Gap years, or as they used to be called sabaticals, are common once you reach 8+ years of experience. If you are a good engineer, you can take mutiple years, and still be ok, as long as you keep your skills sharp. (i.e. have some kind of personal project that you work during those times)

> we’re all terrified of having a gap in our resume

I took a 1 year break and have had to answer a simple recruiter/interview inquiry regarding it for the next 5 years. I don't think it ever eliminated me from consideration but it was more like a necessary precaution. Not so great answers would include:

* Anything beginning with "uh uh uh". Answer confidently.

* "I was searching for work the whole time and just couldn't pass interviews"

* criminal activity

* anything indicating a bad work ethic or difficult employee

* apathy, indifference, numb, lazy. Even if you felt that way the whole time, LIE. You took a year off, you want to look like you had an undying passion for something every day even a hobby.

I started a startup, but it failed.... how about that.

Easy peasy. It really depends on what you did. If you are an engineer and were keeping your skills sharp by doing a side project, then you shouldn't have any problem saying: I was working on my project/trying to do a startup.

99% of people will understand. Failed startups are neither a plus but not a negative thing either.