Career Insight: Re-entering the Job Market After a Career Break

Career breaks have become increasingly common, with 62% of the global workforce having taken time out from employment at some stage, according to LinkedIn data. A gap that so many have previously taken pains to conceal is now out in the open and recognised by LinkedIn. Since 2022, the employment-focused social media platform has included “career break” as a profile category, which has helped to normalise the experience. Thankfully, the perception of taking a break is shifting, no doubt assisted by the great leveller that was the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite reduced stigma, countless doubts and fears can consume individuals contemplating a return to the workforce. Irrespective of whether a break is voluntary, such as extended maternity leave, or otherwise, as in the case of redundancy or trailing spouses, the struggles can be much the same.

We discuss some of the common feelings and challenges that can paralyse and prevent you from moving forward while also considering action that you can take, not to mention the positives that can also be gained from this period.

What you might be experiencing:

Sense of overwhelm and lack of direction

The prospect of job hunting can feel daunting and overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. There are also different levels of anxiety, which may be correlated to how long you have been out of the market. For example, 6 months or a year may feel relatively tolerable to some, whereas 5 or 10 years would comparatively induce a lot more fear. You may be struggling to make sense of your purpose. Sometimes, it is easier to start with or have more certainty over what you don’t want to do as opposed to knowing what you want to do. For instance, you may have done some reimagining during your break and now wish to reposition yourself but do not know where to start or how to go about making the necessary changes. Jumping into the unknown can be terrifying, and following through takes both strength and courage. Connecting with a counsellor may help you find some of the answers to those deeper questions as you navigate this life transition so that you can move forward with confidence and a clear direction.

Lack of confidence and loss of identity

You may have lost sight of your former professional self after being away from the workforce for so long. This may trigger feelings of self-doubt and affect your confidence, given one’s identity can be so bound up in work. You might be thinking, who’s going to hire me or what do I have to offer? Although you may now feel irrelevant, life experience is invaluable. Part of the fear can be attributed to the stigma attached to a break, though that perception is now weakening. Don’t overlook any experience you may have gained, such as through volunteering or any contributions you may have made to your community during your break, despite these being unpaid. These experiences enhance your profile and differentiate you. Maximize your potential by recognizing the gains and giving yourself credit.

Imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs

Career gaps can breed insecurity and cause you to question your skills and viability as a candidate, and uncertainty surrounding the job search can further amplify any fears. Focusing on your weaknesses can lead to procrastination, and fear of rejection can prevent you from even applying for jobs. You may have already applied to a few jobs and had some knockbacks. However, looking for a job is a full-time job, it isn’t meant to be easy, nor does it happen overnight. It is easy for negative thoughts to spiral if you do not actively check and challenge them. To silence that inner critic, it is important to gather evidence, reflect on your career, review your accomplishments, note any highlights or promotions you’ve received, and note any transferable skills for those contemplating a pivot. Don’t downplay your achievements; try asking friends or family what they see in you to gain another perspective.

Steps you can take to better understand yourself, recognize your potential, and find meaningful work:

Pause and seek help

Take a moment to recognize and acknowledge your emotions. Confide in your loved ones. There is no need to go it alone; whether you are needing to offload or obtain advice, things will feel less intense and overwhelming once you start to voice and break down your struggles and concerns. It isn’t easy jumping straight back in after a break, so it’s perfectly normal to experience some discomfort. Enlisting the help of a counsellor could be beneficial to process any emotions, bounce thoughts, and find tools to better cope with the uncertainty of the job search process.

Reframe your thinking and reflect on your strengths and values

There can be benefits to taking a break in that it allows you to reset and gain perspective and clarity. Take the time to evaluate whether you are on the right path; consider what worked for you in your former chapter and what didn’t. What are your priorities, and have these evolved over time? Do you now wish to explore new opportunities? Think about what motivates you versus what drains you; what is important to you? It can be helpful to define your core values as if your career is misaligned, you are likely to feel disengaged and unfulfilled.

Similarly, recognizing your strengths should direct you towards a job that is more rewarding and enjoyable. Reflect on what differentiates you from others and what skills come easily to you. You may be interested in taking a psychometric test such as the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment to uncover more of your unique attributes and learn how to optimize your potential. If you are seeking to pivot into a new career or are in a new market (country), what transferable skills do you have? Do you need to reskill or upskill? How can you make your profile more compelling to potential employers? We’re often so critical of ourselves and have our personal blind spots, so speaking to a friend, a career coach, or a recruiter could prove enlightening.

Put yourself out there and tap into your community

Create a plan, and rather than focusing purely on the outcome, think about what small steps you can take to move you closer to your goals. Talk to people and network; go to industry events; gather information; and gain insight into market trends and gaps. Let people know that you are thinking about returning to work and reconnect with former colleagues or acquaintances in your chosen field. You never know what leads, introductions, or ideas you might get, and this engagement and process of discovery is likely to revitalize you. Connect with headhunters, a career coach, or your alma mater, update your CV, and optimize your personal branding – ensure your LinkedIn profile is marketing your expertise to allow for direct approaches.

Lastly, manage your expectations and be realistic about what you can achieve and your timeframes. If you harness your network, you are likely to find a job much quicker than you can on your own. And remember when you get rejected, try, try again.

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