The Emotional Rollercoaster of Returning to Work

Returning to work after a career break feels like an emotional rollercoaster—one moment, you’re excited about the possibilities, and the next, you’re questioning whether you’re even employable.

I know this feeling well. When I decided to go back to corporate after running my dressmaking business for years, I felt like I was starting from scratch. I had built something from the ground up, served hundreds of clients, and managed every aspect of a business. But as I updated my resume and scrolled through job postings, doubt crept in. Would employers see value in my experience? Had I lost my edge? Could I still compete in the job market?

If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. A LinkedIn study found that 60% of professionals returning to work after a break struggle with self-doubt. But these feelings—while overwhelming—are normal and manageable. The key is to understand the emotional phases of a career comeback so you can move through them with clarity and confidence.

The 5 Emotional Phases of Returning to Work (And How to Overcome Them)

1. Excitement – “I’m finally ready to go back!”

The first phase is full of energy and optimism. You start imagining your ideal job, updating your resume, and making plans for your future. Everything feels possible.

What to do:

• Use this motivation to research companies and roles that align with your skills and interests.

• Reconnect with former colleagues and let them know you’re exploring opportunities.

• Start updating your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can find you.

Potential Pitfall:
Excitement can lead to setting unrealistic expectations. If things don’t move as quickly as you’d like, don’t let discouragement set in.

2. Self-Doubt – “What if no one hires me?”

Excitement often gives way to fear. You start questioning your qualifications, comparing yourself to others, and wondering if you’ve been left behind.

What to do:

• List your transferable skills—things like project management, problem-solving, communication, and leadership that you’ve used in previous roles or even during your career break.

• Update your resume to focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.

• Remind yourself that many professionals successfully return to work after career breaks—it’s completely normal.

Potential Pitfall:
Paralysis. Self-doubt can make you hesitate to apply for jobs, reach out to connections, or take action. Combat this by applying even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

3. Overwhelm – “There’s too much to do!”

Once you start actively job searching, you might feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen—resume updates, networking, applications, interviews, upskilling. It can feel like too much at once.

What to do:

• Break it down into small steps. Focus on one thing per day—update one LinkedIn section, reach out to one contact, or apply for one job.

• Use a simple tracking system (a spreadsheet or a notebook) to keep track of where you’ve applied and followed up.

• Set realistic goals, like applying for three jobs a week or networking with five people a month.

Potential Pitfall:
Trying to do everything at once can lead to burnout. Pace yourself. A slow and steady approach will keep you moving forward without getting discouraged.

4. Fear of Rejection – “What if I fail?”

As applications go out and interviews start happening, you may face rejections. It’s easy to take them personally and let them shake your confidence.

What to do:

• Reframe rejection as redirection. Every “no” is bringing you closer to the right opportunity.

• If you’re not getting interviews, tweak your resume and LinkedIn profile to better match job descriptions.

• If interviews aren’t leading to offers, practice your responses and refine how you talk about your experience.

Potential Pitfall:
Stopping after a rejection. If one company doesn’t see your value, another will. Keep going.

5. Confidence & Momentum – “I can do this!”

Eventually, you start seeing progress. Recruiters reach out, interviews go well, and you realize you bring real value to the workplace.

What to do:

• Keep a “wins” journal—track every milestone, like a successful networking conversation or positive interview feedback.

• Celebrate small victories. Every step forward is progress.

• Trust the process. Confidence comes from action, not just thinking about it.

Potential Pitfall:
Imposter syndrome may still creep in, but don’t let it hold you back. You are capable, and you deserve a seat at the table.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work isn’t just about job applications—it’s a mindset shift. Instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on what you bring to the table.

Every mom who has taken a career break has a unique set of skills and experiences that are valuable in the workplace. Whether you’ve managed a household, run a small business, volunteered, or taken on side projects, you’ve developed skills that employers need.

Your career break does not define you—your ability to grow, adapt, and contribute does.

Which phase are you in right now? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to support you!