Taking time away from your job for caregiving or to manage your own health can be a necessary decision—and a gap in your resumé doesn’t have to derail your career.
Women are more likely than men to reduce their work hours, take less demanding jobs, or leave work entirely to handle caregiving responsibilities or chronic health issues like migraines or autoimmune disorders. About 40% of working women say they have made career-limiting decisions for family or health reasons. Almost 60% of all employees who leave the paid labour force because of caregiving are women.
Caring for young children is just one piece of the puzzle. Women are 70% more likely than men to permanently leave work and 5 times more likely to cut back to working part time to care for an aging relative. They make up two-thirds of those who take compassionate care leave to provide end-of-life care.
Challenges of returning to work
After an extended career break for caregiving or managing your own health, re-entering the workforce can feel overwhelming. Getting back into workplace culture, routines, and expectations may take time.
A long break can lead to a loss of confidence and feelings of imposter syndrome. With the rapid pace of change in many industries, you might question whether your skills are still relevant or whether you can meet the demands of a new role.
As you begin your job search, you may feel uncomfortable or unsure about how to explain your time away to potential employers.
Rest assured that whatever the reason for the gap, your situation is not unique. Forced breaks are common, and you can get your career back on track.
Recognize what you have to offer
The first barriers to overcome are the ones in your own mind. Spend some time recognizing your strengths and rebuilding your confidence.
Reframe the gap for yourself: your time away was not a step back—it was a chance to build skills. Caregiving, for instance, hones problem-solving, multitasking, and communication abilities, which are useful in any workplace. Don’t overlook the professional value of what you’ve learned.
Taking a break from paid work doesn’t have to mean abandoning your professional identity. For example, you might stay engaged during your time away just by keeping in touch with your network and following industry news.
Upskill and refresh your knowledge
If possible during your time away, take the opportunity to upskill and stay current in your field:
- Take an online course or micro-credential—these certifications can enhance your resumé and demonstrate that you've kept pace with industry developments.
- Volunteer in your field—this is another great way to fill resumé gaps and show that you've remained active and engaged.
Pivot your career
Depending on the circumstances of your career gap, it may be time to consider new roles that better align with your current priorities:
- Consider a bridge job that eases you back into the workforce. A transitional role can support you financially and provide work experience during the transition.
- If work-life balance is a priority, look for opportunities that offer flexible work arrangements.
- If the gap was due to a health issue that affected your prior job, look into jobs that are a better fit in terms of duties, accommodations, and benefits and wellness programs.
Present the gap in the right light
How should you handle an employment gap when you’re applying for work?
The main thing is not to hide the gap but to explain it honestly—employers appreciate transparency. One study found that women are 30% to 40% more likely to be hired if they offer personal information that explains a resumé gap compared to if they offer no explanation.
Upfront disclosure can also help you identify employers with a respectful and supportive culture. If an organization won’t hire you because you took time off to look after an ailing parent, would you really want to work there?
When applying or interviewing for a job, be sure to highlight what you bring to the role, not the gap in your employment:
- Consider using a functional resumé format that lets you emphasize your accomplishments and skills, rather than listing your employment history chronologically.
- Focus on strengths that you gained during your break, such as patience, resilience, and ability to handle stressful situations.
- In an interview, let the employer bring up the gap. Keep your explanation brief and positive, and express your readiness and enthusiasm for the next stage of your career.
Know that you’re in good company
As you navigate an extended career break and return to work, keep in mind that you’re far from alone.
Many people struggle to balance work with health challenges, and many belong to the “sandwich generation” looking after both aging parents and young children. More and more workplaces are recognizing these realities through flexible work arrangements and other accommodations.
Whatever your situation, you likely won’t have to look far to find a network of others who’ve been there and can offer advice and support.