Back To Work Blog

For numerous professionals returning to work after time off, there's one enduring concern: "Will employers disapprove of the career gap on my resume? Whatever your reason for stepping away—parenthood, health problems, caregiving, travel, burnout, or simply re-evaluating life objectives—career breaks can be a source of shame in a society that appears to value constant hustle. But here's the reality that doesn't get spoken enough: Career gaps are more prevalent—and more mainstream—than ever. In this blog, we'll discuss what hiring managers actually believe about career breaks, how attitudes are evolving, and what you can do to feel confident highlighting your experience in a way that earns respect—not dismissal. The Shifting World of Work Let's start by giving credit where credit is due: The world of work is changing. And fast. Post-pandemic, career trajectories are no longer anticipated to be linear. Flexibility, mental well-being, and self-development are now p...

Life has the ability to push us in diverging directions, and sometimes that's to move out of the workplace—maybe to start a family, provide care for someone dear, study further, nurture one's health, or take simply a very-needed break. As much as time off is fully acceptable, coming back to work can resemble attempting to ascend a mountain peak. The biggest challenge? Not skills. Not a resume. It's the persistent sense of "Am I really ready?" If that resonates, you're not alone. And here's the best part: you might be more ready than you realize. In this post, we'll take you through 10 clear, actionable signs that indicate you're ready to make your comeback—even if your confidence hasn't fully caught up yet. 1. You're Thinking About What's Next That first question—"Should I go back to work?"—is more than just a passing thought. It shows that your motivation is coming back. Maybe you've started checking job websites, updatin...

Restarting your career after a break can feel overwhelming—but what if there was a bridge to help you return confidently and successfully? That’s exactly what return ship programs are for. A return ship is like an internship for professionals—usually paid, project-based, and designed specifically for individuals who’ve taken a career break and want to re-enter the workforce.  These programs give you: Hands-on experience Mentorship and support A smoother path to full-time roles Let’s explore what returnships offer, and discover some top companies that are welcoming returners with open arms.  What is a Returnship? A returnship is a structured program that helps career break professionals: ✅ Gain current, real-world work experience ✅ Refresh their skills in a low-pressure environment ✅ Rebuild confidence ✅ Network with industry professionals ✅ Often transition into full-time jobs They typically last 8–16 weeks, are paid, and come with training and mentoring. Returnships are ideal...

It's completely normal to feel nervous about Job interviews, especially after a career break. But did you know that what can easily shift nervousness to confidence is preparation? Doing real-life interview roleplay scenarios assists you: ✅ Be able to think on your feet ✅ Refine your responses ✅ Sound confident, not read from a script ✅ Demonstrate the value you contribute—even after stepping away In this blog, let's discuss common challenging interview questions, roleplay-style—with sample answers and pro tips so you can aced your next interview.   1. "Why did you take a break from your work?" Scenario: Interviewer: "You have mentioned about career gap in your resume. Would you like to say more about that?" You (Sample Answer): "Absolutely, I had a break to look after a family member and work on personal growth. While doing this, I remained engaged by taking online courses, volunteering, and working on freelance projects. I'm now eager and complete...

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I'm not good enough" for this, "They'll discover I don't fit for this job", or "I'm just lucky, but not talented"? I f so—you've had impostor syndrome. It's particularly common among individuals coming back to work after a career break. But here's the reality: just because you feel like a fraud doesn't mean you are one. it's just you think yourself like that. In this post, we are going to learn what impostor syndrome actually is, why it appears when you're making a career comeback only, and how you can quiet that inner voice and trust your own value and skills—once again.   What Is Impostor Syndrome? How does it feel? Impostor syndrome, also known as imposter phenomenon, is when even successful people feel like they are faking it like its just their luck nothing else and doubt their achievements despite evidence of their abilities. You might feel like: You're winging it You...

A career gap is more prevalent than ever—but for most job seekers, it still seems like the most difficult question to answer in an interview: "Why is there a gap in your employment history?" This is definitely a common question when you attend for an interview after a break. If this question makes you anxious, don't worry—many people are. The bright side? A career gap is not necessarily a deal-breaker. In fact, how you frame it can demonstrate your strength, growth, and eagerness to come back. In this blog, let's dissect how to answer this question confidently—and transform your gap into a powerful aspect of your narrative.  Step 1: Know the True Issue When interviewers question your career gap, they're typically asking: Were you contributing anything useful during that period? Are your skills matches current trends? Will you be dependable if you're hired today? Your mission is to calm them with sincerity, optimism, and evidence that you're ready. Step 2: ...