Nearly Half of Workers Report Career Gaps — But Stigma Still Lingers

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, the traditional career path is no longer the only route to success. MyPerfectResume’s 2025 Career Gaps Report reveals that nearly half (47%) of U.S. workers have experienced a break in their careers. 

While a growing number of employers appear more open to non-linear career histories, with 44% of respondents noting increased acceptance since the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant 30% still see these gaps as red flags. 

This report dives into why career breaks are becoming more common, how employers perceive them, and what these trends mean for job security and future opportunities.

Key findings:

Why Are Career Gaps More Common Today?

Career breaks stem from various factors as workers navigate personal and professional transitions. The report highlights several key reasons:

What it means: The diverse reasons behind career gaps show that these breaks are often driven by external circumstances and personal choices, not necessarily by a lack of capability or ambition. Recognizing this complexity is essential for both job seekers and employers.

Career Gaps Affecting Job Security

As career gaps become more normalized, concerns about job security and career progression still persist:

See a visual representation of the above data:

What it means: While there is a growing acceptance of career gaps in the post-pandemic era, many workers still fear that these breaks could jeopardize their job security and career advancement due to persistent negative perceptions.

Are Career Gaps More Accepted Today?

The report reveals that while career breaks are increasingly common, workers still worry about employer perceptions. When asked about the most acceptable reasons for career gaps, employees ranked the following as the most justifiable:

What it means: The report reveals that specific reasons for career gaps, particularly those related to health, caregiving, and education, are viewed as more justifiable. However, career changes and burnout due to a lack of job satisfaction still carry a stigma, indicating that acceptance of career gaps largely depends on the context behind them.

How Workers Navigate Career Gaps in Job Searches

When it comes to explaining career gaps, most workers are very cautious.

What it means: Most workers' cautious approach to addressing career gaps shows an ongoing fear of negative judgment, even with the rise of skills-based hiring and acceptance of varied career paths. This reluctance reflects the challenge of finding employers who appreciate the diverse experiences that come with non-linear career paths.

The 2025 Career Gaps Report shows that while nearly half of U.S. workers have experienced career breaks, these gaps evoke mixed feelings among job seekers and employers. 

On the one hand, gaps driven by health, caregiving, or educational pursuits are increasingly justifiable; on the other, concerns persist that these breaks may negatively impact job prospects and security. 

Most workers downplay or omit their gaps during the hiring process, reflecting an ongoing apprehension about potential stigma.

For press inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.

Survey Methodology

The findings were obtained by surveying 1,000 U.S. workers on February 17, 2025. The Pollfish survey incorporated a mix of multiple-choice, scale-based, and open-ended questions designed to assess the prevalence of career gaps, the underlying reasons for these breaks, and their perceived impact on job security and hiring practices.