

134: A career break has NOT ruined your career, here's why...
Worried your career break in UX has made you unemployable? Let’s talk about what’s actually holding you back.
In this episode, Sarah tackles a concern she hears constantly: “Did my career break ruin my chances of getting hired in UX?” Whether you took time off for caregiving, burnout, travel, or health, this episode will help you stop spiraling and start focusing on what really matters, your story.
You’ll learn the 3 strategies every UX job seeker needs (Design, Marketing, Sales), how to tell if you’re missing one, and why the story you're telling about your break matters more than the break itself.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why your break isn’t the problem—but your story might be
✔️ What “terminal uniqueness” is and how it keeps you stuck
✔️ The 3-part strategy you need to get hired (and how to know what’s missing)
✔️ How to shift from self-doubt to clarity in your job search
✔️ Why visibility and connection matter more than perfection
✔️ How to rebuild your momentum with intention—not burnout
Timestamps:
00:38 The Impact of Career Breaks on UX Careers
00:56 The Importance of Your Personal Story in Job Searches
01:22 Addressing Career Break Concerns
03:37 LinkedIn's Career Break Feature
05:28 Three Essential Strategies for UX Candidates
09:53 Identifying Gaps in Your Job Search Strategies
12:23 Building and Leveraging Professional Relationships
16:51 Final Thoughts and Workshop Invitation
18:35 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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