For many caregivers, returning to the paid workforce after a career break is a chance to rethink not just when to return, but how. If you’re considering pivoting into a new field, it may require more time, planning, and reflection than stepping back into your previous role, but it is absolutely possible.
A career pivot isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about building on your experience in a new direction. With thoughtful preparation, you can reposition yourself for work that better fits who you are now.
Here are practical steps to help you prepare for a pivot.
1. Identify Your Motivations and Interests
Before you update your resume or enroll in a course, pause and reflect. Why do you want to change fields? What excites you about this new direction? What do you not want to return to?
Our priorities, values, and interests evolve over time. Make sure your pivot aligns with who you are today and not just what seems practical or available. Journaling, informational interviews, or career assessments can help you clarify whether this new path is truly what you want.
2. Evaluate Your Skills and Gaps
It is important to remember that you are not starting from zero, but may not have all the skills needed for your planned pivot. To find out, begin by listing the skills you developed in your previous career, along with any transferable skills strengthened through caregiving or volunteer work. Then compare that list to job descriptions in your desired field. Where do your strengths overlap? Where are the gaps?
If you identify gaps, don’t panic. Most career pivots require some reskilling. Consider short online courses or tutorials, industry specific workshops, or volunteering in a role aligned with your target field. But before committing to a reskilling plan, do your research. Review job descriptions from multiple companies, look at the backgrounds of people currently in the roles you want on LinkedIn, and talk with your network. A thoughtful approach will help you focus your time and energy where it will have the greatest impact.
3. Network and Be Direct About Your Goals
Many people in your network may assume you plan to return to your previous field, so if you are pivoting, make it clear. People can’t help if they do not know how. Be specific about the type of roles, industries, or skills you are targeting when you talk with your network.
Instead of only asking about open jobs, request introductions, informational interviews, or advice about breaking into the field. Conversations may lead to insights, referrals, and unexpected opportunities.
4. Be Ready to Tell Your Story
A successful career pivot hinges on how clearly and confidently you tell your story. Having a thoughtful elevator pitch isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. You want to be able to explain your career break and your current goals in a way that feels intentional, forward-looking, and aligned with where you’re headed.
When crafting your pitch, resist the urge to dwell on why you left your previous field. Instead, focus on what you’ve gained and where you’re going. Include things like:
- What you’ve learned through your previous roles and life experiences
- What motivates you to go in this new direction
- How your background positions you to add value in this field
A strong pivot story connects the dots for others. It shows that your shift is not random, but rooted in growth and purpose. When you frame your experience this way, you make it easier for others to understand your value and advocate for you.
Returning to work looks different for everyone. When you add a career pivot to the mix, your path may not look the way you originally imagined. For some, pivoting means stepping in at a different level, taking on a contract role, or building credibility gradually over time. However it unfolds, remember that careers are rarely linear and it is normal for goals to evolve.
Pivoting after caregiving is not about erasing your past, it is about integrating your experience into something new. With reflection, intentional skill-building, and strategic networking, you can design a return that aligns with the life and priorities you have now.
Want some reassurance? Look back on what past returners have said about career pivots.