Returning to the workforce after 10 years - by Joanna Sutcliffe

"It had been 10 years since I’d been part of the workforce in the traditional sense, and although I felt ready to explore coming back to work, I had no idea where to start. I felt overwhelmed and found the thought of interviews extremely daunting. My confidence was low and I believed that being away for so long left me in a weaker position than candidates who were currently employed. Just looking at updating my CV filled me with dread.?

I’d previously worked in the insurance sector for 15 years, mainly in loss adjusting?

One thing I was certain about was that I didn’t want to return to the insurance sector as the hours were unrealistic, the work was stressful, and the risk of redundancy was high.?

I also knew I was suited to an office environment - my strengths, albeit a little rusty, were administrative with a love of technology - and I wanted to return to work in a low-hour role to start with. However, I was aware that it was going to be incredibly difficult for me to find a role that fitted in with what I wanted and needed as part-time roles aren't easy to come by.?

Preparing for a return?

I had considered going into a regular part-time volunteering role to help open doors to get back out to work. In the last few months, I volunteered with a friend's charity when she needed extra help which helped me get back into a ‘workplace mindset’.?

Part of me hoped that someone I knew would throw me a rope, metaphorically speaking, which would make the process a little easier…

I felt that people who knew me would give me a chance rather than going up against those already employed, which is what happened when someone recommended me for a role that came up and suited my abilities.?

I’m now working five days a week on a part-time basis, helping in HR with a tech-based admin role, which couldn’t be better suited to my skills and interests.?

The support is great. I've felt welcomed into Iridium with open arms and everyone around me has been extremely helpful and supportive. The work fits in with my lifestyle and has helped bring back some of the much-needed confidence that I had lost.

When I first started, I initially thought I might be out of my depth, but I would have expected this coming back into any business. Even if I had returned to insurance, many things would have changed, especially from a technology perspective.?

A few months in, I feel like I never left the workplace.?

My advice to anyone considering returning to work after a period of time??

There are so many emotions attached to reentering the workforce. Confidence really is key, and there are many ways to gain this.?

Volunteering is a good way to get back out there, and it’s something you can put on a dusty CV.?

I’d also suggest joining social and activity groups that you may have a slight interest in. Meeting new people when you have been out of work for a while is just as daunting as looking for a new job, and you never know, your new circles may help when it comes to hearing about opportunities.?

Employers could do more to attract returners

A lot of people heading back into the workplace will be looking for part-time roles, maybe with the option to jump into full-time employment once they've settled back in.?

I think adverts for part-time roles could state that they are happy to take back people who have had breaks in their employment. It may help people who have lost their confidence to realise they are wanted, needed, and valued.?

As a person who took time off to raise their family, I feel strongly that mums and dads returning to work are a strong and untapped resource. After all, nobody can multitask like a parent."