Your next role should fit the person you are today.
Returning to work doesn’t have to mean returning to the same job or industry. A career break often changes our priorities, interests and goals. This is your opportunity to explore what you want from the next chapter of your career.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, greater flexibility or a complete career change, this roadmap will help you discover opportunities that match your strengths, values and lifestyle.
Estimated time: Work through at your own pace (around 1–2 weeks)
Before You Begin
A reminder…
Many Returners feel pressure to “get back to normal” as quickly as possible. But what if “normal” isn’t what you want anymore?
Before applying for jobs, take time to think about what matters to you now.
Ask yourself:
👉What type of work gives me energy?
👉What do I enjoy doing?
👉What does work-life balance mean to me today?
👉What skills do I want to use more often?
👉What kind of employer would I like to work for?
Finding the right career isn’t about going backwards. It’s about moving forwards with purpose.
✅ Step 1
Discover Your Career Anchor
Before choosing your next role, it’s worth understanding what really motivates you.
Our Finding Your Career Anchor workshop explores the factors that influence career satisfaction and helps you identify what matters most to you in your next role.
Whether it’s security, flexibility, creativity, purpose, leadership or work-life balance, understanding your career anchor can help you make better career decisions.
Watch Finding Your Career Anchor
Finding Your Career Anchor
Our Finding Your Career Anchor workshop will help you understand the values, motivations and priorities that matter most to you, so you can make more confident decisions about what comes next.
✅ Step 2
Explore New Possibilities
Now give yourself permission to explore.
Think about three roles or careers that interest you — even if you’ve never worked in them before.
Don’t ask “Am I qualified?” yet. Ask: “Does this sound interesting to me?”
Browse:
✅ Step 3
Could Learning Open a New Door?
Sometimes you already have most of the skills you need. Other times, a short course, qualification or skills refresh can open up completely new possibilities.
Explore flexible learning opportunities through our Course Directory, or watch Your Path Back to Education for practical advice on choosing the right learning path.
Your Path Back To Education with Nicola Porter
How to apply a career change framework to identify the right course or training program & key factors to consider when choosing a course.
✅ Step 4
Test Your Ideas
You’ve identified careers that interest you. Now do a little research to see what they’re really like.
Choose one career and:
☐ Look at 3–5 real job descriptions
☐ Identify the skills employers ask for most often
☐ Note which skills you already have
☐ Identify any gaps
☐ Research employers in that sector
☐ Speak to someone who already works in the area if you can
Browse Employer Spotlights
✅ Step 5
Create Your Career Direction
Now bring everything you’ve discovered together.
Use your Career Exploration Worksheet to identify:
- What matters to you
- What you enjoy
- The skills you want to use
- What you don’t want
- Careers you’d like to explore
- Skills you may need to develop
- Your next action
Community Support
Not sure what’s right for you?
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by career choices or would like help exploring your options, our Community Care Team is here to support you. Sometimes a conversation is all it takes to gain clarity and confidence.
Contact Community Care on email at communitycare@backtoworkconnect.ie or mobile 089-4057839
Before You Finish…
Can you now name at least one career or role you’d like to explore further?
☐ Yes — I have a direction
☐ I have a few possibilities
☐ I’m still exploring
You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out. Having one direction worth investigating is progress.
Continue Your Journey
Ready for your next step?
Now that you have a clearer idea of where you’d like to go, it’s time to make sure your CV, LinkedIn profile and professional story show employers why you’re a great fit.
Next Roadmap
Learn how to explain your career break positively, create a compelling CV and build a personal brand that reflects the value you bring.