How Do You Return to Work After a Career Break?

In the post-pandemic world, the notion that career breaks only occur during specific circumstances is no longer valid. Professionals from diverse industries and fields take career breaks more frequently, whether due to layoffs, elder care, illness, or a life event to pursue a better work-life balance -- career breaks are fast becoming the norm.?

While returning to work can feel overwhelming, and you may feel out of touch and somewhat removed from the professional world, you must recognise that your experience of having a career break has value that can help you to start over.?

Here are some strategies to help you start anew and reconstruct your career after a break.

1. Work on your mindset to build confidence

When clients I have worked with return after a career break, they often struggle with confidence and feelings of inadequacy. It is important to take a moment to reflect on your break and put it into proper context. Let's be clear. Taking a break does not diminish your worth or value as a person. It simply means that you are now seeking to reenter the workforce. That's it. Changing your work status has nothing to do with your self-worth. Don't beat yourself up. Life happens to everyone.

2. Reframe your career break as a time of growth and enrichment rather than a mistake in your career path

During your career break, extracting valuable experiences and lessons is important. One common mistake I often observe with professionals contacting me for help is the inability to articulate what they have learned during their time away. How has this break influenced your outlook on life? What new skills or perspectives have you acquired that can be used professionally? For instance, have you become more resilient, organised, adept at managing stress, or skilled in financial management? Reflect on your lessons and consider how to reframe them as a useful skill for your next job.

3. Career breaks are a great opportunity to reinvent your career direction

If you have been away from your previous profession for a while, why not consider reinventing your career direction? Returning to the same career is not mandatory, particularly if it wasn't something you truly enjoyed. So use your career break as a springboard into something you are passionate about. Your transferable skills are strengths; apply for positions outside your comfort zone. You have nothing to lose. Include relevant volunteering work, courses and training, or freelance projects you completed during your career break within your CV.?

4. Do your research on industry shifts, transformations and challenges

Competitive businesses continually change, as are the skills they need from the professionals they hire. You need to keep learning or, at a minimum, demonstrate that you understand the trends and circumstances affecting your chosen industry. Research updates in your job area, learn about doing things or new tools and techniques. You can keep up with these changes by taking online courses, joining communities, or learning new software. Be curious, and show potential employers you are self-motivated and open to learning.

5. Let people know you are back?

Tell your network you are back professionally. Generally, people are very supportive and happy to help you, so be upfront and tell them that you are returning to the workforce. Don't worry if you last got in touch a while ago. Reach out through a platform like Linkedin and start a conversation.

6. Find a mentor to help you get on track

Mentorship can be a critical lifeline during this period. Seek a mentor who can provide guidance, share experiences, and help you navigate the current market trends. A lot can change in the professional field in a short time - so give yourself the gift of a shortcut and get someone who can support you and bring you up to date as quickly as possible.?

7. Trust in your value

Remember that despite having time away from the workplace, your skills and experiences have value. Sure, there will be moments of self-doubt, which is natural, but you can learn to tune out the negative thoughts. You are adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling the complexities of the modern work environment - so don't undervalue yourself.?

I'm Selina; I specialise in mentoring leaders to redefine their career paths and discover their purpose through self-leadership. I am passionate about empowering seasoned professionals to maximize their potential to create the best career opportunities for themselves with practical laser-focused strategies that work.

You can catch me live every other Tuesday on the Tuesday Career Talks Linkedin audios. Join me to get your questions answered as I dive into the latest career topics. Visit the featured section of my profile to see what's coming up next. Are we connected? Let's chat about how I can help you reach your career goals.