I'm trying to re-enter the job force after a 5-year break.

17 Comments

1. anunez2102October 8,2021 at 10:53AM UTC

   I wouldn't keep my job search exclusive to entry-level positions but I would keep in mind that technology always advances. 5 years out of a position allows for some clumsiness when returning to the job-force as far as technical skills are concerned. Think about what type of job you'd enjoy doing, check out the job requirements, and practice some of those skills by looking up YouTube videos. Try to correlate as much of your teaching and travel experience to the needs of employers. Building relationships and trust especially in a foreign land is an important skill at any company/org. You were still working and learning so it is not like it was 5 years of dilly-dallying. Just be prepared to encounter judgment from people that don't have the courage to do what you did.

2. Kristen SOctober 8,2021 at 12:23PM UTC

   That's a good point. I've narrowed down my interest to process improvement. I think accumulating related training/skills is the next step.

3. Amy GeffenOctober 12,2021 at 5:13PM UTC

   You have been working, not idle. There are lots of jobs teaching English as a second language in the US, if that is one of the things you would like to do. You need to do an assessment of all your skils and interests to figure out your job target: a job title, an industry anda geographic location. As a career coach I can ehlp you do that. AmyGeffen geffena108@gmail.com

4. Crystal Miller-O'BrienOctober 12,2021 at 5:22PM UTC

   It used to be that you could expect to spend about a month in a job search for every $10k of annual earnings you desire. However, that was a guesstimate to use pre-Covid and the "work from home" revolution the job market is seeing.

   I think that you should not limit your job search to entry-level opportunities. I agree with the others, you have been managing relationships internationally, navigating educational systems, organizing yourself to remain flexible and adaptable, and marketing yourself with limited networks and resources. Those are skills sets that most work environments should perceive as assets. Sell yourself now and here in the US. The test is on and my bet is that you will 'knock it out of the park,' if you recognize how valuable your experiences have been.

   Be patient and know that it is going to take some time. And this time doesn't necessarily have anything to do with your not having skills or being qualified. It truly is a difficult market, but consider jobs in technical writing, human/employee relations, diversity and inclusion jobs, marketing, and corporate training.

   Best of luck!

5. Leigh Mitchell, Women in Biz NetworkOctober 12,2021 at 5:40PM UTC

   I wouldn't jump to lowering your role expectations. Look first at what you truly want to do then see what the best possibilities are for transitioning to that role.

6. KelliOctober 12,2021 at 6:35PM UTC

   Honestly, this may be more of a mindset issue than anything. You are likely more qualified than you think. I would love to take a look at your resume and see what's going on. What types of jobs are you looking for?

7. Kristen SOctober 14,2021 at 5:24AM UTC

   It's true, I do have a bit of a mental block about taking such a long break. I sent you a message to connect regarding the format of my resume. I'm hoping to focus on process improvement or product management

8. KelliOctober 14,2021 at 7:59PM UTC

   Writing you back now!!!

9. Joann S. LublinOctober 12,2021 at 6:53PM UTC

   Given that you haven't worked for a year, you might also consider applying for a "returnship" -- in which companies bring folk like you for a multi-month paid tryout and also bring them up to speed if their technical skills are rusty. Several companies, such as Goldman Sachs and Amazon.com recently have tweaked their programs to appeal to folk idled for only a year (rather than a multi-year break). I recently did a major feature for Wall Street Journal about how innovative employers are trying harder to recruit and retain women with kids. Returnships were a prominent example of that trend. Best of luck!

10. SueOctober 13,2021 at 6:10PM UTC

    Raytheon Technologies also has a re-entry to the workforce program. I agree with you - this may be a good start rather than going back to square one. Good luck.

11. Kristen SOctober 14,2021 at 5:41AM UTC

    Thanks for the resource! I'm looking into their program now!

12. Joann S. LublinOctober 12,2021 at 6:54PM UTC

    FYI as a follow up, here's a link to my WSJ piece:

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/mothers-delay-workplace-return-11632331364

13. Jennifer HajeOctober 12,2021 at 8:59PM UTC

    Don't sell yourself short. Have you considered a professional resume writer to help you out with highlighting your qualifications?

14. Kristen SOctober 14,2021 at 5:16AM UTC

    I haven't had great luck so far using Fivver and haven't pursued any other resume services in a few months. However, I do need to continue looking. Thanks for the encouragement!

15. Cynthia Armistead NewmanOctober 12,2021 at 9:48PM UTC

    Don't underestimate yourself! I'd only call that one year off, and you've been demonstrating marketable skills if you've been traveling independently. Planning, budgeting, etc. are important!

16. Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.October 13,2021 at 3:10AM UTC

    You have skills and you have been working! Leverage your experience abroad. You can't get that in a book, classroom, or usual job.

    I also worked as an English teacher abroad and was able to successfully return to a good job and change career direction after 3 years.

17. Kristen SOctober 14,2021 at 5:19AM UTC

    Oh my goodness, it's so good to hear that someone else has done it successfully! It's such an atypical path. I haven't been sure how recruiters would respond to it.