Returning to Work: Tips for a Smooth Transition into the Workforce

• Start slow and be patient. Ease into your new role gradually.
• Communicate and accept support from friends, relatives, co-workers, etc.
• Volunteer, join professional organizations and take classes,
• Keep in touch with former colleagues.
• Join or create support groups.
• Take advantage of any training offered in your community or by a new employer. This will create job security, build confidence and prepare you for advancement.
• Keep a positive attitude.

• Have realistic expectations and take time to adjust.
• Don’t get frustrated if takes a while to get acclimated.
• Do not hesitate to plunge in and give it your all.
• Although no job is 100 percent secure, treat your new position as if you will be there for a while. Be thankful for what you have and embrace this new challenge.
• Learn as much as you can and make yourself as •valuable to the organization as possible.
• Be careful what you say. Do not speak badly of those responsible for your layoff. Remember, everyone is a potential networking opportunity.

• Tout your skills. When applying for a job, include skills acquired or applied while at home taking care of family, but do not exaggerate. You must be able to demonstrate your claims. Explain how your skills and expertise apply to the duties and responsibilities required for the position. While balancing a family budget is not as challenging as balancing a multimillion dollar budget, it does demonstrate an aptitude for numbers or bookkeeping and could lead to an opportunity to develop those skills.
• Don’t feel guilty. As a full-time parent you were there for everyone, at every soccer game and every school play. However, long-hours, a more demanding schedule or even fatigue may prevent you from doing all the things you used to do. But that’s okay. Here are a few suggestions to help you adjust:
  • Set aside family time. Designate days each week for the family to eat together and for family discussions.
  • Plan as many details of your life as possible.
  • Try to find career opportunities offering flexibility.
  • Make time for yourself. Give yourself a few minutes to an hour each day to relax, read, or do whatever helps you to wind down and recharge.

• Before returning, check with your former employer regarding penalties or limitations on access to funds while retired.
• Find out if Social Security benefits will be affected.
• Try to find a job that accommodates your desired schedule and lifestyle.

Returning to work after self-employment:

• Include self employment on your resume, regardless of the length of time or type of employment (e.g., consulting or freelancing).
• Prepare for a period of adjustment; not only will you have to adjust to a new working environment, new routines, new schedule, new boss and new tasks, but you will no longer be the decision maker.
• Address employer concerns: It is only natural that an employer will have a few questions regarding this transition such as:
• Are you committed for the long run?
• Can you adapt to structured environments?
• Can you take direction from others?
• Will you be devoted to this job or will you continue to devote yourself to your business?

Returning to the civilian workforce after the military:

• Take advantage of education assistance (i.e., GI Bill • administered by the Department of Veterans Affair).
• Take advantage of Employee Assistance Program • (EAP).
• Visit WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA offices and meet with Veteran Representatives.