I've been out of the workplace for more than 20 years.

14 Comments

1. AprilOctober 12,2021 at 5:28PM UTC

   Search for “return to work “ returnships . These roles focus on a return to the workplace for people who have been away for a while. You are valuable

2. Rene LetendreOctober 12,2021 at 5:39PM UTC

   First, I can identify with being out of the workforce for many years and trying to break back in with outdated skills. Use whatever you have been doing (any volunteer work, caregiving/management) to indicate that you have spent the time productively. If your circumstances have prevented you from having good skills to highlight, then figure out a way to demonstrate your recent history as a time of growth.

   Updating your skills has never been easier than now--there are TONS of online resources. My local library offers free access to LinkedIn Learning content. It covers EVERYthing (from general computer training to specific software programs to personal branding to EQ, etc.), and what I have seen so far is high-quality instruction that I can immediately put into use. Even if you don't get free access through public services, it would be worthwhile to sign up for a trial period and check it out. Add this course content to your resume to show that you have a learning & growth mindset and that you would be an asset.

   Best wishes for success!

3. Jennifer ElliottOctober 12,2021 at 5:48PM UTC

   Several years ago, I was ready to return to work after staying home with my children for a few years. I had no idea what the employment landscape looked like or how people worked anymore. I went to a staffing company and interviewed. As a registered candidate, I was eligible for free tutorials on different MS office programs. So I signed up for programs to enhance my skill set. This also increased my confidence level. Also, whether you were a stay at home parent, caregiver or took care of the house, you learned valuable skills. Take time to think about what talents you bring to the table. For example...settling arguments between your children, could be rephrased as "implemented effective conflict resolution strategies." I used this in my stay at home mom job description on my resume ?. In any event, start writing down things you're good at. Then list your interests and passions. What are your values? Etc... I'm a recruiter and offer coaching. In addition, I struggled with similar feelings in the past, so I understand where you're coming from.

4. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 5:50PM UTC

   I think you narrow your focus to what you're interested in and then research the types of certifications and knowledge required to break into that field.

   You can consider internships, temporary and contract work....anything to break into that field and gain some experience.

5. Jennifer ZiolkowskiOctober 12,2021 at 6:16PM UTC

   Don't assume that you can't afford school if that's what you want or think will benefit you the most. Lots of community colleges are offering tuition discounts/scholarships/free tuition due to the pandemic. There are also certification programs that are only a few days to a few months long and don't cost nearly as much as a degree.

   Are there any organizations that you are passionate about that you can volunteer with? This is a great way to get some hands-on experience without feeling unqualified.

   Check out your library for classes that can teach computer basics or offer tips for job searching.

   I'm making the assumption that you've been out of the workforce due to family, but have you made any connections over the years where you encountered someone who "does it all" and could possibly pick their brain over coffee?

   Good luck, you can do this!

6. Shenelle S. LaPierreOctober 12,2021 at 6:16PM UTC

   What were you doing before you took your hiatus? I would focus on the niche first and then build on the different industries in the niche. Also there are courses you can take for free depending on what industry your looking to work in. For example, there’s Google university where you can learn how to be a YouTube or Marketing specialist. Take those skills, add to your resume and apply for jobs. Depending on your experience and salary requirements an entry level job may work best to help build you up. Either way, your starting fresh and have many options to choose from, it’s best to focus on that niche to determine the skills you need to sharpen to prepare yourself. Best of luck.

7. Allison RuffnerOctober 12,2021 at 6:31PM UTC

   Can you get your GED??https://aws.amazon.com/training/restart/
   Send me a note and I will see if any of my connection there can help with that process as well.

8. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 6:32PM UTC

   Local libraries are good free resources for updating computer skills,.
   You may be able to qualify for low cost adult education classes at your local colleges.
   If you want to return to the same industry reach out to the people you have kept in touch with from your career.
   Good luck and much success in your return to working for “the man”

9. Diane RodriguesOctober 12,2021 at 6:38PM UTC

   alison.com has some free courses on specific skills

10. Barb HansenOctober 12,2021 at 8:27PM UTC

    You don't need a 4-year degree to get a good job nor do you need a 2-year degree to get a good job. You do need to know what you want to do though, and where you natural predilections lay (what do you like doing? what are you good at?)

    Here are some examples:

    Are you good with people? Perhaps a job in retail or customer service. Both skills can be learned on the job.

    Are you good with your hands, or have good spatial awareness? Lot's of great job in the skilled trades with many of those jobs having paid apprenticeships (not all skilled trades job involve heavy lifting (jobs like CAD/CAM, industrial 3D printing, tool-die/machinists are more skilled than labor-focused) and there are plenty of "women-in-trades" organizations that could help you get started.

    Like solving logic problems? Perhaps you'd be a good computer programmer. You do not need a degree to get a job as a developers, but you need skills which you can get on YouTube and other free/almost free options (google/amazon). I have hired plenty of self-taught developers in my career.

    Are you a great organizer? Perhaps Project Management, Account Management or Office Manager would fit you. Google offers Project Management courses (for very little money)

    Keep us in the loop on where you are in your job journey. FGB is a great place to ask questions and get answers.

11. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 9:23PM UTC

    Many schools offer reduced tuition to women returning to school. There are also grants &scholarships available as well.

    I would make an appointment with your local state or community College to speak to a counselor and financial aid rep.

12. AnonymousOctober 12,2021 at 11:59PM UTC

    No debt these days fir your GED and AA. there are countless resources to educate, train and support you so money is not the challenge these days

13. AnonymousOctober 13,2021 at 12:33PM UTC

    Some libraries offer free computer classes. It's not like school, but you can add it to your skills on a resume & it can help you pass a proficiency test.

14. Lisa GibsonOctober 13,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

    Don’t assume you can’t afford “the debt” if some education gives you the opportunity to make more money in a field that suits you. Do some research, you may find that making an investment in training or education is something that is well worth the cost versus your earning potential.