Tips for Re-Entering the Workforce After Taking a Long Break

Tips for Re-Entering the Workforce After Taking a Long BreakTips for Re-Entering the Workforce After Taking a Long BreakThere are a lot of reasons why people need to take longer-than-normal breaks from working. Whether family planning, health problems, or some other situation kept you out of the corporate world for a while, getting back into the swing of things can be stressful. There are, however, a few things you can do to help make the transition go a bit more smoothly when re-entering the workforce.Consider some of the following if youre ready for re-entering the workforce after taking an extended leaveStart slow.Whether you feel totally ready to get back into the swing of things with work or are a bit hesitant about how it will all go, it doesnt hurt to try dipping your toe in before taking the plunge. If its at all possible to seek out part-time or hourly work, at least for the first few months while youre getting adjusted and learning the ropes, taking things slow might help e ase you back into the (often stressful and fast-paced) workforce.Try remote work.Remote work is great for a lot of reasons (its good for the environment, as well as your pocketbook, to name a few), and when youre heading back to work for the first time in a long time, the ease of transitioning back into a career can be softened when you dont have to deal with some of the harsher elements of working in an amtsstube (like long commutes, office politics, and crazy hours). Check out list of thetop 100 companies with remote jobs in 2017 to get you started.Do your research.Especially if its been years since you last worked, it doesnt hurt to do a little research before you even start your job hunt. Find out what skills are necessary these days to do the job youre interested in, and then see if its possible to take some classes or courses to help get you up to snuff before you actually do start working. This will also help you determine whether or not youre still even interested in the sa me schrift of career you had before. Preparation like this will look great on your new resume, as well, and might even help you seem more desirable to hiring managers.Prepare yourself emotionally.Whether youve decided to go back to work because you could use the extra cash or you just feel ready for a change, understand that any type of big life shift like this will likely come with some emotional baggage. Keep in mind that even if you dont love your new job in the first few weeks or months, that doesnt mean you made the wrong decision by going back. Be gentle with yourself during the first phases of re-entering the workforce and understand that there will probably be some bumps along the way. Take solace in the fact that youre not the only one dealing with how to juggle life and work- everyone is just trying to figure it outMake some changes at home.If youll be starting a new job- even if it is part-time or a work-from-home gig- there are probably a few things you can put in place in your home to help at least the first few months go more smoothly. The first thing to do is obviously be sure your kids are well cared for, if they arent in school. Its a good idea to start your search for a daycare or nanny well ahead of when you plan to go back to work in order to give yourself enough time to really research and feel comfortable with your decision. You might also consider some other helpful services, at least in the beginning, like a meal delivery system, cleaners, or even a laundry service while youre getting your feet wet and determining how your new schedule will unfold.Starting a new job can seem daunting, but it doesnt have to be. Just a couple of extra steps on your part can help you feel more secure in your decision to head back out there.Want to Ease Back into the Workforce? Check Out These Companies Hiring for Part-Time Work-from-Home Jobs