Returning to work after time away, whether due to illness or injury, job layoffs, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal challenges, can feel overwhelming. You may worry about the gap in your resume, changes in the job market, or whether your skills are still relevant. But take heart: many people successfully return to the workforce, and you can too. At EmployAbilities, we understand the unique challenges you may face, and we’re here to help you rebuild your confidence and move forward with success.
Here are some practical tips and ways our job support services for people with disabilities and barriers to employment can support you on your journey back to work.
Reflect on what you’ve accomplished during your time away.
Even if you weren’t working a traditional job, you were gaining valuable life experience. Caregiving, managing health challenges, volunteering, or even staying organized at home can all build skills like problem-solving, time management, and communication. Give yourself credit for what you’ve done. At EmployAbilities, we help you identify and frame these strengths in a way that’s relevant to employers. You may have more to offer than you realize.
Take small steps to rebuild your confidence.
Confidence doesn’t always return overnight, and that’s okay. You can start by taking small, manageable steps. For example, updating your resume, attending a job search workshop, or practicing mock interviews can help you feel a little more confident in your job search. Every step forward enables you to feel more prepared.
EmployAbilities offers free job support services throughout Alberta. Our programs and resource centres can help with tasks like resume building and job search assistance. Find an EmployAbilities program or service near you.
Update your skills through short-term training.
If you’re worried about keeping up with technology or new job requirements, a short course can make a big difference. Even learning basic computer skills or brushing up on interview techniques can give you the edge you need to feel job-ready again. We offer short-term training programs focused on building practical, marketable skills for today’s employers. Our goal is to meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.
Know that it’s okay to ask for support.
You don’t have to navigate the return to work alone. It’s normal to feel uncertain or anxious after being away from the workforce. The most important thing is to reach out for help when you need it. At EmployAbilities, our team provides one-on-one support tailored to your situation. Whether you need help writing a resume, exploring new career options, or simply someone to talk to about your goals, we’re ready to walk alongside you. Through our programs, many clients have successfully re-entered the workforce after a long time away. You can be successful too!
Remember that every path looks different, and that’s okay.
Your return to work might not look like someone else’s, and that’s perfectly fine. Some people start with part-time or seasonal jobs, while others enter full-time roles. What matters is finding something that fits your needs, strengths, and goals. EmployAbilities can help you explore options and make a plan that works for you. We believe that with the right support, everyone can succeed.
Get started!
Rejoining the workforce is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re building on everything you’ve learned already. EmployAbilities works with people with disabilities and barriers to employment, building on skills and abilities and discovering paths to meaningful employment.
Visit employabilities.ab.ca to find support near you.
