Hi Reena, important decisions to make! Although I can't offer any specific advice you may like to look at the CIPD career guidance web pages as a starter for ten, link as follows: www.cipd.org/.../
Also, a quick check for historic threads on this forum would be worthwhile as this subject does crop up occasionally.

I don't think a year is a significant amount of time to become deskilled. If it helps, I moved sideways out of HR into project management/consultancy for two years. No one questioned my HR credentials when I decided to move back into an HR role, I just brushed up on any legislative changes before applying for jobs. However, what you can't predict is what the job market will be like, but that's a gamble we could all face at any time.

While I can't advise you on whether or not to take a career break, here are some practical tips if you do. Firstly, before you take a break, update your CV including any examples of the impact you have made (e.g. on employee retention) because you will probably forget the data and figures in a year's time! I would also have a thorough look at your savings and financial situation to ensure you can still live comfortably for 12 months plus however long it may take to find a job, allow a few more months just in case! Then while you are off, keep up to date with legislation changes and/or trends related to your area of expertise, so your knowledge stays relevant. I hope that helps and good look.

Reena, it's a real shame your current employer can't accommodate some remote or flexible working that would allow you to earn and balance family needs, I'd always hope there is a mutually beneficial solution.

I can also imagine trying to get to a solution is stressful so having a clean break to prioritise family might be exactly what you need.

I agree with the other advice. 12 months is not long.

Updating your CV, keeping in touch with that is going on in HR (reading, looking at key social media platforms, attending the odd key event when you can) and ensuring your LinkedIn profile is updated too are all important.

When you are ready to return the market might also be in a different place and I think it's important to think then about how you explain the gap, in an honest, open and factual way so any new potential employer can understand and take account of it. I always like to be on the front foot about CV gaps rather than have anyone make assumptions.

Wishing you all the best with your managing your family needs. Take care.

Hi Reena! I have been on a Career break since one year for family matters as well, after working continuously for almost 20 years. So I understand your concern, and if you decide going through this way and quiting your current employer, I advice you remaining active within HR enviroment. From HR communities, to participating in webminars and trainings, and - an important detail that I failed with - keeping an active and strategic participation on LinkedIn, can demonstrate that you are still active and updated.
At the moment I am seeking for a new job, and even though I kept involved in some webminars and self-studying, having a glance for example through my LinkedIn profile seams I disapeared from job market. In any way, recovering the rithum in the job market is question of strategy and organization, and something that I can tell you is that I am not even 1% regreted of my decision. Just would ajusted better my strategies.
Hope I could help you.
Wishing all best for you and your family.