Taking a break from paid employment to raise children or care for others is a valid choice , and returning to work later is equally valid. But many parents face the challenge of re-entering the labour market after a career break. In this post, we look at practical career change options for parents returning to work in the UK, the steps to make that transition, and how you can use resources like returner programmes, flexible roles, and upskilling to your advantage.
Jump to:
- Why consider a career change when returning to work?
- What are some career change strategies for after a break?
- How to execute your return: a step-by-step guide
- Top career change options for parents in the UK
- How do I overcome barriers & common challenges?
- FAQs: How do I change careers as a parent?
- Final thoughts: How to change careers as a parent returning to work
- Further reading & resources
Why consider a career change when returning to work?
When you step back into the job market, it’s rarely wise just to resume exactly where you left off. A well-considered career change can:
- Better align with your new life circumstances (flexibility, travel, childcare)
- Allow you to lean into growing sectors
- Use transferable skills you’ve honed during your break (organisation, multitasking, problem-solving)
- Give you renewed motivation and purpose
Many parents find that their priorities shift during a break, and what they wanted before may no longer suit them. Changing direction can be empowering, not a setback.
What are some career change strategies for after a break?
Below are core approaches you can use (and often combine) when planning your return to work:
1. Pursue a returner programme or returnship
Returner programmes (sometimes called ‘returnships’) are structured, paid roles designed to help people re-enter the workforce after a career break. They often include training, mentoring, and a pathway to permanent positions.
- ivee’s free Return to Work Bootcamp was designed to support you throughout your return to work and consistently receives 5* reviews
- ivee has a list of top returner programmes in the UK to help you figure out what might be right for you.
- Many UK employers now run their own “return to work” tracks (for example, Aviva’s Returners to Work programme) that offer tailored re-entry support.
- There is also a Government Returner Toolkit for returners (breaks over a year, caring reasons) that offers staged guidance and resources.
Tip: When applying to returner roles, it’s important to reframe your break and focus on what you’ve accomplished during this time to stay current, and emphasise your enthusiasm and learning mindset.
2. Enter a growing, flexible sector
Choose industries that are evolving and often more open to flexible working. Some options include:
- Digital & tech roles (web development, UX design, digital marketing)
- Data / analytics / reporting roles
- Project support / operations / virtual assistance
- Education, training, or coaching
- Freelance / consultancy (offering services such as writing, graphic design, social media management)
- Health & social care (if you have relevant qualifications or are willing to train)
When making your pivot, look for roles that allow part‑time, remote or hybrid working. Use job boards specialising in flexible work (e.g. ivee).
3. Upskill, requalify or reskill
A career change often involves acquiring new skills or credentials:
- Use self-study, online courses, evening classes or part-time qualifications
- Focus on skills in demand: digital literacy, data tools, project management, communication, domain-specific software
- Volunteering, internships, or short-term contracts can build recent experience
- Microcredentials or industry certifications can help validate your new path
4. Start with a transitional role
A transitional or bridging role helps you ease back in while gaining familiarity:
- Part-time or job‑share roles
- Contract or freelance work
- Flexible roles with limited hours
- Mixed or hybrid roles in your former sector but with reduced responsibilities
Even a lower-level role can open doors and help rebuild your confidence.
How to execute your return: a step-by-step guide
Here’s a roadmap you can follow:
Step | What to do | Why it matters |
| 1. Self audit & goal setting | Reflect on what you want in your new career: flexibility, salary, interest, growth | Helps narrow options and avoid overwhelm |
| 2. Skills gap analysis | Compare your current skills and desired career skills | Identifies what to upskill or learn |
| 3. Update CV / LinkedIn for returners | Use a ‘‘hybrid CV’ approach (skills-based + chronological), show continuous learning, include volunteering / side projects | Shows momentum and relevance |
| 4. Network & join returner communities | Join communities like ivee, attend webinars, link with returner-focused groups | Many opportunities are hidden and shared through networks |
| 5. Apply for returner-friendly roles & returnships | Target companies known for inclusive hiring | Increases your chances of securing roles that understand your situation |
| 6. Prepare to negotiate flexibility | Ask for part-time, hybrid, or flexible hours from the start | Flexibility is often key to sustainability |
| 7. Manage expectations & timeline | Understand the adjustment may take months; allow time to adapt | Helps maintain resilience and avoid burnout |
Resources you should check out include:
Top career change options for parents in the UK
Here are promising job paths you might explore, along with how they match the needs of returning parents:
1. Remote / flexible roles
- Virtual assistant, remote customer support, remote operations
- Digital marketing, content writing, social media roles
- Online tutoring or course creation
- Virtual assistant, remote customer support, remote operations
2. Project Coordinator / Operations Support
Many companies have operations roles that offer structure, growth, and flexible working
3. Data / Analytics / Reporting
Basic data-analysis roles, dashboards, reporting, business intelligence
4. Teaching, Training & Coaching
Online or in-person training, educational content creation, mentoring
5. Gig Economy / Contract Work
- Freelance consulting, contract roles in your new field
- Task-based roles (design, copy, admin) to build recent portfolio
6. Returnships & Structured Return Programmes
As above, these are roles explicitly built for re-entry, which might be a safe way to test a new direction
7. Specialist Fellowships (for STEM / research fields)
For example, the Daphne Jackson Trust offers Fellowships for scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians returning after break.
How do I overcome barriers & common challenges?
Confidence & ‘skills gap’ anxiety
Many people who have been out of work feel they’re “out of date.” But you bring life experience, maturity, and resilience. Be open to learning and frame your break as a period of development.
Bias and employer perceptions
Some employers still question career breaks. That’s why returner programmes and inclusive employers matter. Point to your continuous learning, volunteer or freelance work, and use returner-friendly companies to your advantage. Browse ivee for a list of returner-friendly companies.
Childcare, logistics & time constraints
Flexibility is non‑negotiable. Negotiate hybrid working, compressed hours, or job sharing. UK law gives employees the right to request flexible working (including those returning from parental leave) and this request must be considered reasonably by employers.
Transitioning slowly
It’s OK to take a phased return, or use part-time contracts first. The goal is sustainability, not burnout.
FAQs: How do I change careers as a parent?
Final thoughts: How to change careers as a parent returning to work
Returning to work after a break isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible – and with the right strategy, you can make a career change that fits your life, your skills, and your growth goals. Use returner programmes, lean into flexibility, build your skills, and harness community support.
If you’re looking for hands-on help, consider joining ivee’s Return to Work Bootcamp, exploring our partner returner programmes in the UK, and tapping into our network of inclusive employers. You don’t have to go it alone – let’s make this your most empowered return yet.
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