Building Your Confidence When Re-Entering the Workforce

Re-entering the workforce after years of being a stay-at-home mother or working in a family business can feel incredibly daunting. While you’ve undoubtedly been working hard, the structured corporate or professional environment may seem foreign, and the confidence you once had might feel out of reach.

I’ve been there. After over a decade outside of the traditional workforce, I found myself needing to rebuild my career from the ground up after my divorce. It was intimidating to step into a world where my peers had been steadily climbing the career ladder while I had taken a different path.

This blog post is here to assure you that you are exactly where you need to be. No matter your starting point, you have valuable contributions to make and I hope you find something here that will help you step into this new chapter with confidence.

If you’re feeling wary about starting over at work, please remember:

Everybody Was Once a Beginner

Have you ever learned to play an instrument or speak a new language? The early stages are always clumsy and uncomfortable, but with consistent effort, progress happens faster than you think. Re-entering the workforce is no different. Feeling awkward or uncertain at the beginning is part of the process, but every day you show up, you gain experience and confidence.

Sure, your day one may be much later than your peers, but that’s irrelevant. The important thing is that you’re moving forward. You’re stepping into a new life that you’ve worked hard to create, and with time, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to thrive.

Don’t Worry About Other People Judging You

If someone is judging you for starting over, they are not worth your time. People who matter will be kind, supportive, and willing to help. Most people are too busy worrying about themselves to scrutinize your journey. And if they do? That says more about them than it does about you.

There’s an old saying: What other people think of you is none of your business. It’s a powerful reminder that the only opinion that truly matters is your own. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be open to helpful critiques to improve, just be discerning of who this opinion is coming from and what their motives are. But for the most part you’re better off focusing on your growth, not external noise.

You Bring More to the Table Than What’s on Your Resume

Transitioning from being a stay-at-home mother to the workforce may feel like a huge leap, but you already possess many transferable skills. Managing a household requires organization, planning, conflict resolution, time management, and adaptability—all of which are crucial in any professional environment. While these skills might be hard to capture on a resume, they shine through in your work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities.

Employers value people who can think on their feet, handle multiple responsibilities, and work well under pressure. Sound familiar? These are things you’ve already mastered. Once you’ve got your foot in the door I have no doubt that you’ll shine with these skills that others may not have honed.

Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of dwelling on gaps in your experience or the time you spent away from the workforce, focus on what you can actively improve. Take online courses, refresh your skills, update your resume, and practice interviewing. Confidence comes from preparation. The more you equip yourself, the more self-assured you’ll feel when stepping into new opportunities.

Find a Support System

Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Seek out mentors, networking groups, or even online communities of women going through similar transitions. Hearing others’ experiences can be reassuring and motivating. Lean on those who can support you on your journey.

Conclusion

Starting over in your career can feel intimidating, but remember that confidence is built through repeated action. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Trust in your abilities, embrace the learning curve, and know that your journey is just as valid as anyone else’s. You have so much to offer, and the right opportunities will come as you continue to show up and believe in yourself.