Returning to work or learning

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Thinking about returning to work or learning?

You may have taken time off work to look after your children or to look after a sick or elderly relative. Now you're considering your next move you may feel a bit anxious.

If you're thinking of returning to work, maybe you feel that things will have changed in the workplace or your skills will be out of date. If you're thinking of returning to learning, perhaps it's been a while since you've been in education.

The good news is help is out there. There are courses to help you return to work or learning. And careers advisers can help you decide how to move forward.

Value your experience

Think of the skills you've developed while you've been at home caring for others. Many of these skills are also valued in the workplace. For example:

managing money
planning and time management
prioritising
communicating
negotiating.

Make sure you add these skills to application forms and your CV.

Practical steps

Work out your finances. If you've got kids you'll need to arrange childcare for when you're not available.

Increasingly employers are offering options for flexible working and depending on your circumstances you may be able to get:

free early years care
child tax credit
working tax credit.

If you receive funding for your caring responsibilities you should check before you change your circumstances. Check what you’re eligible for in Directgov’s section on caring for someone.