Returning to work after parental leave is a significant milestone, filled with emotional and logistical challenges. This guide offers practical steps to help parents navigate the transition with confidence, including updating resumes, addressing career gaps, and showcasing the skills gained during parenting. With the right preparation and mindset, reentering the workforce can be an empowering experience…
So you’re standing in front of the mirror, questioning if you’re ready to make the monumental leap back to work after a flurry of sleepless nights, feeding, changing and feeding some more.
Sound familiar?
The transition back to work after parental leave is more than just brushing up on your skills and updating your resume - it’s about stepping into a new version of yourself.
You’ve grown in ways you might not even realize, and this guide will help you channel that growth into career confidence.
Whether you’re navigating employment gaps, learning how to talk about your parental leave, or just figuring out how to juggle everything, we’re here for you.
This guide is packed with actionable tips and advice to help you confidently transition back into the job market, returning to work after maternity leave, paternity leave or extended parental leave.
From updating your resume to addressing career gaps for parental leave and preparing for interviews, we’ll show you how to turn your parenting experience into a professional strength.
Why Returning to Work After Parental Leave Feels So Hard
No one prepares you for the mix of emotions that hit when you’re reentering the workforce.
On one hand, you’re excited about reconnecting with colleagues or tackling meaningful projects again. On the other hand, you might feel nervous, doubting if your skills are still sharp or how you’ll handle the work-life balance.
This isn’t just you.
A survey from LinkedIn revealed that 60% of parents feel unsure about returning to work after a career break. Between figuring out childcare, battling guilt, and worrying about what the gap looks like on your resume, the process can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: You’re not alone, and you’re far more prepared than you think.
Every time you’ve solved a sibling dispute, managed a household schedule, or juggled a million things at once—you’ve been building skills that workplaces value.
With the right strategies, reentering the workforce can be an empowering experience.
For many parents, it's not just about finding a job—it’s about balancing the demands of a career with new family responsibilities, regaining confidence, and navigating potential career gaps.
Common challenges include:
🫶 Emotional struggles - feeling guilty about leaving your child or anxiety about readjusting to work can put a strain on mental health.
😔 Lack of confidence - questioning whether your skills are still competitive.
🚀 Overcoming limiting beliefs - for so long, there’s been a stigma around ‘stay at home parents’ as if it’s the easy option! It’s not an opting out of work scenario, in fact it’s the opposite, you’re opting into a 24/7 full-time position that’s harder than any 9-5.
⏰ Balancing priorities - managing your time and energy between career and family.
👧 Finding parent-friendly companies: finding a company that values parental responsibilities and offers flexible roles to give you the autonomy to manage your professional and personal commitments
Remember, these challenges are normal, and countless parents have successfully navigated them. With support, preparation, and the right mindset, you can too.
Finding Mom-Friendly Companies
Yes, they do exist!
And it's so important you find a company that understands your commitments as a parent. Life is very different when you're responsible for another tiny human's existance and companies should allow you the freedom and autonomy to put them first whilst still fulfilling your professional role in a way that works for you.
Resume Tips for Parents Returning to Work
Your resume isn’t just a list of past jobs; it’s a story about who you are and what you bring to the table, especially if you choose the right resume format.
When you’ve taken time off for parental leave, the key is to reframe that experience and highlight everything you’ve gained during that time.
Transferable Skills You Didn’t Know You Had
Let’s talk about the superhero skills you’ve been flexing without even realizing it:
- Time Management: Organized a toddler’s day of meals, naps, and activities while handling errands and keeping a household running? Employers are going to love that.
- Conflict Resolution: Remember the last time you successfully defused a tantrum in the grocery store? That’s emotional intelligence at work.
- Multitasking: Balancing feeding times, homework help, and your own to-do list is no small feat.
Here’s how these skills can look on your resume:
- “Managed daily schedules for a household of four, ensuring seamless coordination between educational, extracurricular, and personal responsibilities.”
- “Developed advanced conflict resolution skills while navigating high-pressure, fast-paced environments as a primary caregiver.”
Addressing the Career Gap
When it comes to mentioning your career break, don’t shy away from it. Acknowledge it honestly and focus on the growth that came from your period of parental leave.
Try this:
- “Parental Leave: Full-time caregiver (2019–2022), strengthened time management, adaptability, and leadership skills through hands-on parenting.”
A statement like this shifts the focus from the gap to the value you bring - potential employers aren’t looking for excuses, they want to see what you’ve done with your time. And let’s be honest, a career break for parental leave is the most normal and expected career break you could ever take!
What If the Gap Feels Long?
If it’s been a few years since you’ve been in the workforce, consider a functional resume format. This type of resume emphasizes your skill set and achievements rather than job dates, keeping the focus on what you can do.
Here’s how it might look:
- Key Skills & Experience: Leadership, project management, communication.
- Notable Achievements: Coordinated fundraising for a community event, exceeding goals by 25%. Organized family budgets, reducing monthly expenses by 15%.
Talking About Parental Leave in Interviews
The moment you’re asked “Can you tell us about your career break?” might feel nerve-wracking, but this is your chance to shine…
Flip the Narrative
Parenting isn’t a pause - it’s a phase of personal and professional growth. It’s not a gap in employment where you’ve sat around the house all day watching Oprah, it doesn't show a ‘can’t be bothered attitude’ and it certainly doesn’t need excuses and over-justifying.
