How can you build self-confidence when returning to work after a career break?

Identifying your strengths is crucial in boosting self-confidence upon returning to work after a career break. Recognizing what you excel at provides a solid foundation for personal and professional growth It reaffirms your capabilities, reminding you of past achievements and skills honed during your career. This self-awareness instills confidence, easing the transition back into the workforce. Confidence arises from a genuine understanding of your capabilities, empowering you to navigate challenges with resilience and competence.

Feeling nervous is understandable, but don’t let your fears go into overdrive. Adjusting your mindset & implementing some simple strategies, you can drastically alter the way you perceive your abilities: Channel your inner confidence -Remind yourself of your past achievements and successes, and let that positive energy guide you Apply valuable life skills acquired during your career break -Recognize the value in these skills and find ways to transfer them to your professional life Talk about how you feel - Seeking guidance from those who have been through a similar experience can also provide valuable insights and advice Accept that it will take time - Set realistic expectations for yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Spend time collecting the skills and experiences you acquired during your career break. If you took time to travel, highlight the language and culture immersion you experienced; If you took time to take care of a loved one, mention the multitasking/ listening skills you developed during this time.

Returning to work after a break can be daunting, but focus on your strengths, set small goals, and celebrate achievements along the way to boost your self-confidence. Remember, it's okay to take it one step at a time. Reflect on Past Successes: Recall instances where you excelled in your previous roles. Remind yourself of your capabilities and the positive impact you've made.

Reflect on tasks or activities where you feel confident, energized, and accomplished. Consider feedback from others, recognize patterns of success, and assess skills that come naturally to you. Identifying your strengths can involve introspection and external perspectives.

As a career consultant, I often emphasize the importance of skill development in boosting confidence, particularly when re-entering the workforce or aiming for a promotion. Start by identifying the skills most relevant to your career goals. If you're returning to work, focus on skills that have become essential in your industry during your absence. Set small, achievable goals for your skill development. Achieving these goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and build your confidence over time. By upleveling your skills, you not only enhance your professional capabilities but also boost your self-confidence, making you more prepared and competitive in today's dynamic job market.

Skill Enhancement: Identify any new skills or updates in your industry during your break. Invest time in learning and refining these skills to feel more competent and up-to-date.

To update your skills, explore relevant courses, workshops, or certifications. Utilize online platforms, attend industry events, and consider joining professional associations. Networking with peers can provide insights, and gaining hands-on experience through projects or volunteering can enhance practical skills. Stay adaptable and open to continuous learning.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks into manageable goals. Achieving these smaller milestones will gradually build your confidence and make the return-to-work process less overwhelming

When setting realistic goals, consider your current abilities, resources, and time constraints. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Regularly reassess and adjust as needed, acknowledging progress along the way.

Positive Affirmations: Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. Acknowledge your strengths and focus on the value you bring to the workplace. Mindfulness Techniques: Practice mindfulness to manage stress and anxiety. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help you stay grounded and focused.

To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness. Prioritize tasks, set realistic expectations, and break projects into smaller steps. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, exercise regularly, and ensure sufficient sleep. Seeking support from friends, family, or a professional can also be beneficial.

Being yourself involves embracing authenticity and staying true to your values. Celebrate your uniqueness, express your opinions, and don't be afraid to show vulnerability. Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are, and remember that authenticity fosters genuine connections.

Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about your concerns. Having a support system can provide valuable perspectives and encouragement. Balance: Maintain a work-life balance. Overcommitting initially can lead to burnout. Gradually increase your workload as you settle back into the routine.

The #1 most important thing you can do to get back in the game after a break is flip the script on what your break actually was. American hustle culture will try to paint you into a little box of weakness — where you were “forced” out of the workplace for a while and now have to beg and justify your way back in. This is a losing strategy. The very best thing you can do for yourself, no matter what the nature or cause of your break was, is to OWN it. Describe it as a choice you made in order to do important and fabulous things. When I got back after a 2 yr hiatus, I told folks how restored, refreshed, reconnected, and bursting with ideas and energy I was, and how excited I was to partner with them to make their mission a reality.

"Keep your foot in the door." Before I went on maternity leave, I had this advice. And I’ve heard it before. Some think that the reason why women may take longer to get to senior positions, in some cases, is because they “leave the room” earlier than they “should” when they are preparing for a family and stay out of the room for longer than they “should” after. Whilst that may be true in some instances, I think in others, it is because they underestimate the value of a break and how it can help you grow. For me, as well as having the space away from work to deeply think about my priorities and goals, maternity leave was the catalyst for growth and I am confident that this career break has made me a better professional.

Look for mentors outside of your organization to give you perspective on how you can grow and have a bigger and better impact on your organization.

Networking: Reconnect with former colleagues or join professional groups. Networking can provide support, insights, and potential opportunities, easing the transition back into the workforce.