Getting back to work after a career break can be challenging since you may find the job market and industry changed. Therefore, before entering the job market unprepared and unarmed, research how it has changed, what updates you will need to make to be better qualified, what new skills are required, and what knowledge is relevant in the field. Only then, attending classes or workshops, industry events, or even getting certifications to meet the new requirements.
The best way to get back into the swing of things after a career break is to immerse yourself in your industry. If you’ve been away from work for a while, chances are you’ve fallen behind on the latest developments in your field. To help bridge this gap, set aside time each day to read trade publications and industry analyses. This will help you stay on top of the latest trends and developments in your field. By keeping this reading habit, you’ll be better prepared to hit the ground running when it comes time to resume full-time work.
When I decided to return back to my job as Aeronautical Engineer after a few years away, I knew it would be an adjustment. The best way to get back into the groove was to utilize a grid or plan that included the right steps. By mapping out my transition back to professional life, I felt a lot more confident in my ability to handle the new challenges. As part of my plan I tried to set weekly goals and track my progress - this kept me motivated and on track when returning to work. Therefore, my best tip is to plan a stepped return - break up big goals into smaller actionable items that you can tackle one day at a time.
Regardless of the economic situation, a networking plan is key. Most jobs happen through connections and referrals not searching job postings. The plan starts with having a clear objective of what you want in terms of work, the skills you want to apply, industry, etc. This must be done before reaching out to former colleagues, managers, or joining networking groups. Having a clear networking plan makes a big difference in the confidence you exude and helps the people you reach out to who can provide advice and introduce you to potential employers.
Consider whether or not you're going back into a job that makes you happy as you come back from a career break. There was a reason you took that break after all, it's a perfect time to evaluate whether or not job satisfaction played a role in why you found your break necessary. This isn't always about something as big a switching to an entirely different career path either. It may be that your current level of you're at in your profession isn't enough to keep you challenged, or it may be that there is a job adjacent to the one you were working in previously that better suits your skills or your personality. Now is the perfect time to consider whether or not you need to update your career or if you're happy with where you currently are. IF changes need to be made in order to increase your satisfaction with your job, this will be the prime time to start setting things in motion, so that you can land in your professional place of happiness.
Whilst a freelancing role is certainly not easy in comparison to a full-time career, you may want to explore taking on a select few freelance opportunities from either freelancing platforms or via your existing network as a means of 'easing' back into the world of work, specific to the role you're looking to obtain via a full-time position when you make the full transition back to work.
If you have been out of the workforce for a while, it’s likely that your skills have become a bit dated. Before making a return, consider taking some time to brush up on your skills by enrolling in online courses or workshops. This will help you to get back up to speed so that you’re able to hit the ground running when you make your return. If you’re planning to make a return to the same industry, this will also help you to make a good first impression with your new employer. If you’re planning to make a return to a different industry, this will help you to figure out if your new career path is the right fit for you. Either way, taking this time to brush up on your skills will help you to make the most of your return.
Prioritize your health when getting back into the swing of working full-time. For example, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep and exercise will help restore energy levels when you may feel tired and overwhelmed by a new work schedule. Sticking to a healthy routine will provide comfort, control, and overall well-being during a transition.
It is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when you go back to work after a career break. The transition process is easier when you find methods to improve your skillset. Acquiring new knowledge helpful to your career can impress employers and even make you take on bigger roles. The time and effort you spend upskilling are worth it.
To get back to work after after a career break, start preparing for your return during your break. Stay active in your industry or in leadership roles. Volunteer where you can, join clubs, and take classes to practice the skills you will need for your new job. These also make great bullet points on your resume!
Cultivating a positive online presence is one best practice following a prolonged career break. The job search will nine times out of ten look at social media during the recruitment process. Keeping social media up to date therefore becomes critical. A positive professional image on social media reinforces the sense of professionalism one hopes to bring to a new career.
One tip that I have for getting back to work after a career break is to access your skills and the situation. Access the situation by considering if you want to go back to your previous career or if you would like to start a new one. If you want to go back to your previous career, you may need to access your skills and see if there is additional training that is needed. If you would like to start a new career, access your skills and see what careers would work with your current skills.
One tip for returning to work after a career break is to get back in touch with your professional contacts. Whether you're just reconnecting with old colleagues or actively networking for job opportunities, reaching out to your network can be an invaluable asset for gaining momentum as you start up again. It's often easier to jump back into the swing of things when you have familiar faces willing to lend a hand, so don't hesitate to ask your contacts for advice and references if it's been a while since you've been working. You may discover resources within your network that will give you the extra boost needed for a successful job search.
My name is Brenton Thomas and I'm the Founder of Twibi, a digital marketing agency. I am an experienced digital marketing leader who specializes in paid search, paid social, and SEO for various B2C and B2B products and services: When returning to work after a break, it can be helpful to set realistic goals and to make a plan for how to accomplish them. Start by outlining what you're looking to achieve, and then work backwards from there. Be realistic about your expectations, and don't try to do too much at once.
Taking a career break can be an excellent opportunity to gain new experiences and skills that can enhance your value as a professional. When returning to the job market, you can re-ignite your passion and confidence by highlighting the skills you've gained during your time off. These include volunteering, traveling, learning a new language, caring for family, or pursuing a hobby or passion. These experiences can be valuable assets that make you stand out in the job market and can be showcased in your resume and during interviews. For example, if you volunteered during your career break, you may have gained skills in project management, team leadership, or communication. If you traveled, you gained cultural awareness and adaptability. If you pursued a hobby, you might have gained creativity, problem-solving, or attention to detail skills. Taking time off to pursue personal or professional growth is never a setback. It's an opportunity for growth and enrichment.
Utilize your network to get back into work. Maybe it's a former colleague or a friend of a friend. Set up informational interviews to get an idea of a company and their role, and what position would best suit your career path. You never know who would be able to refer you to a dream job or send your name to a recruiter.
Spend some time researching businesses, your sector, and the breadth of jobs and salaries available if you intend to stay in the same line of work. This may bring you opportunities in the fields you are interested in, but it may also take you to a different industry with more opportunities. Additionally, you can go to conferences to broaden your network and refresh your knowledge of your business. By staying current in your sector, you may better demonstrate your skills and eagerness to learn to potential employers, increasing your chances of landing a position.
One tip for getting back to work after a career break is to make use of technology. For instance, you can try learning coding languages that are in demand. Taking the time to learn coding not only allows you to become more marketable, but it also helps to prepare you mentally for returning to the job market. Plus, having a tech-savvy skill like this sets you apart from other job seekers and shows employers that you are willing to go above and beyond in your career.
Incorporate work-related tasks back into your routine before returning after a career break. For example, gradually increase the time you spend working on your computer – whether it be on a personal project or for freelance clients. Upon your return to work after a long career break, you will feel more prepared as you have already built momentum for productivity.
The first thing you should do when you return to work after a career break is to begin networking. Reach out to people in your field to let them know that you’re interested in getting back into the workforce. You can use social media, industry websites, and professional events to connect with other professionals. Building relationships with colleagues and employers can help you get up-to-date on the latest trends in your field, as well as make yourself a more attractive candidate for potential employers. It may take some time and effort, but I believe networking is an essential step for getting back into the workforce after a career break.