I’m a big fan of Patty Azzarello, a writer and executive coach. I find her advice really helpful. Much of it comes out of her experience in large organizations, but it’s often applicable to people working in companies of all sizes. One memorable blog post was about how to win a big promotion and, as usual, it has a lot of good advice. But that’s not why I’m sharing it…
As you think about returning to work, you may end up deciding that your previous career field is no longer the one for you. Maybe you worked in an industry that has become obsolete or your motivations have changed or you simply want to do something different. A fresh start may be exactly what you want and need! We call this “pivoting” and while it adds an extra layer to…
We frequently get questions about following up after a job interview — usually something along the lines of “How often is too often to check in?” or “How long should I wait before following up on a job application?” Mostly, candidates seem concerned about being too aggressive in contacting recruiters or hiring managers. But in reality, a lack of follow up seems to be a bigger issue. I was shocked…
A frequent question we get at Path Forward is: “Should I apply for returnships instead of applying for regular jobs?” Ultimately, only you can decide the best way to restart your career! We know, though, that many people with a career break find it’s difficult to be considered for full-time positions. The road back can be a steep one when you have a resume gap. Because returnships are purpose-built for…
How much time do we really have? Laura Vanderkam, noted author on time management and productivity, believes in rethinking the concept of how much time we have in the day, both for work and family responsibilities and for doing the things we enjoy. In a Q&A with Tami Forman, Laura talks about how returners can prioritize their job search, how to reduce the “mental load” we often carry, and which…
If you’ve had a long professional career, followed by a sizable break from the workforce, you might be worried about facing ageism in interviews, often hidden behind terms like “overqualified.” We wish we could tell you that it doesn’t happen, but it does. A lot. It’s frustrating to face. Ageism, like other -isms, is a structural issue that we need to collectively work to dismantle. In the meantime, there is…
Hello, summer! Sunshine, iced tea, and sleeveless tees. Is it really time to start thinking about fall? Why yes it is! For many caregivers, the end of the school year and beginning of summer is a time to re-charge and re-set. And, as the rhythms of your week changes, this may also be the perfect time to look ahead and get prepared to return to work in the fall. “Many…
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…
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…
