Reasons for taking a longer break

There are many reasons for taking a longer break, which can make it difficult to return to work, and they can be explained in different ways. No matter what your reasons for taking time off are, as long as they are understandable, you should state them if applicable. The most common reasons for taking time off work are

- Child/parental leave: looking after children yourself and not returning to work immediately is not a matter of course in Germany, but it is generally accepted. If you have completed further training during this time, don't hesitate to mention it, even if it doesn't completely fit in with your desired profession. It shows that you have nevertheless undergone further training during this time.
- Illness: Physical and/or mental illness can lead to a longer period away from work and is usually particularly difficult, as most employers are worried that the illness will recur or that the employer will no longer be able to cope.
- Private time off: Private trips should also be clearly communicated and justified. Newly acquired language skills and independence are also good plus points.
- Unemployment: As frustrating as it is, prolonged unemployment can also be a stumbling block when returning to work.
- Switching from one occupational field to another: If you have been doing something else for a while and now want to return to the profession you trained for, you should be able to justify your return.

Reasons for returning to work

Especially if you have taken a longer break from work, which was not entirely voluntary, or if you now have more time again (for example, because the children are grown up), your desire to return to work is worthwhile and sensible. For many people, working is more than just a way of earning money. There are many positive things you can take away from having a job. These include:

- Independence from their partner or the authorities.
- Recognition: Many parents in particular report that they long for more recognition, as they often do not receive this from their children. This is a common reason why parents want to return to work after parental leave.
- More self-confidence: This results from the fact that having independence and recognition at work gives you another area in which to boost your self-confidence.
- Financial security: In addition to independence, most professions also offer financial security, even if you "only" work part-time for the time being. For many people, the feeling of having earned their "own money" is also important.
- New challenges: Returning to work also involves new challenges through which you can grow and develop yourself.

Realistic assessments

If you want to return to work, it is important that you realistically assess what you can achieve. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't have confidence in yourself or talk yourself down. But it is important that you can assess how many hours you are willing or able to work, especially if you have been ill for a long time. It is better if you return to work slowly than if you overwork yourself and fall ill again shortly after your return. This applies in particular to exhaustion-related illnesses. A consultation with your doctor may help you to better assess yourself and your situation. Time is also an important factor if you are looking after children or relatives. In this case, a part-time job may be the better choice.

Back to work: be prepared for further training

A lot may have changed, especially if you have not worked in your profession for several years. You should therefore be prepared for further training and be prepared to accept it. If you have the opportunity, it can be helpful to take part in private training. If you are unemployed, the employment office can also help and support you if necessary. It may therefore be worth asking the office. Don't be discouraged by the new requirements if there are minor setbacks at the beginning. A new job or returning to your old job is rarely easy and if you haven't worked for a while, it won't get any better. But you will notice that you are able to deal with the new challenges more and more positively and grow with them.