How to explain gaps in remote work to clients?

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I took a year off remote freelancing to study and travel, and now clients keep asking about the gap in my portfolio. How do you explain breaks without sounding unprofessional? I don’t want to overshare but also don’t want to seem unreliable.

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Pro Freelancer 21 Feb 2025
I just say I took time for personal growth and skill-building. Like, ‘I spent a year diving into new tools and perspectives that I now bring to my work.’ Keep it vague but positive. Clients don’t need your life story, just confidence you’re still sharp.
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Kiera Lin 22 Feb 2025
Update your portfolio to bridge the gap. Add a personal project (even if it’s small) and date it during your break. Then you can say you were ‘working on independent projects and expanding your expertise.’ No one checks the details. Sneaky but effective!
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Mateo Vargas 21 Feb 2025
Frame it as an investment in yourself. I had a similar gap and told clients I was ‘exploring new markets and upskilling in [specific tool, like Figma].’ Half-true, but it worked. If they push, pivot to how it makes you better for *their* project. Works like a charm...
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WanderlustWorker 22 Feb 2025
I had a 6-month gap and got nervous too, but honesty (kinda) worked. I said I took time to recharge and pursue passion projects. One client loved that I traveled and asked for stories—it humanized me. Just don’t say you were ‘lost’ or ‘burned out,’ lol.
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SlickRick99 23 Feb 2025
Lol, I just dodge the question. If they ask about the gap, I talk about my latest work and how excited I am for their project. Most clients don’t care as long as you deliver. If they’re nosy, say ‘personal development’ and move on. Works for me!
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Accepted Answer · 2025-02-23T09:00:00+00:00

Just be upfront but polished. I told a client: ‘I took a year to travel and study, which gave me fresh perspectives for creative problem-solving.’ They ate it up. If you’re confident, they won’t care. Also, have a killer recent project to show you’re back in the game.

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