I've worked with over 100 women returning to the workforce after career breaks. They all downplay their experience.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Palmer headshot
The author coaches women reentering the workforce after a career break.

Courtesy of the author

I left my career to be a stay-at-home mom. I didn't expect to lose my identity.

Tech Insider : Business
mom holding baby

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  • I left my career at 38 to stay home with my child.
  • I struggled with guilt, identity loss, and my changing relationship with money.
  • Over time, I found purpose and connection through shared experiences.

At 38, I faced the toughest decision of my career: whether I wanted to continue working.

When my job started feeling like being with a bad boyfriend, I knew I had to quit

Tech Insider : Business
Lisa Fail
Lisa Fail decided to take a career break after experiencing a "bad boyfriend" moment with her relationship to work.

Courtesy of Lisa Fail

I quit my job to travel for a year. Here are 5 things I'd do differently.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
A woman wearing glasses posing with a sandy road and moutain in the background.
Maria Laposata quit her job and traveled around the world with her husband for a year — there are a few things she'd do differently.

Provided by Maria Laposata

I took a career break to spend a summer with my kids. It changed how I think about work

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Kids looking at ocean
The author took a summer off to spend it with her kids.

Courtesy of the author

I help women return to professional work. These are the mistakes I see most often.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Palmer headshot
The author coaches women reentering the workforce after a career break.

Courtesy of the author

They quit, traveled, and rethought their lives — meet the adults taking gap years

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Photo collage featuring travelers with a suitcase, a person practicing yoga or meditation, a backpacker on the move, hikers celebrating at a summit, someone reading a book, and a couple relaxing together.

Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

I took a career break to travel in my 40s, but even that exhausted me. I reparented myself — and finally learned to slow down.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Himal Mandalia wearing a helmet and driving a quad bike.
Mandalia left his job in 2022 and spent 18 months traveling.

Courtesy of Himal Mandalia

I quit my career at 40 when a diagnosis stopped me in my tracks. Prioritizing my health was scary, but it helped me redefine success.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Woman sitting on a wooden railing in a forest, smiling at the camera, wearing a sports top, shorts, and slip-on shoes.
Melissa Hoeppner quit her job last October to reevaluate her priorities and take care of her health.

Courtesy of Melissa Hoeppner

Hoda Kotb says her 60th birthday prompted her to reevaluate the next phase of her life

Tech Insider
Hoda Kotb taking selfies with fans
Hoda Kotb celebrated her 60th birthday on "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza with fans.

Debra L Rothenberg/ Getty Images

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