The ACES online message board has a great thread: If you leave copy editing for a couple of years, can you expect to get a job when you come back?

The short answer for respondents so far has been "yes," with a number of caveats. Check them out.

(Also, I agree with the aside in one person's answer: Watch what you say about your job an industry [or any other type, for that matter] message board. Unless this woman is using a pseudonym, she could be exposing her career to the very difficulties she's trying prevent. Think: Would I be OK if my boss read this?)