Re-entry into Workforce

by Michelle
(US)

Hello, I have been out of work since May of 2009. I worked for 10 years at a Consulting Firm. My latest role was as a system analyst. I have been out on Disability.

I am ready to go back to work, but not back to my previous company or role. I am very anxious about getting back to work.

Prior to working as a system analyst I worked as a Quality Assurance Analyst. This is the type of position I want to go back to. My company does not have any QA's in the U.S. anymore.

My strengths are Project Planning, creating SQL reports, Functional, Ongoing, Regression Test Planning, Manual and Automated Testing of multiple interfaces and processes.

Those were the areas that I enjoyed and I would like to pursue a career where I can use the above skills.

In my last role, I performed analysis on client provisions and system issues in order to translate them into technical specifications for configuration. At times, I would do the configuration, but mostly I would hand off my analysis to configuration analysts offshore for set up. I would provide coaching and review all work performed by the offshore associates. I was compensated well, but I did not enjoy the work. I felt that there was nowhere left to grow unless it was going to a more technical set up role. That is not what I wanted.

I enjoy testing, adding the test cases that no-one wants to test because they know they might fail. I enjoyed coming up with contingencies for those one off scenarios when the system could not accommodate every one. I loved testing. Everyone has a passion for something. This is mine.

I have my illness under control. It is managed and I am ready to go back to work. I have always had a meet or exceeds expectations performance review.

System analysts are in high demand. I feel that I am looking for a job that I had seven years ago. I feel like it may look like I am stepping way back and worry that an employer may see that as a bad sign. I believe that I have to go back in order to get ahead. If I want to move into a Quality Assurance Management position, I have to step back into the Quality Assurance Role. Perhaps I can explain it that way. Furthermore, I have not worked in almost two years, I fear that I may be a little overwhelmed if I try to apply for something too challenging.


A management position would be way too challenging for me after a two year absence.

What do I say about my absence? I am still employed by my employer technically. I will have a neutral reference from them. My employment can still be verified as active. I am very nervous and anxious. In May it will be two years.

I was such a confident person. Ten years at one company is a long time. I am 38 now. I actually feel old. I wonder how others will look at me at another consulting firm. Will I fit in or stick out? What a mess.

Am I the only person that has these fears?

Reply by Peter Fisher your-career-change.com

Michelle, you're not the only person who has these fears about re-entry into workforce. After being away as long as you have its only natural to feel concerned and anxious about going back to work.

Start by concentrating on the job you know you can do well - the QA Analyst job and do a little research to check your skills still apply. Don't feel negative about going back to a lesser job than the one you held recently, rather try to feel positive about being able to contribute again in a job you will enjoy.

Employers will understand that after 2 years your skills may be rusty and you need to regain confidence before moving onwards again.

Please read my Returning To Work section to get some more help from this website.