Back to Work, but Not Back to You? Reclaiming Confidence After Time Away or a Career Break so You Can Bounce Back Stronger — Part 1: Why Returning Can Be Daunting and What to Do About It

Taking time away from work, whether for parenting, caring, redundancy, illness, or reflection, changes you. Coming back can stir up doubts: Am I still relevant? Will employers judge the gap? How do I explain it on my CV?

 

In this episode, Erica and Zoë reframe the experience of a career break. Rather than seeing it as a liability, they explore how it can sharpen your values, grow new skills, and even open the door to a midlife career restart. You’ll learn how to rebuild confidence after time off, recognise the fears that hold returners back, and discover strategies to make your comeback a chapter of growth.

 

With candid stories from clients and years of coaching insight, this conversation offers both reassurance and practical return to work support. Whether you’re restarting your career at 40 or 50, navigating imposter syndrome after a break, or simply wondering how to explain a career gap on your CV, you’ll come away with clarity and confidence.

 

For HR leaders and managers, this episode also highlights why supporting returnship programs and flexible careers after parenting isn’t just good practice — it’s a powerful way to unlock fresh talent and create inspiring role models.

 

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In this conversation:

 

• Why returning to work after a break can feel daunting

• The hidden skills you gain during time away

• How to reframe a career gap with pride and confidence

• Common fears returners face, and how to challenge them

• Career relaunch strategies to ease your transition

• Practical career comeback tips and low-risk ways to restart

• How to get back to work after a career gap without losing momentum

• The role of HR support, returnship programs, and flexible career paths

 

Learn more:

 

• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn
• Visit thecareerequation.com