Stepping back into the workforce after spending more than 10 years as a stay-at-home mom can feel like an overwhelming challenge. While your skills have grown while staying at home, it’s normal to wonder how they align with today’s workplace. Many moms getting back to work after a long break face a fear of rejection and concerns about work-life balance. You may also wonder how to handle employment gaps in your resumé.
This guide is here to help you tackle those challenges, rebuild your confidence, and show you that finding the right job—even after a long break—is absolutely achievable. Along the way, we’ll also explore why stepping into roles like real estate could be a good option, as the industry offers flexibility and accessibility for moms looking for a fresh start.
Key Takeaways
- Reflect on Skills and Interests: Identify what you’re good at and what excites you—whether it’s your old field or a new career like real estate.
- Refresh Your Resumé and LinkedIn: Update your resumé with transferable skills, volunteer work, and recent courses to show you’re ready and relevant.
- Reconnect Through Networking: Leverage past colleagues, local connections, and online groups to uncover hidden job opportunities.
- Look for Flexible Opportunities: Explore part-time or freelance work—and consider careers like real estate that offer control over your schedule.
- Practice for Interviews: Prepare to discuss your employment gap with confidence by highlighting your skills.
- Involve Your Family in the Transition: Plan and share responsibilities at home to ease the shift back into work and reduce stress for everyone.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by defining work and family hours—and sticking to them consistently.
- Overcome Mom Guilt: Remind yourself that working sets a powerful example for your children and contributes to the overall well-being of your family.
- Adapt as You Go: Treat your career reentry as a learning journey and adjust your goals, hours, or path to find what truly works for you.
Understanding the Challenges of Going Back to Work
Re-entering the job market after a prolonged absence presents unique challenges for parents. Whether you’re navigating a lack of recent work experience, updated industry trends, or even societal expectations, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges you’re facing.
Common fears and doubts
Returning to work after time away can be daunting. Many parents experience a range of fears and doubts as they transition back into the workforce. Here are some of the most common concerns, along with insights to help reframe them:
- Are my skills outdated?
You may worry that your professional skills no longer meet current industry standards. However, the foundational abilities you’ve cultivated as a parent, such as problem-solving and time management, remain highly valuable. A little upskilling or a refresher course can easily bridge any gaps. - How do I explain the career break?
Many parents feel uncertain about addressing time spent away from traditional office roles. Remember, this chapter of your life wasn’t a break from work—it was filled with roles like caregiver, planner, and negotiator. Present these experiences confidently as transferable skills during interviews and on your resumé. - How do I achieve a work/life balance?
Balancing professional and personal responsibilities is a challenge for many working parents. Start by identifying your priorities for both your family and career, and choose roles that offer flexibility wherever possible. Open communication with your employer regarding work expectations can also help establish boundaries that benefit everyone. - Will I be judged for stepping away from my career?
It’s natural to feel concerned about how potential employers might perceive your break. However, many organizations now value the diverse perspectives and emotional intelligence that parents bring to the table. Be sure to highlight the unique strengths your parenting experience has given you. - Can I handle the transition emotionally and logistically?
Starting something new is always an adjustment. It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Focus on the small steps you can take to build confidence, whether it’s updating your resumé, practicing interviews, or networking with peers.
These doubts, while valid, come from underestimating how capable and resilient you’ve become. Parenting has equipped you with invaluable skills, such as planning, budgeting, adaptability, and leadership. With the right approach, you can effectively showcase these qualities and thrive in your next professional chapter.
Tips for Getting Back to Work After a Long Break
You aren’t alone if you’re concerned about how to get a job after being a stay-at-home mom. Here are some tips for parents considering returning to the workforce after taking a long break.
1. Assess your skills and interests.
Take time to reflect on the skills you already have and where you’d like to go. Do you want to step back into the field you worked in previously or explore something completely new? Consider entry-level positions as a stepping stone if a major career shift excites you, or focus on roles that align with skills you already have.
Pro Tip: There are many career options in real estate — and no college degree is required. Real estate might also align with your interpersonal and organizational skills.
2. Update your resumé and LinkedIn profile.
After 10 years out of the workforce, the next step is to update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Highlight transferable skills, personal projects, or community involvement.
