Financial security should be a big part of the equation when women consider a return to work, says Kathryn Sollmann, author of Ambition Redefined: Why the Corner Office Doesn’t Work for Every Woman & What to Do Instead. She suggests thinking about work and compensation in a way that’s likely very different from when you were in your 20s and first starting out. In a Q&A with Path Forward, Kathryn…
Self-care requires the discipline to do the hard and boring things that are good for us. But the way self-care is portrayed today is completely and utterly backward. First, self-care as a concept is almost exclusively aimed at women (generally wealthy white women who can afford the goods and services that get marketed to them as self-care). The not-so-subtle suggestion is that women need to be reminded to care for…
As you prepare to return to work, old professional colleagues can be a great source for support, networking, and advice. But if you’ve been on a career break for a while, you might have lost touch with many in your old professional network. And the more time that has passed since you’ve talked, the more apprehension you might be feeling about reaching back out. First, think about how you felt…
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new online community for caregivers looking to return to work! On May 15, we’re opening the doors to the Path Forward Community on Mighty Networks, and we invite you to join us. We know how important it is for returners to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. That’s why we’ve created a space for caregivers at every stage of…
When you’re looking to restart your career, you definitely need to be prepared to spend time on your job search quest. The best way to do this is by building and then keeping a routine. It’s not about applying to as many jobs as possible in one day, but creating consistency. Think of it like exercise — it’s much better to work out more frequently across most days of the…
Volunteering during your career break has many benefits. It not only feels good to give back to your community, but volunteering is a great way to keep your skills sharp for when you eventually return to work. One approach is to volunteer “strategically.” This means you deliberately look for opportunities that will refine your existing professional skills, help you develop new ones, and connect you to a larger network. Which…
LinkedIn is a crucial resource to your return to work journey. It’s a forum for showcasing your resume and skills, as well as announcing that you’re back on the job market. But its primary function is as a connection builder — a place to both grow and make use of your network. Many people think that the best way to accomplish this is to send blind connection requests to people…
Here at Path Forward, we receive a lot of questions about resumes. While the answers to each of these questions differs from case to case, there are a few fundamental principles that remain consistent in how you present yourself and your work: 1. The resume is a marketing tool that is meant to showcase your relevant work experience (including unpaid work), degrees, and certifications to make the case that you…
Volunteering your time and service has countless benefits. It’s fulfilling to help others and make a positive impact on the world. Plus, volunteering during your career break can help you return to the paid workforce. According to a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering increases your odds of getting a job by 27 percent compared to job seekers who don’t volunteer. Volunteering is one way…
The official Path Forward networking motto is, “Who you know is what you know.” Networking is a key part not just to landing a new job, but figuring out what job you’d like to do in the first place. Talking with friends, old colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances can broaden your perspective on what the job market looks like, what skills are in demand, and the different roles that exist in…
