askST Jobs: Will a sabbatical hurt my career progression?

In this series, business journalist Timothy Goh offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ Headstart newsletter.

Q: Why do some careers stall after a sabbatical while others soar?

In most organisations, sabbaticals are supported in principle. However, in practice, the work environment may have moved on by the time an employee returns from a long break.

Projects may have shifted, teams may have evolved and someone else may have taken over the employee’s responsibilities.

This is not a penalty, but simply how organisations operate – they continue to adapt, even when individuals step away, said Mr Kevin Chan, chief executive of HR technology company Epitome Global.

“Where we tend to see different outcomes is in how people return... Those who regain momentum often come back with something new to offer, whether that is a new capability, a broader perspective or a clearer sense of how they can contribute,” he said.

“They are not just resuming where they left off, but repositioning themselves within the organisation.”

On the other hand, if someone returns to the same role with largely the same skill set, progression can feel slower.

In that sense, a sabbatical is not usually the root cause; it may simply make existing gaps in growth or positioning more visible.

Mr Chan noted that it is also important to recognise how promotions typically work.

“In many organisations, promotions happen when an individual is already demonstrating the ability to operate at the next level – it is less about time passed and more about visible impact and readiness,” he said.

“Professionals who feel stalled after a career break are often not held back by the break itself, but by a lack of clear progression in capabilities or scope after they return.

“Without that shift, it can be difficult for managers to justify accelerated advancement,” he added.

Dr David Leong, chairman of PeopleWorldwide Consulting, said that a sabbatical rarely derails a career.

But while they can be essential for renewal and recharging, a key question is how swiftly one restores visibility and impact upon returning.

“Post-sabbatical promotion delays are typically a function of disrupted continuity, not diminished capability, making it critical to re-enter with a clear pivot and fresh value,” said Dr Leong.

“And if there are any indications that the sabbatical has indeed impacted promotion prospects, it is good to convene a meeting with your superior to discuss future prospects and opportunities for alignment.”

Dr Leong said that in many organisations, promotions still tend to reward consistent presence, and a sabbatical can create a perception gap even when performance remains strong.

“High performers who return with enhanced capabilities can turn a sabbatical into an inflection point for acceleration, rather than a pause in progress,” he said.