How to Return to the Workforce After a Long Career Break
Source: rocket50
By: rocket50 Staff
Date: February 16, 2023
How to Return to the Workforce After a Long Career Break
Career breaks are not usually planned. It’s just life getting in the way, such as having a new baby, getting sick, taking care of the family, or taking some time out to get a new degree or professional certificate.
According to research, about 64% of women have taken a career break for parental and medical reasons. These breaks, despite being wonderful for you and your baby, often leave a huge hole in your resume that can put a damper on your efforts to get back into the workforce.
At rocket 50, we believe that breaks are normal (and healthy!), so the focus of this article is how you can maneuver reentry back to your career after a break, even in your 50s and 60s, and get back to your groove.
Identify Your Personal Career Goals and Priorities
Since you took your break, a lot may have changed personally. Your present life has new priorities and goals for your personal and professional journey. Therefore, it is crucial that you put your new career goals and priorities into perspective before jumping back into the workforce.
For instance, long-distance commuting to work may no longer be an option for you since you’re a working parent to a newborn, or your definition of meaningful work may have changed, and you’re seeking a different, more fulfilling role compared to the position you held previously.
Take Stock of Your Skills
Whether you’re jumping back to your old career or diving into a new one, it is vital that you take a fresh inventory of your skills and get clear on what you currently have to offer to employers. If you haven’t pursued any training since your break, don’t assume that your skills based on former experience and education are still perfectly relevant. The world of work has changed a lot in the last few years including a lot of new technology that you may not be as familiar with.
Find Your Career Sweet Spot
Your career sweet spot falls at the intersection of what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at. Therefore, to discover it, you need to identify your strengths and passions.
Finding your career sweet spot may even push you to switch industries and walk a new career path. Such a radical change may be what you need to feel more satisfied in the workforce. You’ll also get the opportunity to try new skills in a field you love.
Learn from Your Past
Your career before the break has a lot to tell you before you jump back into the workforce. Therefore, take stock of your mistakes and what you liked or disliked in the past. The goal is to identify patterns that will give you insight into the future.
For instance, you can learn whether you prefer structured or more flexible jobs, narrow or broad job scopes, or if you’re ready to become your own boss or take a management role in the future.
Explain the Reason for Your Career Break
Employers will notice the gaps in your career and may raise it during interviews or when reviewing your application. Therefore, make an effort to explain the career gap in your cover letter or during the interview.
Give your explanation with complete confidence, explaining the true reason for taking a break, whether it was caring for a sick relative, seeking further education to gain practical skills to pivot your career, or taking care of your newborn.
Keep the explanation honest and to the point!
Research Changes in the Industry During Your Break
You’re not the only one who changes during the career break. Your target industry keeps evolving, bringing forth new ways and certifications for professionals working in the field. Therefore, before diving back in, research the changes in your industry and evaluate whether you’re well positioned to make a strong comeback.
Working conditions may also have changed. Therefore, given your realigned career goals and priorities, you should evaluate whether you’re comfortable working with the new industry demands.
Identify Relevant Jobs
After taking stock of your skills, competencies, and the demands of your target industry and aligning them with your new career goals and priorities, you should be able to identify relevant jobs easily. Ensure you cast a wide net capturing every related role in your target industry or domain.
For instance, if your new career goal is to take a role as a digital marketer, you should explore content marketing, SEO marketing, and email marketing opportunities. Since they’re related, most of their requirements will be similar and aligned with your qualifications and goals.
Join a Community of Professionals Making a Similar Transition
Don’t alienate yourself during this process. Join a community of professionals undergoing a similar transition and share experiences on how best you can get back to the workforce.
rocket50
Our mission is to empower people 50 and older to harness their potential and become the best versions of themselves in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. We are committed to create shared experiences and share proven tools that empower you to design a better, more enjoyable life in all its facets.