Our life is a beautiful journey filled with various roles and responsibilities. As women, we often have to strike a delicate balance between family and career. At times, family obligations may require us to take a break from our professional pursuits, whether it’s to raise children, care for aging parents, or attend to other important matters. However, the decision to pause your career doesn’t mean it’s the end of your professional journey. In fact, it can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. So, how can you get back to your professional life after a break?
Reflect and Reconnect with Your Passions:
Don’t just dive back into the workforce; take some time for introspection. Reflect on your career aspirations, goals, and the skills that you have. Also, consider what you enjoyed the most about your previous jobs and contemplate what you would like to explore further. This self-reflection is important to decipher your future course of action and also help you prepare for the professional role that you wish to pursue.
Update Your Skills:
Once you decide to get back to the workforce, it is important to reskill yourself. Technology and industry trends evolve rapidly, and to stay relevant in your field, it’s essential to update your skills and knowledge. Enrol in online courses, workshops, or seminars to bridge any knowledge gaps and familiarize yourself with current practices and tools. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or networking groups to connect with professionals and like-minded individuals and stay informed about industry trends.
Leverage Your Network:
We all know the importance of networking for professional growth, and your existing network can offer invaluable resources when resuming your career. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and peers who can offer valuable insights, guidance, or potential job opportunities. Participate in industry events, seminars, and conferences to expand your network and build new connections. Don’t underestimate the power of personal connections in opening doors to exciting opportunities.
Customize Your Resume:
Your resume is the best tool to market yourself. Craft a well-tailored resume and highlight the skills, achievements, and experiences that align with the positions you’re targeting. Make sure to add relevant volunteer work, freelance projects, or educational qualifications you pursued during your break. A functional resume format works much better for returnees to jobs, as it allows you to focus on your skills and accomplishments, rather than a chronological format that emphasizes employment gaps.
Explore Returnship Programs:
Returnship programs provide an excellent opportunity to rejoin the workforce. Many companies now offer returnship programs for individuals returning to work after a career break. These programs not only provide temporary positions but also training and mentorship that can help participants rebuild their skills and confidence. That’s why it’s a good idea to explore returnship opportunities when you are trying to resume your career, as they can serve as a stepping stone toward re-establishing yourself professionally.
Build Confidence:
Returning to work after a break presents its own set of challenges and self-doubt. Remember that your skills, experience, and capabilities do not diminish just because you had a break in your career. Yes, you need to refine and polish them to get back into the mainstream, but there is no reason to doubt or undermine your capabilities. That’s why it is important to engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or connecting with supportive friends and family, to boost your confidence and mental well-being. Believe in yourself and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they are!
Flexibility and Negotiation:
When resuming your career, it’s essential to seek a balance between work and family life. Look for opportunities that offer flexibility in terms of working hours, remote work options, or part-time arrangements, depending on your needs and obligations. Don’t hesitate to discuss your requirements during job negotiations. The goal is to find a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring a harmonious integration of work and family responsibilities.
So, don’t give up on your professional dreams just because you had a break in your career. Adopt a strategy that aligns with your requirements, upskill yourself, network, and explore new opportunities that allow you to grow both personally and professionally. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate each step of your journey, no matter how small. Your career can flourish once again, and with determination and resilience, you can achieve your goals.
