Rebuild Your Confidence After a Career Break: 6 Steps to Get Back in the Game

Taking a break from your career—whether it’s for maternity leave, a sabbatical, sick leave, or any other personal reason—can bring immense personal growth and new perspectives. However, it’s not uncommon to return to work feeling unsure of yourself, doubting your abilities, or worrying that you’ve lost your edge. The good news is, with a few mindset shifts and intentional actions, you can regain your confidence and re-enter your career feeling empowered.

1. Reframe Your Perspective: You Haven’t Lost Your Skills

It’s natural to feel a little rusty when returning to work, but it’s important to remind yourself that a career break doesn’t equate to losing your expertise. Skills like problem-solving, leadership, and communication stay with you, even if they’ve been on pause for a while. Instead of focusing on what you think you’ve lost, shift your attention to what you’ve gained during your break—whether it’s personal growth, new experiences, or a fresh perspective. All of these things can make you even more valuable in your role.

2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

When you return to work, you may feel pressure to be exactly where you left off or even ahead. However, this isn’t realistic. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate each victory, no matter how minor it may seem. Instead of comparing yourself to colleagues or holding yourself to unrealistic standards, focus on your own progress. Every step forward is a testament to your growth.

3. Acknowledge the Fear, Then Let It Go

Fear of not being “good enough” after a break is a common feeling, but it’s important to acknowledge that this fear doesn’t define your reality. Everyone experiences self-doubt at some point, but it’s how you respond that matters. Recognise that fear is a natural part of growth and can even be a sign that you’re stepping into a new chapter of your career. Don’t let it hold you back. Rather than fighting the fear, embrace it as part of the journey and take small, manageable steps to regain your confidence.

4. Seek Support and Mentorship

One of the best ways to ease the transition back into work is by seeking support from others i.e. your personal board of directors aka career council aka power pals. Whether it’s a mentor, a trusted colleague, or even a career coach, surrounding yourself with people who encourage and believe in you can help boost your self-esteem. They can provide valuable insights, help you navigate the challenges, and remind you of your worth.

5. Update Your Skills and Knowledge

Sometimes, the fear of being “behind” comes from worrying that you’ve missed out on new trends or developments in your industry. If this is something that’s holding you back, take proactive steps to update your skills. Enrol in online courses, attend workshops, or read industry articles. Investing in your continued learning will help you feel more prepared and confident as you re-enter the workforce.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Returning to work after a break is a transition, and transitions take time. Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel uncertain at first and allow yourself the space to adjust. The more compassionate you are with yourself, the quicker you’ll regain your confidence and feel ready to thrive.

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Here at The WIN, we’re here committed to empowering you to thrive in what you do without sacrificing what matters most. Here are some recommended tools and resources to help you break free from the grind, find balance, and create a career, life, and purpose you truly love—on your own terms:

• 🔗Access our free resources library for tools & resources to help you independently navigate your career and take charge of your development with skill and ease.
  
  
• 💻For further support on how to grow your career like a pro—with clarity, passion, & purpose, try our Corporate Career Mastery course.