Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Career experts say taking stress leave need not harm future job prospects
A worker with a doctor’s note and a director’s approval plans to take two months of stress leave and worries it could hurt future job prospects.
Career experts say the worker should take the time needed to recover and consider whether burnout comes from the work itself or the workplace.
If the worker stays, the leave should not erase their past contributions or become a reason to apologize for their record.
If they seek another job, they do not have to disclose medical history or give details about the leave.
If asked why they are leaving, they can give a brief, positive explanation focused on growth.
They should avoid attacking their current employer in interviews and instead explain what they want next.
Employers that support medical leave but penalize people for taking it should examine their workplace culture.
The worker has a doctor’s note and approval for a planned two-month stress leave.
Career experts say taking the leave need not damage future job prospects or erase the worker’s achievements.
Jenny Chen advises considering whether burnout stems from the work itself or the current workplace.
Chen says the worker does not need to share medical history with a future employer.
Luki Danukarjanto recommends keeping explanations for leaving a job simple and positive.
- Who
- A worker experiencing burnout, and career experts Jenny Chen and Luki Danukarjanto.
- What
- The worker asks how an approved stress leave could affect promotion prospects and future job searches.
- When
- The articles were published on October 13, 2026; the leave is planned for two months.
- Where
- The worker’s current company; Chen is based in Ottawa and Danukarjanto in Toronto.
- Why
- The worker says they are beyond burnt out and is concerned about future job prospects and a difficult relationship with the current employer.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Planned leave
- Two months
- Medical support
- The worker has a doctor’s note and approval from their director
- Jenny Chen
- Chief executive officer and founder, Catalais Consulting Ltd., Ottawa
- Luki Danukarjanto
- Career coach, Focus Inspired, Toronto
- Publication date
- October 13, 2026
What people are saying
A two-month leave should not become a two-year apology.
You don’t owe your next employer your medical history.
First, great job in prioritizing yourself!
Sources
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