Working in the “gig economy”

The last time I worked full-time was five years ago. After a break from work due to personal reasons, I returned only to have my position made redundant two weeks later—the first time in my professional life as a university administrator I was out of work involuntarily. It would take me many years to feelContinue reading "Working in the “gig economy”"

It’s your abilities, ​not your experience

A common misconception among returners is that we are not hirable. That inner roommate likes to flood your brain with thoughts to convince you that you will never find a job. "I'm too old, no one will be interested" and "I've been away for so long; my experience is so outdated" are common refrains. So howContinue reading "It’s your abilities, ​not your experience"

Excel for Dummies (Returners’ Edition)

As I contemplated my return to full time employment after a 5 year break, I thought about a lot of things.  Most of the thoughts were positive: the things that I would enjoy doing, the additional focus on things outside my home and family, using some of my untapped intellectual skills and having some free time, wellContinue reading "Excel for Dummies (Returners’ Edition)"

Finding a New Rhythm

Going back to work meant life would change, not only for me but for my family and friends.  I would no longer be available for that Monday fast walk with a friend and our dogs to catch up on life.  The phone calls from my college aged kids might not get answered for a fewContinue reading "Finding a New Rhythm"

Back to Work Organizations … One Woman’s Experience

I had avoided ‘back to work’ type organizations and jobs because I was so (over?) confident in my ability to source opportunities and be such an outstanding candidate on my own that I 'knew' I wouldn’t need that help. Over the months of my job search, more than a few people, in an effort toContinue reading "Back to Work Organizations … One Woman’s Experience"

‘Will you have time to do it all….?’

‘I am going back to work!’ I proudly announced to just about anyone who would listen.  Many people were very supportive, my younger child was heading to kindergarten and though I had indeed devoted my focus to being a full-time mother for the prior several years, I missed the intellectual stimulation and connection with the professional world I wasContinue reading "‘Will you have time to do it all….?’"

Back to Work – What’s it like?

The calendar said it had been 19 years since I held traditional paid full time work. Those years were filled with family and friends, part-time work, volunteer experiences and elected roles but along the way I yearned to be back at work. Eventually, I tick that box and the goal was achieved,  I was offered andContinue reading "Back to Work – What’s it like?"

The Returners’ Dilemma

Fellow returners, do you sometimes feel that you are suffering from Returners' Settling Syndrome? Ok, so maybe I made that name up, but it is a VERY REAL feeling. You know that stoic resignation you feel when accepting a position that isn't exactly what you thought you would take. Why do we feel like we are "settling"Continue reading "The Returners’ Dilemma"

To Coach… Or… Not to Coach?

I began the return to work process in earnest in January, 2017 by hiring a career coach and a resumé writer who also customized my LinkedIn profile.  The sum of these costs equaled about a week and a half of pay at the job I  KNEW I would be getting, so I actually considered myself clever forContinue reading "To Coach… Or… Not to Coach?"

Be Ready for the Unforeseen Opportunity

  Sitting at the kitchen table, staring at my laptop, what do I do next to find a job?Networking through online job postings, informational interviews. Pop! My Facebook feed shows reacHIRE - an organization to help women re-enter the workforce is offering a "Resume" workshop and a "PowerUp" workshop to prepare to go back to work.  It sounds interesting,Continue reading "Be Ready for the Unforeseen Opportunity"