Tag Archive for: career transitions

back to work after career breakReentering the workforce after a career break can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether the time away was for caregiving, further education, or personal reasons, it is natural to feel uncertain about how to confidently and meaningfully reenter the workforce.  However, with thoughtful preparation and planning, it’s possible to navigate this transition successfully while leveraging the unique strengths developed during your break. Here are five comprehensive strategies to guide you:

1. Reflect on Your Values

Before diving back into the job market, take a moment to reflect on your values. Having time away from the day-to-day tasks of the work week can provide perspective on what truly matters to you, and aligning your next role with your values can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. You may have a clear idea of what your values are, or you may need to ask yourself some reflective questions to get to the heart of what you hold most dear. Some ideas include:

  • What motivates you?
  • What’s something you couldn’t imagine your life without?
  • What excites and energizes you?
  • Recall a time when you felt completely immersed and alive—what made it stand out? Why was it so impactful?

Once you are clear about what is most important to you, consider creating a values-based checklist to guide your job search. For instance, if flexibility is important to balance family responsibilities, prioritize companies with remote or hybrid work options. If meaningful work is a priority, explore organizations whose missions align with your passions. Defining these criteria early can help you focus your search and identify roles that resonate with you. This intentional approach ensures that your next career move is not just a return to work but a step toward a more fulfilling professional journey.

2. Own Your Career Narrative

Reframing your career break as a period of growth is a vital step. Reflect on the transferable skills you have gained while away from the traditional work force. Managing a household, volunteering, or pursuing personal projects often involves problem-solving, time management, and leadership. In fact, recent research from Harvard Business Review points to how care work can build invaluable skills like empathy, efficiency, and tenacity that benefit employers.

Develop a concise and compelling story that connects these experiences to the position you are seeking. For example, organizing a community event or fundraiser highlights project management, teamwork, and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure. Similarly, mediating family conflicts or managing caregiving responsibilities showcases emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and adaptability—critical skills that are highly valued in professional environments. Practice articulating this narrative, emphasizing how your time away prepared you to tackle new challenges with resilience and perspective. This approach demonstrates self-awareness and positions you as a candidate with a well-rounded skill set.

3. Update Your Skills and Knowledge

Staying current in your field is essential, particularly in fast-changing industries. A 2023 LinkedIn report highlights that professionals who proactively invest in their skills are better positioned to seize new opportunities. Furthermore, if reflecting on your values leads you to consider a career pivot, focusing on areas where you can build knowledge becomes especially important. Begin by conducting a skills audit or a personal SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to pinpoint your strengths and identify areas where further knowledge or development could enhance your career prospects.

Whether re-entering your current field or trying something new, think about enrolling in online courses through platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, which offer flexible, self-paced courses. If you are aiming for formal credentials, consider certification programs offered by universities or professional organizations. Additionally, stay informed by subscribing to industry publications, attending webinars, or participating in workshops.

4. Rebuild and Leverage Your Network

Networking remains one of the most effective strategies for finding new opportunities. Although a good first step is to reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and peers, research shows it is important to broaden and diversify your digital social network beyond the circle of those you know well to the more infrequent, arm’s-length relationships with acquaintances. These “moderately weak” ties can be more beneficial than you think when looking to leverage your network.

Start by updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current career goals and highlight any new skills or experiences gained during your break. Decide if you want to use the “Career Break” feature on LinkedIn that allows you to articulate those periods when you were away from the paid workforce. Reach out to contacts individually, expressing your interest in returning to work and asking for guidance. Attend professional events, conferences, or local meetups to expand your network further.

If networking feels daunting, consider working with a career coach to develop effective strategies and build confidence. Additionally, joining industry-specific online groups or forums can help you engage in discussions, share insights, and establish your professional presence. Networking isn’t just about job leads; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that support your long-term growth.

5. Work with a Career Coach

Navigating a return to the workforce can feel overwhelming, but setting realistic, actionable goals can make the process more manageable. Define what success looks like for you in both the short and long term, whether it’s securing a full-time role, gaining experience through a returnship, or pivoting into a new industry.

A career coach can help you think about the smaller, achievable steps it will take to reach the broader goal of transitioning back into the paid workforce. They provide a safe space to explore what is most meaningful to you in this transition while offering the accountability and focus necessary to keep the momentum moving forward. Beyond practical guidance, a coach can help you build confidence and navigate challenges, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.

Remember, this process is not just about finding a job—it’s about finding the right job that aligns with your skills, values, and aspirations. Setting clear goals and seeking professional support can help you create a purposeful and fulfilling career path.

If you are looking for expert support in navigating this transition, Book Here for an exploratory call to work with one of our leadership coaches.

Redefine Your Career, Your Way

Returning to the workforce after a break isn’t just about picking up where you left off—it’s an opportunity to redefine your career in ways that align with your current goals and values. By reflecting on your priorities, owning your narrative, investing in skill development, leveraging your network, and working with a career coach, you can turn this transition into a fulfilling and transformative experience. Every career break holds the potential for a remarkable comeback. With determination and a clear strategy, this chapter can mark the start of a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

By Jessica Robaire

People waiting for an interviewPeople leave industries for many reasons ranging from transferable skills or vertical growth in skills creating new opportunities for professionals to the less talked about but real phenomenon of burnout. The Financial Services industry is vulnerable to peaks and troughs and being laid off without prospects such as the mass layoffs that happen every recession cycle on Wall street is fairly predictable albeit sometimes a small correction only.

Either way, it is time to transition to a new career. What are the top three things you need to consider in the move?

A. Do your skills apply to what you want to do next? If not exactly, can you weave a truthful narrative of how what you have done before will empower you to do the new tasks required? If there are gaps, before you leap from your current job you should close any skill gaps with formal education or informal means.

B. Who do you know in the new arena? How is your network? Start by meeting people who can tell you what you need to know about the product, processes and cultural norms of your desired future gig. These folks are much more likely to know of open opportunities and relevant networking opportunities than anyone else. Information is power.

C. Interview, interview, interview. Practice makes perfect and will give you a good benchmark on how viable it is to move into this space and help you understand your bottom lines regarding money and other factors such as hours, location etc.

Good luck!

By Nicki Gilmour, Executive Coach and Organizational Psychologist

Contact nicki@glasshammer2.wpengine.com if you would like to hire an executive coach to help you navigate the path to optimal personal success at work