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
A powerful session on Edgar Schein’s Career Anchors—a must-know framework for anyone navigating career transitions. This session will help you uncover your core motivators and values, ensuring your next career move is one that truly fits.
Schein suggested that each and every individual possessed specific and unique ‘anchors’ – one’s perception of one’s own values, talents, abilities and motives, which form the basis of individual roles and development.
✅ Step 2
Explore New Possibilities
Now that you have a better understanding of what matters to you, start exploring careers that align with your strengths, interests and values.
Remember, you don’t need experience in every role you explore. Many employers value transferable skills and diverse career journeys.
Browse:
✅ Step 3
Consider Upskilling
Sometimes a short course is all that’s needed to open new opportunities.
Whether you want to refresh existing skills, gain a qualification or move into a completely different sector, lifelong learning can build both confidence and employability.
Explore our Course Directory and discover flexible learning options from colleges and training providers across Ireland.
Explore Your Path Back To Education
If the thought of going back to education feels daunting, join us on Tuesday, 14th January at 11:00 AM for an empowering online session that will guide you toward making confident and informed decisions about your educational journey.
In this session, you will discover:
- How to apply a career change framework to identify the right course or training program
- Key factors to consider when choosing a course.
- Strategies for building a professional network, and sharing your learning journey to enhance employability.
- Practical tips for balancing study, work, and family life, drawn from real-world experience and proven tools.
- How to overcome the fears and doubts that often accompany mature students returning to education.
Spend time learning about colleges and educational providers before you apply.
✅ Step 4
Connect With Employers
Spend time learning about employers before you apply.
Our Employer Spotlights give you an insight into organisations that value experience, flexibility and inclusive hiring.
Finding the right employer is just as important as finding the right role.
✅ Step 5
Take Your First Step
Now choose one action. Not ten. Just one.
Perhaps it’s:
✨Saving three interesting jobs
✨Registering for a course
✨Sign up for our next CV Review Clinic
✨Join our next community event
✨Applying for one role. View our Returner-Friendly Jobs Board
Progress happens through consistent action, not perfection.
Career Reflection
Ask Yourself…
Complete these sentences:
The type of work I enjoy most is…
The values that matter most to me are…
I would love a role where I can…
I don’t want to return to…
One career I’d like to explore further is…
Download our Career Exploration Worksheet to help organise your thoughts and identify the direction that’s right for you.
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
Sign up for our weekly Returner Friendly Job Alert HERE
Your next career doesn’t have to look like your last one. Your experience has shaped you, but it doesn’t define what comes next.
Give yourself permission to explore new possibilities, discover different paths and create a career that reflects the person you are today.
Continue Your Journey
Ready for your next step?
Now that you’ve explored the possibilities, it’s time to learn how to communicate your experience and strengths with confidence.
Next Roadmap
💬 Tell My Career Story
Learn how to explain your career break positively, create a compelling CV and build a personal brand that reflects the value you bring.
Or continue to
Roadmap – Prepare for Interviews
or ↓
Roadmap Find Returner-Friendly Jobs