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New Momentum for Your Return to Work

Inside this issue

• Self-Belief Reboot: Follow these 3 simple steps
• Presenting confidence on LinkedIn
• Time to Sprint: Share your readiness
• Your Move: Beat self-doubt
• The Last Laugh: Flipping the Career Gap Script
• But before we get to all that, here’s what’s…

On My Mind

If there’s one thing every returning dad I talk to has in common, it’s a nagging sense of “Am I really ready for this?” The world moves fast, and stepping back into work after being at home, even for all the right reasons, can make your confidence wobble. That’s totally normal.

It can feel like the professional world has picked up speed, while you’ve been in a different rhythm at home. Sometimes, seeing everyone’s career moves on LinkedIn only adds to the pressure. I get it. The challenge isn’t just brushing up your resume or learning a new tool. It’s convincing yourself that you still belong, even when you occasionally doubt it.

But here’s the truth: the skills you gained while away, like problem solving, resilience, and handling the unexpected, are exactly what most teams need. Holding a family together is often much harder than holding down a job. You have managed shifting schedules, surprises, and real responsibilities that companies say they want in their employees.

Confidence does not show up overnight. It’s built through small wins and by taking steps to reconnect with your strengths. This week, let’s focus on seeing yourself not just as “ready,” but as uniquely prepared for what’s next. Your story is not divided into “gap” and “career”; it’s all experience, and it all counts.

Self-Belief Reboot: 3 Simple Steps

Why it Works

After a career pause, nearly everyone wrestles with doubts about their skills and readiness. These simple steps help retrain your brain to see your strengths, rebuild positive momentum, and give you proof, on paper and in practice, that you’re not starting from scratch, but rather starting from experience.

Three Steps to Self-Belief

Step 1: Notice Your Doubts

Write down the negative thoughts or worries that pop up (“I’m behind,” “I’m not as sharp,” “Others are more qualified”).

Step 2: Reframe Each Doubt

For every doubt, write a truth that challenges it:

• “I’m behind” becomes “I kept learning and managing during my time away.”
• “I’m not as sharp” becomes “I’ve developed new skills that apply here.”
• “Others are more qualified” becomes “My journey is unique and valuable.”

Step 3: Collect Micro-Wins

Start a daily or weekly list of “proof points”. These can be small wins, new things learned, positive feedback from others (even at home!), or anything that made you feel competent and motivated.

Pro Tip

Sharing a few of these micro-wins with your network can reinforce your confidence and remind others of your value.

Presenting Confidence on LinkedIn

Why it Works

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing a recruiter or peer sees. The language and energy you use signal whether you’re feeling tentative or ready. Even small updates can change how you’re perceived and how you see yourself.

How to Up Your LinkedIn Game in Three Quick Moves

Move 1: Refresh Your "About" Section

Lead with what you offer and the energy you bring now, not a long history lesson.

Try this opener:

“I’m a resilient and resourceful professional relaunching my [industry/role] journey after an intentional career pause. I bring fresh perspective, adaptability, and a renewed passion for growth-focused work.”

Move 2: Share a Micro-Win Post

Post a short update about something you accomplished recently (learning a new tool, finishing a course, leading at home or in your community).

Sample post:
“Thrilled to have completed my Excel certification during my career pause! Excited to bring updated skills and fresh dedication to my next opportunity.”

Move 3: Update Your Headline With Confidence

Instead of just your job title, try:

“Ready for new challenges | Experienced [Your Field] Professional | Returning with fresh skills and energy”

Pro Tip

Ask a former colleague, supervisor, or friend to write a quick recommendation highlighting your adaptability and commitment. Social proof goes a long way in boosting both outside perceptions and your own confidence.

Time to Sprint

Why it Works

Making your comeback visible on LinkedIn reminds both you and your network that you’re moving forward with confidence. Even a quick post helps shift your mindset from waiting to engaging and increases the chances that new opportunities will find you.

Challenge

Post a short, positive update on LinkedIn sharing your readiness to return to work or celebrate a recent “micro-win.”

Template to Customize

“After taking time to focus on [family, caregiving, or personal growth], I’m excited to re-engage with the [industry/job] world. Recently, I [earned a certification, completed a project, or developed a new strength], and I’m energized to apply what I’ve learned to new opportunities ahead.”

Pro Tip

Tag a colleague, mentor, or friend who supported you or reference a resource you found helpful. This invites engagement and shows you’re plugged in.

Your Move

What’s one mantra, habit, or confidence hack that helps you beat self-doubt during a career transition? Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

The Last Laugh

Even Drake can flip the career gap script...