Escaping an abusive relationship takes a lot of courage. Once your safety is secure, rebuilding your career is a critical step toward financial independence, self-empowerment, and new opportunities.
Anyone can experience domestic violence, but women and gender-diverse people are at the highest risk. Living in an abusive situation can make it hard to keep a job—which in turn makes finding the next job harder. As well as employment gaps, many survivors may be dealing with barriers to education, or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
A job gives you more than just a steady income— it helps you regain control over your life in other ways. It lets you learn new skills and build the ones you already have, boosting your self-esteem and employability. Co-workers and supervisors can offer emotional support and encouragement too. Plus, having career goals to work toward can give you motivation and direction, and help you look to a positive future.
Secure your safety
Remember, your personal safety is the top priority. Never be afraid to ask for help!
Many organizations provide services for women fleeing domestic violence. These can offer both emotional support and practical advice on how to stay safe, including at work.
If you think that your abuser might try to find or contact you at your workplace:
- Inform your employer—Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act says that when an employer knows that a worker may be exposed to domestic violence at a work site, the employer must take reasonable precautions to protect the worker and any other people at the site. You may also be eligible for unpaid domestic violence leave.
- Make a safety plan—work with your employer to have a plan in place in case your abuser shows up at your workplace. For example, the plan might include having security or a co-worker walk you to your vehicle at the end of your shift. You could also arrange to work remotely until the situation changes.
- Do not post information online—do not post on social media about your work or location. Ask your employer to remove your contact information from publicly available directories or websites.
- Change your online passwords often—don’t use obvious words or numbers, like your pet’s name or your birthday. Make each password long, use random symbols, and don’t use the same password for different things.
Creating a safe work environment not only protects you—it can also help to protect your co-workers.
Reach out for immediate support
- If you need help escaping domestic violence:
- Find supports to help you leave your situation, including shelters and emergency funding.
- Download the iHEAL app to find ways to stay safe and be well, including links to local resources.
Create a career development plan
Maybe you need to find a job, or maybe you want to gain skills to move up in your current job. Either way, when you’re ready to go forward with planning toward your career goals, here’s how to get started:
- Learn more about yourself—identify your skills, abilities, and interests.
- Find out about roles or occupations that interest you—what skills would you need to learn or improve for this work?
- Make a plan to upskill—look for local programs or online courses that can help you upskill. Many organizations offer free or subsidized training for those in need.
Remember that employability includes physical, emotional, and psychological readiness. Be sure to access any supports you need to maintain all aspects of your health in tough times.
Look for job openings
Once you know what your goals are, it’s time to begin your job search:
- Use job banks and job search sites to find openings that interest you.
- Don't hesitate to reach out to people you know for opportunities or referrals.
Online work search tools can be very useful, but there are also risks. Beware of scams, and take measures to protect your personal information—both from your abuser and from anyone else.
Prepare your resumé and other tools
Your resumé and supporting documents are key tools in the work search process. For most applications, you’ll need to:
- Write a resumé that showcases what you have to offer.
- Write a cover letter that shows why you are a good fit for a certain job.
- Choose references who can recommend you to employers.
Apply for work
When you’re ready to apply for work, visit alis for a wide range of resources that can answer your questions and help with different parts of the process.
For example you can find information on:
- Making a work search plan and record
- Staying organized during your work search
- Applying for a job that you know you can do even though you don’t have all the qualifications
- Staying positive during your work search
You’ll also find a number of articles about how to prepare for and ace an interview.
Lives in Transition
Funded by the Government of Alberta, Lives in Transition offers employment and education supports to women who have experienced domestic violence. The programs are 6 to 28 weeks long and can be attended online or in person. They connect participants with job readiness skills, work experience opportunities, and job placements.
Take back control of your life
Rebuilding your career after fleeing domestic violence is not just about finding a job—it’s about creating a safe and empowering future for yourself.
By putting your safety first, building your skills, and seeking support, you can pave the way toward a fulfilling and independent life. You are not alone, and with each step you take, you are moving closer to a brighter, more hopeful future.