Rethinking your career post-divorce

Divorce is a life-altering event that brings about a multitude of changes including logistical, emotional, and financial. A big change I’m often asked about has to do with the need of a divorcing spouse to re-enter the workforce after a long absence.

Whether someone has stepped away from their career to raise children, support a spouse’s ambitions, manage the household, all of the above, or for other reasons, returning to work can feel daunting. Or, in some cases, one spouse might not have worked outside of the home at all so it's less about restarting a career and more about starting one. Many divorcing folks also use this transition time to rethink their career altogether and make pivots whether big or small. If this is something you're facing, you might be wondering if your skills are still relevant, if employers will consider you, or if you even have the confidence to step back into a professional setting or make a change.

The good news? I can help! With the right approach, you can successfully start, restart, or pivot your career post-divorce while rebuilding your confidence and securing your financial independence.

Understanding the confidence gap

When you’ve been out of the workforce for years, it’s natural to feel uncertain about your abilities. You might struggle with:

• Self-doubt: Questioning whether you’re still employable.

• Fear of rejection: Worrying that employers will overlook you in favour of candidates with continuous work histories.

• Lack of technical skills: Feeling out of touch with new workplace technologies and trends.

• Overwhelm: Wondering how you'll manage work and all of life's responsibilities.

• Age-related concerns: Worrying that your age may work against you or that it's too late to make a change.

These fears can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to hold you back. Let’s explore actionable steps to overcome them.

Recognizing your transferable skills

Even if you haven’t worked a traditional job in years, you have developed valuable skills through life experience. These skills include:

• Project Management: Running a household, organizing events, or leading volunteer initiatives all require coordination and time management.

• Budgeting and Financial Management: Managing household finances, handling expenses, or fundraising for community programs.

• Negotiation and Communication: Navigating family decisions, managing conflicts, and interacting with teachers, service providers, and professionals.

• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Handling unexpected challenges and adapting to life changes.

Make a list of the skills you have gained and think about how they apply to different career paths.

Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile

A resume gap doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Focus on:

• Highlighting transferable skills rather than focusing solely on past job titles.

• Including volunteer work, freelance projects, or part-time roles to showcase your experience.

• Optimizing your LinkedIn profile by adding new skills, a professional photo, and an engaging summary about your career goals.

Upskilling and training

If you feel that your skills need updating, there are plenty of affordable ways to get back on track:

• Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer certifications in various industries. Did you know that many Canadian libraries (including the Burlington Public Library) offer free access to professional development courses? For instance you can access LinkedIn Learning free with your library card!

• Workshops and Webinars: Local career centres often provide free resources.

• Professional Certifications: Consider industry-recognized credentials to boost your qualifications.

Networking and job searching

Reentering the workforce is much easier when you have the right support:

• Reconnect with old colleagues: Reach out to former coworkers or employers to explore opportunities.

• Join career support groups: Networking groups, online forums, and career counselling services can provide valuable connections.

• Leverage informational interviews: Speaking with professionals in your field of interest can help you understand industry trends and gain insider advice.

Working with a career counsellor

A professional career counsellor can provide:

• Personalized career assessments: Helping you discover potential career paths based on your skills and interests.

• Resume and interview coaching: Assisting you in presenting yourself confidently to employers.

• Job search strategies: Guiding you on where and how to apply for jobs effectively.

You don't need to let career challenges leave you feeling hopeless and alone. By acknowledging your strengths, updating your skills, and seeking the right support, you can confidently re-enter the workforce or make meaningful changes and secure your financial independence. Remember, your career is not defined by your past but by the steps you take toward your future.

If you're ready to rebuild your confidence and rethink your career but don’t know where to begin, I can help. As a career counsellor who specializes in helping people solve career challenges while also dealing with other big life transitions like separation or divorce, I offer personalized coaching to help you navigate the job market, develop a strategic action plan, and regain financial independence. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward your new professional future!