At some point, most professionals step away from their careers, whether to care for children, support their family, pursue further education, or simply take a well-deserved break. While returning to work after a career break may feel intimidating, it’s entirely achievable with the right tools, mindset, and strategy. Today’s workforce is more accepting of career gaps than ever before, and employers value the fresh perspectives that returning professionals can bring.
Whether you’re planning to re-enter your previous industry or pivot to a new path, this guide will walk you through how to approach your comeback with confidence, communicate your value, and embrace new opportunities in Washington’s dynamic job market.
Key Takeaways
- Career Gaps Are Common: More than half of professionals have taken a break from the workforce.
- Skills Are Transferable: Life experience, caregiving, and self-development can all translate into workplace value.
- Confidence Can Be Rebuilt: Revisit your accomplishments and prepare talking points about your break.
- Learning Is Key: Take advantage of online tools, courses, and real estate training to update your knowledge.
- Real Estate Is a Flexible Option: Washington’s real estate industry offers autonomy and opportunity for returnees.
Career Gaps Are Normal—and Increasingly Valued
The idea that a gap in employment is a red flag is fading fast. Platforms like LinkedIn have even added features to help professionals explain career breaks on their profiles. According to LinkedIn research, 62% of professionals have taken time away from the workforce, making it a shared and increasingly respected experience.
Hiring managers are beginning to see these breaks for what they often are: valuable periods of growth. Whether you were raising children, going back to school, or supporting aging parents, you likely developed essential life and work skills that are transferable to almost any career. What matters most is how you frame that time for a future employer.
Transforming Your Time Away Into a Strength
Your time off wasn’t idle—it was formative. Reflect on what you did during that time. Did you volunteer? Take an online course? Support a local organization or manage a household budget?
These types of activities may involve:
- Leadership and decision-making
- Problem-solving and project coordination
- Communication and collaboration
- Financial management
Also, don’t discount personal development. Many returnees find that they have gained clarity, patience, and a deeper sense of purpose, which in turn helps them become more effective professionals. If you invested in certifications, webinars, or self-guided learning, include those in your resume and interviews to show your ongoing commitment to growth.
When discussing your break, stay positive and focused. Instead of apologizing for your time away, describe it as a chapter that equipped you with new insight and prepared you to contribute in fresh ways.
Staying Current With Tools, Trends, and Technology
Technology has likely evolved since you last worked in a traditional role. Staying informed about current tools and best practices in your field will help you bridge any knowledge gaps. Start by reading industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, or following influential voices on social media.
If certain tools have become standard in your field, like customer relationship management software, digital collaboration tools, or data platforms, consider taking online tutorials or enrolling in short courses. Even a basic familiarity with updated technology can help you stand out.
Add AI to your skillset
Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every profession. As a returning professional, understanding how AI affects your industry can give you a competitive edge.
You don’t need to become an expert, but you can:
- Take online courses to understand AI basics
- Watch short tutorials on tools related to your field
- Explore how AI supports productivity and efficiency
- Discuss your AI learning efforts in interviews or cover letters
Familiarity with AI not only helps you stay relevant. It shows employers that you’re adaptable and eager to learn.
Rebuilding Confidence and Addressing Employer Concerns
One of the best ways to rebuild confidence after a career break is by recognizing what you’ve accomplished already. List out achievements from both your past roles and your break. Revisit glowing reviews, past accolades, or successful projects to remind yourself of your capabilities.
How to communicate your break
Then, build a compelling and honest narrative about your career break. Keep it brief but meaningful. Highlight why you stepped away, what you learned, and why you’re excited to reengage now. For example:
“I stepped away from my career to care for my family while continuing my professional development through digital marketing courses and leadership volunteer work. I’m now ready to reenter the workforce and apply these refreshed skills in a new context.”
Employers may ask about gaps, but what they’re really looking for is reassurance that you’re motivated and up-to-date. If you can demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to stay engaged, such as completing training programs or attending industry events, you’ll put those concerns to rest.
Practical Tips for Workforce Reentry
A successful return to work takes more than motivation. It requires tactical preparation. Start by updating your resume to include both your past work experience and any skills gained during your break. You may want to use a hybrid or functional resume format that highlights competencies rather than a traditional chronological format.
Resume tip: how to list a break
Be sure to explain your career break briefly and clearly. For example:
Career Break (2021–2024): Focused on family responsibilities while completing online coursework in business communications and CRM software.
Next, identify any skills you may need to sharpen. Look at job postings in your desired field and compare the required qualifications to your current resume. Then, close those gaps through short-term training, certification programs, or online learning platforms.
Preparing for Interviews With Clarity and Confidence
Interviews can feel overwhelming after time away, but they’re also your chance to tell your story with confidence. Begin by crafting a short elevator pitch that summarizes who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re reentering the workforce now. Practice it aloud until it feels natural.
Interview prep checklist
- Prepare and rehearse your elevator pitch
- Anticipate questions about your career break
- Practice with a peer or mentor
- Research company culture and goals
Be sure to research the company thoroughly, including their mission, recent projects, and key trends in their industry, as this shows that you’re serious about returning and ready to make an impact.
Leveraging Networks and Rebuilding Connections
If it feels like your professional network has gone cold, don’t worry— it can be revived. Start with your LinkedIn profile. Update your headline, summary, and career break status to reflect your current goals. Then reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and peers. A short, personal message explaining that you’re returning to the workforce and seeking insights or opportunities can open surprising doors.
Washington has a wealth of local associations, alumni groups, and industry meetups. These communities can help you tap into hidden opportunities and regain a sense of professional belonging.
Consider a Career in Real Estate
For many professionals, a career break is the ideal opportunity to reassess what they truly want from their work life. Perhaps you stepped away because your previous job didn’t allow for the balance you needed. Whether you were caring for children, managing a household, supporting aging parents, or simply regaining control of your time, flexibility may have been a top priority. If that’s the case, you are not alone. Increasingly, professionals are realizing that they no longer want to return to rigid schedules, long commutes, or traditional 9-to-5 roles.
Keep the flexibility without going back to a traditional job
Instead of jumping back into the same routine, consider whether a corporate structure is still the right fit for your life. Real estate offers an empowering alternative. As a licensed real estate professional, you can:
- Set your own schedule to work around family or personal commitments
- Choose where you work, whether from home, a local coffee shop, or on-site with clients
- Direct your own workflow by selecting clients, neighborhoods, and business strategies
- Grow your income based on your effort and motivation rather than a fixed salary
Real estate isn’t just a job. It’s a flexible and rewarding lifestyle. Many returning professionals find that it offers the best of both worlds: the opportunity to earn meaningful income while continuing to enjoy the freedom they came to value during their time away from the workforce.
Why real estate works for returning professionals
Real estate can be especially appealing to those reentering the workforce because it:
- Does not require prior experience in the field, only a willingness to learn
- Offers an accessible entry point through affordable training and licensure
- Provides opportunities to build confidence and reconnect socially
- Allows you to create a career that grows and adapts with your life
In Washington, real estate professionals have the freedom to design careers that fit their goals and lifestyles. Whether you’re interested in starting part time or diving into a full-time business, the path is entirely yours to define.
Part-time real estate agents (called brokers in Washington) earn an average of $75,000, according to a survey of Rockwell Institute alumni. Learn more about how much you can earn as a real estate broker by requesting a download of our 2025 Washington Real Estate Salary Guide.
If you’re thinking about a fresh start in real estate, Rockwell Institute offers Washington-approved licensing courses that help you make a smooth transition. Our flexible formats allow you to learn at your own pace while managing other responsibilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Rockwell Institute alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Rockwell strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
