More Than a Career Gap: Returning to Work After Caregiving

Returning to work after caregiving is not about starting over, it’s about starting from a place of strength, resilience, and experience.In this episode of Workforce Unscripted, Christine and Melissa are joined by Michelle VanSluytman and Ashley Rauscher for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it really looks like to re-enter the workforce after time spent caregiving.Together, they explore the mental hurdles many returners face, the confidence it takes to step back in, and the often-overlooked skills caregiving builds along the way from adaptability and leadership to problem-solving, empathy, and resilience. They also share practical advice for creating a strong re-entry plan and insights on how employers and recruiters can better support caregivers returning to work.Whether you’re planning your next step or supporting someone on their journey back, this episode is a reminder that caregiving brings real, valuable experience and that those strengths absolutely belong in the workplace.