I took two years off work to care for my sick mom. Now that I'm looking for a job again, potential employers keep asking what I did during that gap. I'm worried I'll sound out of touch. How can I explain this gap while still showing that I'm good at what I do and not behind the times? I left my previous job on good terms, but they were unable to hire me back due to budget.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I focus on two things with a career gap. 1 is briefly and honestly explaining why I had one. 2 is focusing on what I did in the meantime to keep relevant in the job field. Look at the time you spent caring, as it probably needed a lot of organization, multitasking, and whatever else you did. By the way, I’m sorry you went through that, dealt with something similar years ago, and it can be a difficult situation to be in.

I’d suggest framing it as part of your story, not something to apologize for. Say something like, "I left my last job on good terms but needed to prioritize family. Now that I’m back in the job market, I’m excited to bring my previous experience plus everything I’ve learned during this time." It helps shift the focus back to your value.

Related Posts

I moved to Infosys as a contractor, Will there be a salary hike if I move to a permanent role?

like

Need a recommendation for a contract analytics service provider. Don’t need the lifecycle or repository bells and whistles, just need something I can feed 10k documents and it provides me with data points, preferably individually and in aggregate. Does something like this exist??

like

What are the travel opportunities for a functional consultant at PWC AC Banglore and also any info about moving abroad internally

like

Last week team dynamics took a turn for the worst (even tho in each retro the team always commend each other, you would think team work is great). Team members get agitated with each other for being slow. Team members coming across rude and brash (the same ones are difficult to get hold to offer support, time is money is what someone said💰, the craziest was the client accidently sharing her whatsapp screen, commenting on people's feedback to what she was presenting OMG 😲 How was your week?

I’m negotiating my salary, and I’m curious what a reporter/digital editorial lead makes at your company? I have 15+ years of experience in employee communications and TV news, and I live in the Seattle area. I think I’m being shortchanged bc I’m asked to do some of my previous manager’s responsibilities (he was promoted), but I’m paid as a reporter. I report to my director who reports to our SVP, and I’ve worked for this Fortune 20 company for 10 yrs. Any info would be helpful. Thank you!

like

I am just waiting on the next Netflix documentary! 🏎

like

Trigger tonight - yay! My partner is not here though. Any advice for intramuscular injection on self? A little worried about it.

like

I own a rental with about 75k in equity. We have no issues with our renters but I’m wondering if it is time to sell. Do you all expect property values to continue to rise or do you think they ....

like

Any feedback on PwC forensics practice? Good, bad and ugly?

funnylike

Greenberg Traurig or Fisher Phillips for L&E? Greenberg pays more, but people seem happier at FP...

like

Has anyone here been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? Neurologist suspects I might have it, getting MRIs done next week. Can anyone share tips on dealing with this “what is this” period?

like

Happy fly day. Did you work out this morning?

If you’ve had issues with BED, please share how you recovered, what has helped, etc. thank you.

like

All days are work days

Post Photo
likefunny

Just logged in. How is everyone? I guess I need likes to msg? Any pointers?

like

Does anyone work in the PS division at Salesforce that used to be Acumen? I know they have combined with SF PS team and are now up to 5k consultants. What are the salary expectations for a Solutions Architect? Do you get RSUs?

like

Hi folks,

If anyone is interested in below opportunities at Apisero Inc,dm me.

Post Photo
like

Hello Fishes,

Need 11 likes to enable Chat. Please help

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal