your objective and say “I’m on a mission to see whole of Latin America in six months” or better ” I’m a chief curious traveller of South America”. This will help you constantly reiterate your mission to yourself.
• At the end of your work break when you finally decide to start working again, gather all the great things you achieved and add them back to your Curriculum Vitae and your LinkedIn profile and other social media. Proudly wear your badge to your interviews.

The irony of the work gap situation actually begins when you go to fresh rounds of interviews. Imagine when you started interviewing again, the work gap was for six months as per our Latin America example. The hiring managers won’t hire you because of this gap. This leads to further work gap which might mature to a year ! So the million dollar question is “work gap due to unemployment or unemployment due to work gap?” The catch 22 question. This prolonged unemployment should not become a matter of fear or prestige for the road tripper. Easier said that done but if each and every one of us start to live by this, work culture of our land will change. And for good. As rightly said in the book: the 7 habits of highly effective people, focus on the circle of influence and not on the circle of concern. Be proactive and take charge. Work on your private victory first. Don’t let the outside world force you to react or your life will be dictated by others and you won’t be in the driver’s seat.

Embrace and prioritise. Focus on wow more than why. Have patience and believe in your thoughts and action. See the world follow you.

I think I will go book my tickets already!