{"id":7934,"date":"2018-02-03T10:33:02","date_gmt":"2018-02-03T15:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/?p=7934"},"modified":"2019-09-22T17:00:02","modified_gmt":"2019-09-22T21:00:02","slug":"returning-after-long-work-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/returning-after-long-work-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"Returning to work after a long absence"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">It\u2019s not surprising that many people describe looking for a job after a long work absence as \u2018job-hunting\u2019 because it&#8217;s just that, a breathless pursuit that often tires a person out.\u00a0 If this statement rings true to you then you understand that the struggle is real. You\u2019re definitely not alone, this is a common experience even though not everybody talks about it publicly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7953\" src=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"lion hunting in city after work absence \" width=\"412\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/one-lion-on-road-nashad-abdu-102604-1080x720.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px\" \/><\/a>Back to the future<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Before I get to the instructional \u201chow to\u2019s\u201d of job hunting, I want to explore the \u201chow come\u201d and why it can be so hard to track down and obtain work. One contributing factor for some of my clients is that they&#8217;ve been absent from the workforce for a significant amount of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Someone who is attempting to re-enter the workforce can feel disconnected from the changes that have happened in recent years. Some of these changes include radical transformations in their industry, such as different technologies, systems, and expectations regarding overtime hours. Plus, the way that people <a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/job-search-avoid-online-screening-mistakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">apply for jobs<\/a> is different.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">One client explained that after being absent from her administrative job for over 5 years due to illness she said \u201cI\u2019m utterly overwhelmed by the online job application screening questions, I&#8217;ve never had to give this much information to find a job before, but now it seems they need my blood type before I can even get an interview.\u201d Of course, this isn\u2019t actually true, but clearly, she\u2019s noticed that the technological shift in applying for jobs does not give her much opportunity to explain her absence from the workforce. Recovering from <a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/back-after-dealing-with-a-death\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">personal setbacks<\/a> and remaining <a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/resilience-careers-whats-big-deal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resilient while re-establishing a career<\/a>\u00a0is hard enough so it\u2019s even more difficult when the mechanics of a job search becomes a barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Another common problem is not having any fresh leads about job opportunities from friends and\/or acquaintances. This is because when you&#8217;ve been preoccupied with illness or overwhelmed by caring for an ailing family member for many years it&#8217;s easy to lose track of those important contacts. When we\u2019re busy and disconnected, it\u2019s definitely challenging to do the <a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/networking-resilience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">networking<\/a> that\u2019s necessary for discovering the better employment opportunities that don\u2019t get posted publicly. Face-to-face networking is valuable but it\u2019s also important to make use of digital opportunities like LinkedIn\/LinkedIn groups, Twitter, and Facebook groups for ways to connect with people who have common and\/or complementary professional interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-7954 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"extended work absence makes cover letter and resume harder\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/depositphotos_26960947-stock-photo-resume-word-cloud-concept.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Sometimes, absence makes the heart grow fonder \u2026 but what about in the workplace?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">What should you do when you\u2019re submitting a resume that states that you had the same job title from 1995 to 2010 and then &#8230; nothing? This 8-year gap on paper almost screams \u201cwhere have you been?\u201d Unless you can clarify the reason for your extended work absence, and reassure a future employer that whatever took you out of the workforce is resolved and won&#8217;t be an issue going forward, it\u2019s likely that your application will be rejected. Of course, this isn\u2019t fair, but if you\u2019ve lived long enough you know that life has a way of interfering with the timing of personal and professional goals &#8211; sometimes with little warning. Often, a work absence can be for a wonderful reason such as starting and raising a family or relocation with a spouse\/partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">I&#8217;ve only had one extended absence from a traditional job when I took a 13-month maternity leave. Since this was a typical absence, it really didn&#8217;t require much explaining. I also have a specialization in a field of work that does give me more job security than some other fields provide. I believe that it can be more challenging for some stay-at-home parents who have limited work experience or education. It\u2019s also hard if the job that a person left has been filled, relocated, or no longer exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7955\" src=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"back in saddle - social bikes after long work absence\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/blue-community-bike-saddles-anthony-ginsbrook-208979-1080x720.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a>Back in the saddle again \u2026 how to ride back into the workforce\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>1)\u00a0<\/strong>If you\u2019re lucky enough to have access to the same job after an extended absence you\u2019ve already made it past the largest hurdle associated with returning to work after an extended absence. Even if the availability of a job isn\u2019t a problem, you may experience other difficulties such as feeling socially or professionally disconnected and\/or intimidated (e.g., the <span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/impostor-syndrome-how-it-makes-you-feel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">impostor syndrome<\/a><\/span>). You will probably have to relearn some aspects of your new or old role, which will have drastically changed. There may be new management and\/or coworkers to adjust too. Being aware that it will take time to reassert your role and presence is a good start. Often our pride\/ego can take a hit when we are humbled by changes in the workplace, so try to stay calm and be patient when getting back to your work routine and role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>2)<\/strong> It\u2019s never too late to reinvent yourself after being away from the workforce. Perhaps your last job is no longer available, and you need to figure out how to use your existing skills and abilities in a different role or context. If this is too daunting or you know that you\u2019d benefit from an objective perspective, then it\u2019s the perfect time to see if a skilled career coach (like me!) can help you find a way forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>3)<\/strong> I\u2019ve written about the value of cover letters in the past (click <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/your-cover-letter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/strong><\/span> to read more). A carefully crafted cover letter can be your best cover story after a long absence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>4)<\/strong> After constructing a thoughtful cover letter that showcases your strengths for the intended job it is also wise to identify 2 or 3 people who are willing to vouch for you as references. This way, when you&#8217;re asked by a future employer for references you&#8217;ll already have them in mind. You should help them prepare by reminding them of the work you\u2019ve done so that when they&#8217;re asked, they&#8217;ll be better able to recall. Seeking the permission of your references\u00a0to share their name and contact information with a potential employer gives them a &#8216;heads up&#8217; that you&#8217;re searching for work. They may even be willing to help by making an introduction or two. If you have been away from the workforce for longer than 2 to 3 years, then you may need to branch out to respectable professionals and\/or people who know you from the volunteer sector who can vouch for your work ethic and character.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong>Need help dealing with a delicate or high-stakes\u00a0career or HR issue?<\/strong>\u00a0I invite you to contact me privately. I offer a free 15 to 20-minute initial consultation by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/appointments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">phone<\/a>. Or, if you prefer, you can contact me by\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:%20helen@ioadvisory.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">email<\/a>,\u00a0or via direct message on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/drheleno_ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/IOAdvisoryServices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/helenofosu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">More than career coaching,\u00a0<em>it\u2019s career psychology<\/em>\u00ae.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">I\/O Advisory Services<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Building Resilient Careers\u00a0and Organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Easily share this article using any of the social media icons below!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s not surprising that many people describe looking for work after a long absence as \u2018job-hunting\u2019 because it&#8217;s just that, a breathless pursuit that often tires a person out.\u00a0 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7,310],"tags":[127,317,326,148,138,269,245,40],"class_list":["post-7934","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-career-advice","category-mature-experienced-professionals","tag-ageism","tag-career-coaching","tag-career-counselling","tag-career-transition-later-life","tag-impostor-syndrome","tag-mentorship","tag-networking","tag-return-to-work-planning"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is 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