Going back to work after a career break is a big change for you and your entire family. Whether you’re just starting your job search or preparing for your first day in a new role, planning ahead can make the transition smoother and far less stressful. Here are five ways to set your family up for success.
1. Get the Whole Family Involved
A new job means new routines at home. Start by looking at everything you currently manage: school drop-offs and pick-ups, household errands, appointments, and family scheduling. Then bring everyone together to discuss how to share those responsibilities.
Maybe you and your partner switch who handles drop-offs and pick-ups, or dinner duty rotates between family members. This is also a good time to decide who steps in for small emergencies, like a call from school in the middle of the day. Every family is different, so find a system that works for you. The goal is to make sure you’re not carrying the same home workload while also managing a full-time job.
2. Ease Back Into a Work Routine as You Job Search
It can take time to adjust to a professional schedule again. Try to establish a daily routine now, even before you land your next role. Treat your job search as a full-time commitment: create a workspace, set consistent hours, and focus on tasks such as refining your resume, networking, and applying for positions.
This not only helps you stay productive but also gives your family a preview of what life will look like once you’re back at work. Let your kids know when you’re “at work” so they can start respecting those boundaries. You can still take breaks or help with school runs, but this trial run helps everyone get used to your new balance.
3. Talk to Your Kids About Your Return and What It Means to You
Whether you’ve been away from work for two years or twenty, there’s no single “right time” to return. Younger kids may need extra reassurance when they notice you’re not as available as before. Be open about what’s happening and explain what your new schedule will be like.
Be sure to highlight the positives too. Tell them that returning to work is something you’ve worked hard for and that it brings you fulfillment and new challenges. Your journey shows them what it means to set goals, work toward them, and persevere. As returner Deborah Chin shares, “It’s important for us as parents to lead by example and to try to be as happy as we can in our own lives. Pursuing a career showed my daughter the importance of striving for what makes me happy and not giving up.”
Kids are remarkably adaptable. When they see you fulfilled and energized, they’ll adjust faster than you expect.
4. Let Go of Perfection
Even with the best preparation, things won’t always run smoothly. There may be more clutter, missed chores, or takeout dinners. That’s okay. Trying to keep the household running exactly as before can add unnecessary stress.
If it’s late and you have an early morning ahead, let the toys or dishes wait until tomorrow. Learning to let go of small things will make the bigger transition easier. You might even notice your family stepping up more once you stop trying to do it all yourself.
One way to ensure a smoother transition back into the workforce is through a returnship program. Since returnships are designed for professionals coming back from career breaks, you’ll benefit from the specialized support and mentorship you’ll receive from the employer. Companies offering returnships know your caregiving responsibilities don’t end when you return to work, and offer flexibility and understanding about your need to balance work and home life.
5. Be Patient With Yourself
Whether you’re restarting your career through a returnship or not, remember that while the transition might be a challenge, you’re not alone. More than 1,000 Path Forward returners and their families have navigated the rough waters you’re currently sailing.
“It’s a big change, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time,” says Neema Bollampally, a returner who now also serves on Path Forward’s Board of Directors. “Time and patience go a long way. Ask for the help you need, whether it’s from your colleagues, your community, or your family. I was pleasantly surprised at how willing people were to help.”
Give yourself grace as you adjust. With preparation, support, and patience, your return to work can be a rewarding new chapter for both you and your family.