Returning to Work After Raising Kids: Tips for Rejoining the Workforce

You’ve packed lunches, managed chaotic mornings, navigated the emotional rollercoaster of parenting—and now you’re thinking about returning to work.

That’s a big step. And it’s normal to feel unsure of where to start. Whether you’re reentering your old field or exploring something brand new, this transition can feel daunting. But it’s also an opportunity to rediscover your strengths and chart a new course forward.

Let’s walk through how to reenter the workforce with confidence, clarity, and momentum.

Reframe your resume gap with confidence

Many parents worry about how a career break looks to employers. But caregiving is full of real, valuable experience: problem-solving, multitasking, communication, and leadership.

Franco Colomba, a career strategist at Teal who’s helped thousands of professionals land remote jobs, says, “Recruiters want a clear story. Owning your journey and tying your experience to the role you want makes a bigger impact than trying to hide the gap.”

You don’t need to over-explain. A short, direct note like “Pause for full-time caregiving” works well on a resume and shows confidence.

If it’s been a while since you last updated your resume or if you’re staring at a blank screen not knowing where to start, Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help. It guides you through crafting a job-tailored resume with clean formatting, action-driven language, and customized keywords to help you stand out in today’s job market.

Start small, but take action

Rejoining the workforce doesn’t have to mean jumping straight into a 40-hour-a-week role. Contract work, part-time gigs, or freelance projects are all smart ways to rebuild confidence, sharpen skills, and add recent experience to your resume.

Not sure where to begin? Try looking for return-to-work programs or flexible job boards like The Mom Project or PowerToFly. These platforms focus on roles that support people reentering after a career break.

Small steps forward still count. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Reconnect with your network

Networking can feel awkward if you’ve been out of the loop. But you don’t need a polished elevator pitch to reach out. Start simple:

“Hey [Name], I’m exploring a return to the workforce after taking time off to raise my family. I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on lately.”

It’s about rebuilding relationships, not asking for favors. You never know who might point you toward your next opportunity or offer encouragement when you need it most.

Don’t forget LinkedIn. Update your headline, Professional Summary, and Skills. Use the “Open to Work” feature to quietly signal your interest to recruiters.

Brush up on skills that matter most today

Worried that your industry has moved on without you? That’s understandable. But you don’t need to master every new tool or trend. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant to your target role.

Online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Khan Academy offer short, affordable (or free) courses that can help you refresh your knowledge and add certifications to your resume.

According to LinkedIn’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report, 93% of employers say soft skills, like adaptability, creativity, and communication are just as important as technical skills. If you’ve parented through a pandemic or helped a 6-year-old navigate Zoom school, you’ve already built a powerful skill set.

Practice telling your story with confidence

That first interview after a long break can be intimidating. Sitting across from a hiring manager after years of fielding questions like “What’s for dinner?” might feel unfamiliar, but practice builds confidence.

Rehearse common interview questions with a friend or record yourself answering them out loud. Focus on stories that show your resilience, leadership, and ability to solve problems under pressure.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to tell your story with clarity and belief in your value. Confidence often shows up after you take the first step.

3 key takeaways

• Returning to work after parenting is a transition, not a setback. Your experience still counts.
• Start small, stay consistent, and lean into your existing network.
• Use a AI Resume Builder to create a polished, modern resume that helps you stand out.

What to do next

This season of life is a new chapter—not a rerun. You’ve already built a foundation of resilience and adaptability. Now it’s time to take that strength and turn it into opportunity! We hope this article was helpful and gives you confidence to reenter the workforce.