A Guide to Returning to the Workforce After a Long Absence

By Hightower Westchester on March 10, 2026

Life is unpredictable, and at some point, you may find yourself stepping away from the workforce, or perhaps you already have.

People leave their jobs for many reasons: to raise children, care for aging family members, manage health conditions, or pursue further education.

Statistically, women are more likely than men to take career breaks. Between January and August 2025, 450,000 women exited the U.S. labor market.¹ Their reasons are often complex. In a CNN profile, women cited rising childcare costs, limited availability of childcare, professional burnout, government layoffs, and ageism in hiring as key factors behind their decisions to leave.

Unfortunately, stepping away from work often comes at a cost. Career breaks can slow your professional momentum. Even though they’ve become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, employers may still view resume gaps negatively, which can make re-entering the workforce more challenging.

Employment gaps also can impact your earning potential. Individuals who take time off often experience slower salary growth compared to those who remain continuously employed. This also affects Social Security benefits, which are calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years or had lower-earning years, your lifetime earnings, and therefore your benefits, may be reduced.

Given these financial realities and personal goals, many people choose to return to the workforce. If you’re considering this transition, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you take the next step in your career journey.

• Update and fine-tune your resume

The first step in your job search should be updating your resume to make sure it’s ready for applications. Even if you don’t have recent job experience to add, that shouldn’t stop you from revising your work history. You can address any employment gaps by listing your career break as a “family sabbatical” or “professional development” in the work experience section. This gives recruiters helpful context about the gap in your timeline.

Many candidates worry about being upfront about gaps in their resume. However, transparency can build trust with recruiters and hiring managers. It’s best to be honest and concise about the reason for the break. A well-crafted cover letter can support your resume by offering additional context and reinforcing your application.

• Strengthen your subject matter expertise

The rapid pace of technological advancement is reshaping nearly every industry, compelling organizations to quickly adapt to new standards. These innovations not only redefine the services offered to customers but also transform workplace language and shift what’s considered best practice across sectors. As a result, even seasoned professionals must continuously upskill to remain effective in their roles.

To stay competitive and align your knowledge with that of your peers, it’s essential to be informed about the most significant changes impacting your field. One effective way to do this is by reconnecting with former colleagues who are well-versed in current industry trends. Reach out to see if they’d be open to a conversation and come prepared with specific questions to guide the discussion. Let them walk you through the latest developments and insights and don’t be afraid to ask additional questions if a term or process is unclear.

• Reach out and expand your network

Your professional network can be a powerful asset in your job search. When you’re ready to re-enter the workforce, let your network know. Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to update your profile to signal that you’re open to new opportunities, which can prompt peers to share job leads or refer you to hiring managers.

In addition to leveraging your existing connections, consider joining professional associations or attending industry events and conferences. These environments offer valuable opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, both within and outside your field. While a job offer may not come immediately from these interactions, the relationships you build can lead to future referrals, mentorship, or even direct job opportunities down the line.

• Consider part-time or contract work

Returning to work after a significant break can be a major adjustment, especially if your daily routine no longer aligns with a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Jumping straight into full-time employment might feel overwhelming, particularly with the added demands of commuting and structured hours.

To ease the transition, consider starting with part-time or contract roles. These positions offer more flexibility and can help you gradually re-establish a work routine. They also provide a chance to refresh your skills, rebuild confidence, and expand your professional network. In many cases, temporary roles can evolve into full-time opportunities, making them a smart steppingstone back into the workforce.

Navigating Your Return to Work, Together

Returning to the workforce after a long absence is a significant milestone. It requires preparation, patience, and support. As you navigate this transition, remember that you don’t have to do it alone.

A financial advisor can be a valuable partner during this time. They can help you evaluate the full scope of compensation packages, including salary, benefits, retirement contributions, and stock options, to ensure you’re making informed decisions. Beyond that, they can assist in setting new financial goals that align with your evolving lifestyle, career path, and long-term aspirations.

Dawn Israel – Director, Wealth Advisor – Hightower Westchester

914-825-8642 – disrael@hightoweradvisors.com

[1] CNN. (2025, October 17). “The juggling made burnout inevitable”: Women share why they’ve left the workforce. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2025/10/business/women-leaving-workforce-unemployment-vis/index.html