Taking parental leave is quite simply a shift of focus onto your own mini-ecosystem that requires just as much care and nurturing as any business and role you undertake.
Any employer should understand this.
Here’s how you could talk about your parental leave confidently:
- “During my career break, I focused on raising my children, scheduling daytime activities, managing multiple schedules and organizing family events.”
- “My time as a parent has sharpened my multitasking abilities and taught me the importance of prioritization—skills and experience I’m excited to bring to your team.”
Handling Tough Questions
If you’re asked directly about how you’ve stayed relevant, lean into what you’ve done:
- Highlight any courses you’ve taken (like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning) to evidence your commitment to career development during a work break.
- Mention freelance or consulting work you’ve taken on during your leave to show you’ve kept ties with the industry.
- Talk about any volunteer work, work experience or roles in your community to show teamwork and compassion - it could be as simple as your elderly neighbour’s groceries or gardening!
Examples might include:
- “I’ve stayed proactive during my career break by earning a certification in data analysis. This has kept my skills sharp and ready for this role.”
- “I volunteer as a communications lead for a local nonprofit, dedicating 2 days a week to social media management, events planning and marketing initiatives on their behalf.
Gaining Confidence Before Returning to Work
If you’re feeling rusty or unsure, that’s completely normal. Building confidence often starts with taking small, actionable steps.
Here are our parental leave job transition tips:
1. Upskilling
Take some time to invest in yourself. Online courses and certifications can help you feel more prepared and add recent accomplishments to your resume.
- Popular platforms include Skillshare, Udemy, and edX.
- Certifications in project management, digital marketing, and data analysis can make a big difference.
2. Test the Waters
More than ever, working moms going back to work feel an overwhelming sense of guilt about returning to work.
According to a survey by Bright Horizons, 87% of working mothers feel guilty about their job's impact on their children, and 50% feel guilty about the time spent away from their children.
If you’re not ready for a full-time role, try dipping your toes back into the workforce on a part-time basis or through freelancing. This can build confidence and add relevant experience to your resume, all whilst giving you the freedom and flexibility to spend more time with your children when it suits you.
3. Reconnect with Your Network
Your professional connections can be a huge source of support and guidance. Reach out to former colleagues, attend local networking events, or even join online parenting and career forums, like Paybump’s community!
4. Seek Parent-Friendly Companies
Lots of employers understand family responsibilities and pro-actively encourage their employees to prioritise these by offering compassionate leave, extended family benefits, childcare assistance and more.
During your job search, pay close attention to parent-friendly companies that align with your values and you’ll find the application and transition process 10 times easier.
Finding Balance Between Work & Parenting
The thought of juggling work with family responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but the right strategies can help you manage both.
💡 Remember:
- Start Small: You don’t need to take on everything at once. If possible, begin with a part-time or hybrid role to ease the transition.
- Look for Flexibility: Flexible work options like remote jobs and work from home positions, or compressed schedules are becoming more common.
- Build a Support System: This isn’t something you have to do alone. Whether it’s relying on your partner, grandparents, or a trusted childcare provider, sharing responsibilities is key.
Paybump Parents Returning to Work
Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from those who’ve been there.
Sara’s Story:
After five years of being a stay-at-home mom, Sara was nervous about returning to her HR career. During her break, she volunteered at her child’s school, attending school trips to theaters and museums and helping to organize events. She used those experiences to land a role as an office manager, eventually transitioning into HR leadership.
Aaliyah’s Story:
Aaliyah struggled to go from full-time mom to corporate career but she never gave up. After 4 months of persistent applications, interviews and assessments, she landed an incredible role in insurance which has turned her and her children’s lives around. By positioning her parental experience correctly, and believing in herself, she’s on the road to home ownership and has truly changed her family’s future 🫶
If you’re struggling for motivation, do it for your children and the future you want to build for them!
Ready for the Return?
Ready to take the next step in your career journey?
At Paybump, we’re here to help you navigate every challenge and opportunity. From tailored resume templates to expert interview tips, our resources are designed to support parents like you in reentering the workforce with confidence.
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FAQs
How do I explain a career break for parental leave on my resume?
Mention the career break briefly and positively. Example: “Parental Leave: Full-time caregiver, honed skills in time management and emotional intelligence.”
What skills can I add to my resume after parental leave?
Add transferable skills gained during parenting, such as multitasking, conflict resolution, and time management, which are highly valued by employers.
How can I build confidence before returning to work?
Start with upskilling through online courses, volunteering, or freelancing. Practice interview questions and focus on the value your parenting skills bring to the workplace.
Are there flexible work options for parents returning after parental leave?
Yes, many employers offer remote work, part-time roles, or hybrid schedules to help parents balance work and family responsibilities.
How can I prepare for interviews after parental leave?
Reframe parenting as a strength, practice common questions about gaps, and share how your experiences during the break have prepared you for the role.
Is it hard to return to work after parental leave?
While it can feel challenging, proper preparation, confidence building, and leveraging support systems can make the transition smoother.
How can I address the emotional challenges of returning to work?
Acknowledge your feelings, focus on the positive impact of your decision, and set realistic expectations for balancing work and parenting.
What are the best jobs for parents returning after a career break?
Flexible roles such as remote positions, part-time jobs, or roles in family-friendly companies are often ideal for parents reentering the workforce.
Can I change careers after parental leave?
Absolutely. Use the break to upskill and identify industries or roles that align with your new priorities and strengths.
