3 Unconventional Ways to Return to Work after your Career Break
Traditional full-time employment isn’t your only option when returning to work. Whether you took a pause to care for a loved one, raise kids, or any number of reasons, looking work in the face after a long (or short) break can be intimidating.
If you are shaking in your pencil skirt (read: yoga pants), know you aren’t alone. 39% of moms took significant time off at some point in their work-life to care for a child or family member, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center study.
Fast-forward to February 2020 – Over 2.3 million women exited the workforce due to the COVID-19 crisis.
If you aren’t sure which way to turn in the world of work, ease into the labor force with one of these three unconventional options.
Photo by Rémi Walle on Unsplash
Volunteer
This is a great option for women (and men) who have taken a long career pause. If you are brushing up on skills (or developing new ones) in preparation for paid work, find a community organization, nonprofit or small business that needs those skills now.
Lend your expertise for free to build up your proficiency and to tout on your resume. Volunteerism also gets you in the same room with professionals who can give you the inside scoop on upcoming openings in your target field or lead to a paid gig within the organization you’re volunteering.
Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash
Returnship
It’s no spaceship returning from Mars. A returnship is a paid internship for adults looking to re-enter the workforce. Programs vary in length and occupation, but you can expect to polish your skills, receive quality mentorship, enlarge your network and even land long-term work.
If this piques your interest, check out organizations like iRelaunch and Pathforward for a list of program options, opportunities and return-to work tools.
Photo by Daniel Bosse on Unsplash
Freelance (or contract work)
Work on your terms. Take on fixed-term employment to get your work-feet wet again. 73% of decision-makers are hiring (and even increasing) freelancers per Upwork’s 2020 Freelance Forward Report.
From covering employee leave to tackling complex projects, organizations are hiring workers for short and long-term stints. Check out organizations like The Mom Project to get hooked up with companies who care about motherhood and work/life integration.
You can also go out on your own. With sites like Upwork and Fiverr, it’s easy to set up shop to exchange your skills for cash. Work when you want and level up your skills. Check out Biron Clark’s Pros & Cons of Freelancing to decide if it’s right for you.
Now more than ever, options for return-to-work are plentiful. Research what’s best for you and your career goals. And most importantly, recognize your career break as an asset, not a liability.