B2 — Upper Intermediate
What was once seen as a career setback is now becoming a more accepted aspect of professional life. Career breaks and periods between jobs, once considered undesirable, are becoming increasingly normal in today’s workplace.
In the past, changing jobs frequently or taking a break from work was often viewed negatively by employers. Today, however, many people take career breaks, change industries, or leave jobs to pursue further education, personal interests, or better opportunities. As the workplace continues to evolve, employment discontinuity is increasingly seen as part of a modern career path rather than a sign of instability.
Read the article and find out how employment discontinuity is no longer a career taboo.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/worklife/article/20230127-are-we-done-with-the-cv-gap-taboo
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does it mean “to take stock“? “In some instances, these CV gaps are being rebranded as ‘career breaks’ – a time where a worker takes stock, re-charges and returns to the workplace anew.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to be met with open curiosity” mean? “Missing time in a CV is now generally met with open curiosity rather than an assumption of a person’s poor performance or reliability.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “dearth” mean? “Additionally, even though layoffs are proliferating in some sectors, many companies are still in a hiring crisis. This may mean that in some situations, CV gaps may not even matter. “There’s a dearth of talent across sectors.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Why has continuous employment traditionally been valued by employers?
- Is it better to have continuous employment or take career breaks? Support your stance.
- How is a CV gap viewed in your country now? How is different from before? What do you think lead to this shift in mentality about career breaks?
- Should employers judge candidates based on CV gaps? Talk about your opinion on this. Should employers focus more on skills than employment history?
- Have you ever taken a break from work or study? Share about that time.