Returning to the Workforce

Career paths can be unpredictable and one of the best skills of the century is the ability to pivot. Right behind that is to have the competence to be adaptable. Here is why: We could not have predicted the financial effects of 9/11, the stock market crash of 2008 or even COVID-19. So, it’s likely we can’t predict any future career plans based on so many things that are out of our control. So, learn the skill of pivoting!

First, let’s own that negotiating is gut-wrenching for most of us. It’s a combination of sweaty palms, a racing heart, and the feeling like there is not enough deodorant in the world. When you begin to negotiate, the first thing to know is that there are more than 15 things you can consider asking for. But first, we need to address the BIG, GIGANTIC elephant in the room, which is why you may be avoiding the negotiating table in the first place.

There are dozens of reasons why people take time away from the workforce. For some, it could be a sabbatical to start some new research. For others, it could be time to take a well-deserved break after years of tough commutes and long hours. No matter what the reason is, there are some specific things you can do to get back into the workplace — when you are ready.

Advocating and negotiating can often be confusing and frustrating. This episode looks at how to stay in your current role and advocate for new responsibilities, a new title, higher pay, training resources, technology, and more.

Over the course of your career, you are going to have some big opportunities. Some you have studied, envisioned and planned for, and some you never saw coming. There are some things you can consider when thinking about your big steps. First, you don’t ever have to have it all figured out, especially early on in your career. And second, making a wrong decision can often lead you to a right decision. So, collect good bosses, bad bosses, enriching experiences and even some bad-but-thought-they-were-good roles. This will help you really find out what you want to do.