What to do when returning to the workforce after a long break

Career gaps happen, whether because of a personal illness or caregiving responsibilities. If you’re headed back to work, here’s what to consider.

The most common career path involves starting a job soon after graduating from college and working continuously until retirement with the potential for a short gap to get a degree (like an MBA) or a time between jobs. But, life can intervene to create longer career gaps. You might take more time away from work after the birth of a child, as the result of an illness, or to take care of an ailing family member.