If you’ve spent the last 14 years caring for your parents and other family members who needed you, you might feel like you’ve missed out on a lot of career opportunities. You might also worry that your age and resume gap will make it hard for you to find a job that suits your skills and interests. But don’t despair, because you’re not alone. According to the AARP, about 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the past 12 months. And many of them face the same challenges as you when they want to re-enter the workforce.
But being a family caregiver doesn’t mean you have to give up on your career goals. In fact, you have a lot of valuable experience and qualities that employers are looking for. You just need to know how to market yourself and find the right opportunities. Here are some tips and resources that can help you restart your career after being a family caregiver for 14 years.
Highlight Your Caregiving Skills and Experience
Caregiving is not just a personal responsibility; it’s a role that involves many skills that are highly valued in the workforce. You have been providing valuable services to your family, such as managing finances, coordinating medical appointments, handling household chores, and offering emotional support. These are transferable skills that many employers are looking for.
Update Your Resume and Cover Letter: Mention your caregiving experience in a professional manner. Consider listing it under a section called “Family Care Provider” and emphasize skills in communication, organization, problem-solving, and teamwork. Highlight any volunteer work, online courses, or hobbies that you have done during your gap. For instance, a Reddit user who spent 14 years caring for his family listed his caregiving duties on his resume and received positive feedback and suggestions.
Network with Friends, Family, and Online Communities
Networking is crucial when re-entering the job market. Reach out to friends, relatives, former colleagues, and anyone else who might know of job opportunities or offer referrals.
Join Online Communities: Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook groups can be valuable resources. Be proactive and reach out to people who might be able to help you or give you advice. For example, a Reddit user posted on r/jobs and received several helpful responses from people who offered to review his resume, connect him with potential employers, or share their own experiences and tips.
Consider High-Demand Fields
Some fields are in high demand and have flexible entry requirements, making them ideal for those re-entering the workforce.
Explore Different Sectors: Health care, education, customer service, and retail often have a shortage of workers and are willing to hire people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Part-time, temporary, or freelance gigs can also help build your portfolio and gain references. For instance, one caregiver started working as a substitute teacher and then landed a full-time job as a special education teacher, leveraging his caregiving experience to relate to his students.
Seek Professional Help
Professional guidance can make a significant difference in your job search.
Career Counseling and Resume Writing: Consider consulting a career counselor, resume writer, or job coach to help you assess your skills, interests, and goals. Local organizations, such as libraries, community centers, or nonprofits, often offer free or low-cost career assistance and training programs. One Reddit user received free career counseling, resume writing, and job placement services from a local workforce development agency and successfully transitioned to a new career as a medical assistant.
Explore Paid Caregiving Opportunities
Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for various programs and benefits that provide income and support while you care for your loved ones.
Research Programs and Benefits: You might be able to claim tax credits, get paid by Medicaid or Medicare, or receive stipends from veterans’ programs or other organizations. Websites like Care.com connect caregivers with families who need them. One Reddit user received payment for caring for his grandmother, which helped him financially and allowed him to continue his caregiving duties.
Inspirational Stories and Support
Many people have successfully transitioned back into the workforce after being caregivers. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights and motivation.
Connect with Others: Read success stories and seek advice from those who have been in your shoes. Online forums and support groups can offer practical tips and emotional support.
Taking Action
Pick your favorite quote from the list. Write it down and put it somewhere you can see it every day – on your desk, on your mirror, or as your phone wallpaper. Let it be your guide, your reminder, and your motivation.
Take time to reflect on what these quotes mean to you and how they can apply to your life. Use them as a catalyst for change, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of your own potential.
Share these quotes with friends, family, or on social media. Discuss what they mean to you and how they’ve impacted your perspective. You never know whose life you might touch and inspire.
Being a family caregiver is a noble and rewarding role, but it can also be challenging and stressful. If you’re ready to restart your career after being a family caregiver for 14 years, don’t let your age and resume gap stop you. You have a lot to offer to the world, and there are many opportunities waiting for you. You just need to be prepared, positive, and persistent. And remember, you’re not alone. There are many people who have been in your shoes and have successfully made the transition. You can learn from their stories and advice, and find support and inspiration from them. You can do this!
Related posts:
Can a Family Member Get Paid to be a Caregiver: Yes, Here’s How
Do Family Caregivers Have a Right to Compensation?
