How to get back to work after a career break | Carol Fishman Cohen

Summary

The video discusses the challenges faced by 'relaunchers'—individuals returning to work after career breaks for various personal reasons. It highlights the disconnect between employers and relaunchers, who often struggle with self-doubt and outdated skills. Success stories, like Tracy Shapiro's, illustrate how internships can bridge this gap by allowing employers to assess candidates' abilities firsthand. The speaker emphasizes the value relaunchers bring, advocating for more internship opportunities tailored for them, ultimately aiming to create a supportive environment for all career transitioners.

Takeaways

• 😀 Relaunchers are individuals returning to work after taking career breaks for various reasons, including elder care and personal interests.
• 💼 Career transitioners also include veterans, military spouses, retirees, and expats re-entering the workforce.
• 🤝 There is often a disconnect between employers and relaunchers, with employers viewing gaps in resumes as high risk.
• 🔍 Relaunchers may struggle with self-doubt about their professional abilities after being away from the workforce.
• 📈 Successful relaunchers, like Sami Kafala and Mimi Kahn, demonstrate that individuals can return to work after significant career breaks.
• 🗣️ Networking is crucial for relaunchers; they should inform their community about their job search to uncover opportunities.
• 📰 Keeping up with industry news is important; relaunchers may need to update their knowledge before job interviews.
• 💻 Employers often worry about technological obsolescence in relaunchers, but updating skills is manageable.
• 📅 Companies are increasingly adopting reentry internship programs to evaluate relaunchers' capabilities before making permanent hires.
• 🌟 Tracy Shapiro's story illustrates that relaunchers can excel in temp roles, leading to permanent positions and career growth.

Q & A

What does the term 'relaunchers' refer to?

Relaunchers are individuals returning to work after a career break for reasons such as elder care, childcare, pursuing personal interests, or personal health issues.

Who are considered career transitioners?

Career transitioners include veterans, military spouses, retirees coming out of retirement, and repatriating expatriates.

What challenges do relaunchers face when returning to work?

Relaunchers often encounter a disconnect with employers, who may view gaps in their resumes as high-risk, and they may also doubt their own abilities to reintegrate into the workforce.

Can you provide an example of a successful relauncher?

Sami Kafala, a nuclear physicist in the UK, took a five-year career break to care for his children and successfully returned to work.

What was the advice given to Tracy Shapiro during her job search?

Tracy was advised to go public with her job search, engage in many conversations, and not to be discouraged by those that don't lead anywhere.

How can relaunchers rebuild their confidence when reconnecting with their professional network?

Relaunchers can benefit from reaching out to former colleagues and acquaintances, as these contacts often remember them positively from before their career break, boosting their confidence.

What is a common concern employers have regarding relaunchers?

Employers often worry that relaunchers are technologically obsolete and may not know what they want to do professionally.

What is the purpose of reentry internship programs?

Reentry internship programs allow employers to assess candidates through actual work samples rather than relying solely on interviews, reducing perceived hiring risks.

What was the outcome for Tracy after taking a temporary accounting job?

Tracy excelled in her temporary role, leading to a permanent position, promotions, and support for her MBA, ultimately becoming a manager who hired other relaunchers.

What should relaunchers do if an employer does not have a formal reentry internship program?

Relaunchers can propose an internship or internship-like arrangement to potential employers, positioning themselves as successful candidates who can pave the way for others.