Dad, employed but stopped for a short break (6)
I believe the answer is:
paused
'stopped for a short break' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'dad employed' is the wordplay.
'dad' becomes 'pa' (both can mean one's father).
'employed' becomes 'used' ('use' can be a synonym of 'employ').
'pa'+'used'='PAUSED'
'but' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for paused that I've seen before include "Waited a moment" , "Stopped temporarily or hesitated" , "Ceased temporarily" , "Hesitated, stopped briefly" .)