I work with people from all sorts of backgrounds and at all stages of their careers. One I really enjoyed was helping Reka, a mum living in New Zealand, get back to work after years at home raising her children. Her story shows what a bit of the right support can do.
When Reka came to me, she had one big worry: she did not know how to start job hunting after so long away. We sat down and rebuilt her CV together. The years at home had given her real skills, organisation, managing a household, keeping everyone on track and talking to people, so we put those front and centre alongside the work she had done before.
But the CV was only half the job. Reka also needed her confidence back for interviews, which is something a lot of people struggle with after a long break. So we did interview practice together. We worked out how she would talk about her time away from paid work and how she would show that she was ready to come back. Step by step, her confidence grew, and she learned to present herself as herself, honestly and well.
The results were lovely. Within a few weeks Reka was getting job offers. She went from not knowing where to begin to landing a role in the field she wanted.
Looking back, here is what she said, and I think it is worth sharing:
“For anyone facing similar challenges, remember this: It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding your place in a changing professional landscape. With determination and the right support, it’s never too late to start anew.”
That is exactly what I try to do. Not just help with the mechanics of job hunting, but help people find their place again. Reka’s story is a good reminder that the right approach and a bit of support can change what feels possible, no matter how hard the start looks.
One fun fact: the thing she loves most about life in New Zealand is that there are no ticks and her allergies have eased off. Small things, but they make her days better.
If you are coming back to work after a break and want a hand, get in touch through my contact page.
