Any advice for someone itching to get back to work after taking 5 years off to raise the kids? It looks like I’ll have to go backwards in my career in order to move forwards.

13 Comments

1. P CrawfordJune 19,2024 at 4:04PM UTC

   Returning to work after a five-year hiatus can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can also be an exciting opportunity. My advice would be to start by assessing and updating your skills through online courses and training if this makes sense for your career goals. Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile, highlighting any volunteer work or skills acquired during your break. Actively network by reconnecting with former colleagues and attending industry events. Consider part-time or freelance work to ease back into the workforce and gain recent experience.

   Tailor your job search strategy by applying for roles that match your skills, even if they represent a step back. Prepare confidently for interviews by practicing answers about your career break and your readiness to return. Explore returnship programs and seek professional help from career coaches if needed. Stay positive and persistent, utilizing job boards and forums tailored for people re-entering the workforce. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your career goals. As a career coach I meet clients in your situation, it seems daunting but you've got this!

2. Teresa OdenwoodJune 19,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

   Check out irelaunch.com

3. SophJune 19,2024 at 4:26PM UTC

   Why do you say you'd have to take a step back? Have you tried a lateral move first? If you have stayed up with your industry, you may be able to make the case for a slightly higher position than what you had last.

   If you are going to get turned down for a better position, let someone else turn you down; Don't turn yourself down.

4. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 6:05PM UTC

   I’ve been applying for a while with no luck so I figure I might have better luck going back than forward.

5. SophJune 19,2024 at 7:50PM UTC

   There's nothing wrong with putting out feelers for safety roles, but that shouldn't be the bulk of your applications. Personally, if I saw that someone was applying to roles below their capacity, I would wonder if they weren't very good in their last role. If you aren't already, consider supplementing applications by building your online presence so that potential employers can find you; Market yourself for a higher-level role and if you get approached about a lower-level job, you should at least have been negotiating leverage when it comes to salary.

6. Vikki Mueller EspinosaJune 19,2024 at 4:37PM UTC

   Below is the irelaunch site. Many companies are offering “return ships” where you intern and at the end of the assignment, you both decide if you’re a good fit.

   have you considered Temping? Lots of companies like to “try before they buy”. There are more and more temp agencies that aren’t just for admins. Ones for technical and pm assignments. Change your focus and get some experience on your resume that’s current. You don’t have to list it was contract or temporary. You can tell them if asked.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 19,2024 at 6:23PM UTC

   Look for companies that offer returnships.

8. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

   Try and highlight the skills and experience that are still relevant. While technology and processes get stale after 5 years, the basic understanding of time management, performance metrics and project management are never "unlearned".

   Yes you fallen behind in your career trajectory but with a year or two of solid hands on work and you'll be able to build some momentum and be up to date on any skills you're behind on.

9. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 7:48PM UTC

   You were raising your children! I think that pretty dang productive. ALL moms are superhumans!

10. AnonymousJune 20,2024 at 3:22PM UTC

    I took 12 years off to raise my children. I volunteered full time and keep my skills up. Nothing about it was easy in respect to getting hired. I started off working for our church making $11/hr to prove myself. It was a huge step back as I was an executive prior. It took me It took me 4 years to get back to making what I had made prior in salary and 8 years to surpass that salary. Every field of work is different, and I hope it doesn't work out that way for you. I would network as much as you can. Maybe join Toastmasters groups or groups like that where you showcase yourself.

11. AnonymousJune 21,2024 at 4:08AM UTC

    This is what I was afraid of but thank you for the insight so if it does happen at least I know what to expect

12. AnonymousJune 20,2024 at 3:58PM UTC

    itching to get back isn't the same as DOING THE WORK 5 days/week with a family- do not romanticize what you think you miss. I suggest easing back into the work force part time at first. I just observed our daughter in law do this, and it was a nightmare for their 2 kids and her spouse- She returned too teaching in a classroom after taking 5 years off and had NO IDEA how much time it was taking her every day to run her home and children- add in full time teacher (once again) and she was ridiculously on overload, husband doing all he could, kids trying hard and crying/tired. Being a mother is a huge undertaking- keep that forefront.

13. AnonymousJune 21,2024 at 4:10AM UTC

    Thank you everyone for your kind comments and advice, I really appreciate it :)