5 Tips to Resume Work After a Long Career Break
You have been aloof from the workforce for quite a while and are considering resuming. Maybe you were asked to leave or wanted to return to a job market that would have more opportunities. Nevertheless, returning to the job market after a significant break can be daunting, especially if it has been a while since you last looked for jobs. Regardless, you must approach this process with confidence and patience. Let us tell you how:
Self-assessment is key
The first thing to do is take an honest self-assessment and ensure your goals align with your motivations and skills. Knowing what kind of salary range is reasonable for the position is essential if you are looking for a job due to financial reasons. If this is not available in your area, consider going for further education or volunteering in a place where you seek employment.
Be persistent and determined
You will face challenges in getting back to work, but with persistence and determination, you can get there. You need to be more creative and open to adapting. You might not always land the job you desire or deserve. So, priority is key. If you need financial stability first, securing the right kind of job should be the first goal of getting back.
Put yourself on the spot
You may be lacking some needed skills and thus must learn them. So, if you have been out of work for a while and are looking for a job, you may face some challenges as you dust off your resume, freshen up your skills, and begin the search for new employment. If all else fails, then there are networking events where people of common interests come together – this could include joining clubs/organizations where we do activities like playing a sport or go running together, etc.
Volunteer
Suppose your motivation is high, but your skill set is rusty or non-existent in a specific area. In that case, you may want to consider furthering your education or volunteering in a place where you seek employment. Volunteering can be a great way to expand your professional network and gain experience. It also helps you learn new skills that will help improve your job prospects regarding interviews. Volunteers also network with other persons with similar interests and build connections that could lead to future employment opportunities. Volunteering gives them options beyond it, such as speaking at conferences about their experience with international organizations like CARE International (a global humanitarian organization). Volunteering opportunities such as helping out at charity shops etc., getting back into shape through weights machines at gyms around town (or even just jogging around block after block until exhaustion sets in).
Teach
Take advantage of online tools such as classes at educational websites to help build or refresh those skills or even move into a new field. Do not be afraid to try something new. It is okay if you do not know how to do it right away (or ever). Still, it is important to not let fear stop you from trying something that might have been outside your comfort zone before this gap occurred. Especially if doing so will help you get back on track with what matters most: having fun and being productive again.
Conclusion:
Returning to work after a long break can be overwhelming, especially if it has been years since you last looked for a job. Prepare yourself by taking an honest assessment, as discussed above. Know your goals and take some professional advice on where to start. Take advantage of online educational tools to help build or refresh those skills, or even move into a new field. Make professional connections and be ahead of the game by knowing the current industry trends and salary packages for your field. Consult a career counsellor if you feel lost or demoralized. And finally, persevere through all odds to finally make it work.