Nearly half of the U.S. workers have taken a break from their careers, but many still feel pressure to hide it. According to a recent survey by MyPerfectResume, 47 percent of respondents reported a career gap. Still, 38 percent said they were “highly concerned” about how it would affect job prospects, and 30 percent believed it would be viewed as a “major red flag.”

Fast Company reports that the survey found that medical leave and caregiving are the most widely accepted reasons for stepping away. Other common reasons included layoffs, career changes, mental health, and returning to school. 

Despite this, only 1 in 5 said they proactively address the gap in their resume. Others either leave it off or hope not to be asked about it. Four percent admitted to lying. 

But experts say honesty is more effective. “The first thing the employer is going to do is verify backgrounds,” said Jim Link, chief human resources officer at the Society for Human Resource Management. Even minor discrepancies, he said, can raise concerns. 

Career coach Marlo Lyons advises addressing gaps directly, ideally with a short explanation focused on future goals and transferable skills. Whether the time off involved caregiving, travel, or career reflection, candidates should clarify what they gained from the experience. 

According to LinkedIn data, 2.7 million users have added a career break to their profiles. Most reported gaining valuable skills. As resume standards evolve, transparency seems to increasingly be viewed as a strength.