Navigating Career Breaks and Re-entering the Workforce

Taking a career break doesn't break your career if you know how to handle the return.

In this episode of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre sits down with Jamie Dye, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at M3 USA, to talk candidly about career breaks, why they happen, how to talk about them, and what returning to work really looks like. They discuss the hiring process in biotech and medical research, offering practical advice on resume formatting, and interview authenticity.

Jamie shares her personal experience taking six years away from the workforce to raise her daughter, her unexpected reentry path, and the tools that helped her stay relevant during the break. From volunteering and networking to pursuing an MBA, Jamie breaks down practical ways to maintain your professional identity, even when you're not clocking in.

They also discuss:

• What to include (and what not to) on your resume during a break

• How recruiters view career gaps and why they’re not always a red flag

• Tips for easing back into the workforce, from temp roles to contract work

• The do’s and don’ts of AI in interviews

• Whether cover letters still matter (and when they actually help)

This episode is packed with both encouragement and realism, perfect for professionals considering a break, navigating one, or planning a return. It highlights the value of temporary roles, volunteering, and staying current with industry trends, providing actionable insights for job seekers, especially those re-entering the workforce or transitioning careers.

Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/ 

Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/07/02/season11episode9/

Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/