Podcast Series 🎧

Return to work with a bang

🎧 Return To Work Podcast Collection 🎧

Have you taken a career break and are now seeking a return to fulfilling work?

You are not alone!


What is a career break?

Many professionals decide to take an intentional break from their careers at some point. Whether by choice or circumstance, it often comes with a complex mix of emotions and implications.
The reasons for stepping away from work vary widely, including caregiving responsibilities, health issues, relocation, redundancy, or pursuing personal and professional development to name a few.

Insights from Returners*


93%

Believe skills gained during break will increase value they bring

89%

Feel a career break has had a negative impact on confidence


64%

Find it extremely challenging to return to a professional role

40%

See recruiter bias against their CV gap as the greatest barrier

Tune in 🎧

Inspire your return with our selection of
the best podcasts

Returner Stories

Sharing their insights to unlock the next stage of your career ✨


Name: Sandra
Career Break Duration: 4.5 years
We really need to change the narrative around career breaks. In 2017, I stepped back from my career due to caring responsibilities, intending to take one year off. That turned into 4.5 years, and I’m grateful to have returned to a senior role in 2022, though I know many aren’t as fortunate.
My Journey:
My confidence had taken a hit, my network had thinned out, and I was nearly ready to settle for a role I was overqualified for just to get back into work. Determined, I began job-hunting at 5:30 a.m. every day! Then Covid-19 hit and lockdown came. In 2021, I found Link Up London’s “Re-Launch” program, a lifeline for women wanting to return to work that helped me rebuild my confidence through peer support, coaching, and structured exercises.
Top tips for Returners:
✨ Reflect on your values: this is where I started.
✨ Listen: Podcasts offer practical advice and wisdom.
✨ Celebrate small wins: recognise the progress.
✨ Friends & Family network: share your goals with them.
✨ Persevere: keep going and don’t give up! 🌈