Actionable Tips:
- Include volunteer work, fundraising, or school committee roles. These can demonstrate leadership, event planning, and teamwork.
- Prove you’re up-to-date by listing certifications, online courses, or workshops you’ve completed.
3. Network and leverage connections
Networking is a powerful tool for re-entering the workforce. Often, your existing network can open doors you didn’t know were there.
- Reconnect with former colleagues or managers. (They’ll remember your talents and work ethic!)
- Attend industry events and informational interviews.
- Join professional groups on LinkedIn or in your local community.
- Inform friends and acquaintances that you are seeking a new opportunity.
Remember, as a stay-at-home mom, you’ve likely built connections in your neighborhood, schools, or parent groups. These relationships could lead to opportunities or insights into flexible jobs.
4. Explore flexible work opportunities.
Some parents returning to work are concerned about balancing family commitments and their new careers. Consider exploring part-time opportunities or freelance gigs. These roles allow you to ease back into professional life without overwhelming your home responsibilities.
One standout choice for flexibility is real estate, which can offer both part-time and full-time options. Real estate careers offer a low barrier to entry, full-time earning potential, and the flexibility to set your own schedule.
5. Prepare for interviews.
Interviews can feel daunting after being away for years. Practice answering common questions about employment gaps, focus on the value you bring, and exude confidence.
Questions like “Why have you decided to return to work now?” are best answered honestly and in a positive manner. For example, “I’m at a great place in my life where I’m ready to focus on a career and leverage the skills I developed both as a professional and during my personal growth.”
Pro Tip: Confidence builds with preparation. Research companies, practice speaking about your strengths, and know your worth.
6. Make plans for managing family responsibilities.
Re-entering the job market is a decision that involves your whole family. Open and honest conversations at home are crucial to the process. Start by discussing how responsibilities can be shared. This might mean dividing up tasks like meal preparation, homework help, or household chores between you, your partner, and even your children if they’re old enough to contribute.
Create a weekly plan that outlines who is responsible for what tasks. For example, one parent might handle morning routines while the other takes care of evening activities. The goal is to ensure no one feels overwhelmed. Remember, this is a family effort, and everyone’s cooperation will go a long way in making the transition easier. Collaborating as a team not only makes the logistics manageable but also reinforces that this change benefits everyone.
7. Set boundaries.
Balancing work and family life requires clear boundaries to protect both your success and your well-being. Begin by analyzing your daily schedule and identifying realistic time constraints. For instance, decide on work hours that don’t interfere with family dinner or bedtime routines. Commit to these boundaries to maintain a consistent routine for everyone involved.
Communicating these boundaries to your employer and family is critical. At home, ensure everyone knows when you’re “off-limits” for work-related tasks so that you can focus on family time. Similarly, during work hours, minimize distractions by setting up a dedicated workspace. Achieving this balance is not just about structure; it’s about prioritizing what matters most at each moment of your day. With boundaries in place, you’ll feel more in control and better equipped to handle both roles effectively.
8. Learn how to handle mom guilt.
Mom guilt is normal, but it doesn’t need to take over your mindset. Remember, you’re setting an inspiring example for your children by pursuing your goals.
Tips for Overcoming Mom Guilt:
- Focus on quality time, not just quantity, with your children.
- Acknowledge the benefits of a working parent, like financial stability or showing kids the value of hard work.
- Practice self-compassion. Transitioning back to work is a growth process—not something you need to perfect immediately.
9. Evaluate progress and adjust as needed.
Finally, treat the return-to-work process as a learning experience. Keep track of what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your goals and responsibilities until you find a sustainable routine.
Are your hours too late in the evening? Talk to your employer or clients about changing them. Not enjoying the industry you chose? There are many career options in real estate and other areas to explore.
A flexible mindset is critical to long-term success.
Take Action Toward Your Career Goals
Stepping back into the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom for 10+ years is a significant change, but with strategic planning, self-compassion, and confidence, you’ll find fulfilling career options that meet your needs.
If you’re looking for a field with no college degree required, real estate could be a good option. It offers incredible flexibility, making it perfect for moms with large networks or busy family lives. Learn more about the seamless process of earning your real estate license in Florida through Gold Coast Schools and set yourself on the path to success.