Getting ready to go back to work
Plan and prepare in the lead-up to your return.
Reasons for a career pause
Having and caring for young children is a common reason for a career break, but it’s not the only one. Other reasons could include:
- caring for a sick parent, family member or dealing with your own illness
- returning to full-time education
- taking an extended holiday
- volunteering
- following a long-held passion or hobby.
Whatever the reason, a career break can make you feel more energised to get back to work. But it can take some planning first to get you ready for that first day back, both mentally and physically.
If it's been a parental leave break, there will also be child care to sort out. You may also be re-evaluating your work-life balance.
Plus, long absences from work means you may not have kept up with:
- industry trends
- changes within your organisation
- workplace skills and learning.
Keeping up to date
There are several activities you can do to before returning to work so you keep up to date with your career, including:
- following or connecting with industry experts on LinkedIn or other social media
- joining an association or professional body related to your career
- networking at conferences or meetups
- maintaining a relationship with your peers, like attending the occasional social event.