Your return to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while.
But here’s the good news: you’re absolutely not alone. Thousands of parents across Canada take extended breaks to raise their kids. And while that gap on your resume might look intimidating at first, there are practical, doable ways to bounce back stronger than ever.
Why Some Moms Start from Entry-Level Again
You might wonder, why do so many returning moms start with entry-level jobs? For some, it’s because they never had the chance to move beyond entry-level roles before having children. Others left mid-career and now feel like their skills are rusty. And honestly, some moms want a lighter load when they re-enter—they’re testing out what it means to juggle motherhood and a job before diving all the way in.
Whatever your reason, there’s no shame in easing back in. The job you had before kids doesn’t have to be the job you return to—and that’s okay.
Smart Ways to Rebuild Your Career After a Break
Highlight Volunteer Experience Like It’s Paid Work
Volunteering isn’t “just helping out”—it’s leadership, planning, coordination, and communication in action. Did you lead your child’s school fundraiser? Organize a meal train for new parents in your community? Manage communications for your local soccer league? Those experiences matter. Use your resume’s summary section to frame them as part of your career story.
Not sure how to word it? Think impact. For example:
“Led a school-wide fundraising campaign, raising over $8,000 to support educational resources, managing a team of 12 volunteers.”
It’s all about showing how your efforts made a difference.
Take Small Steps Back In
There’s no rule that says you need to return to full-time work right away. In fact, part-time, freelance, or contract gigs can be the perfect way to rebuild confidence, refresh your resume, and get your foot back in the door.
Seasonal work—like retail during the holidays or even tax prep jobs (yep, they’re often part-time!)—can also be a smart way to dip back in without overcommitting.
Use Numbers Wherever You Can
Quantifying your experience—even outside of traditional jobs—makes it more credible and concrete. If you organized community events, managed schedules, or oversaw budgets, say so!
Here are a few ideas:
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“Coordinated weekly activities for a 10-family babysitting co-op, managing a rotating schedule and resolving conflicts.”
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“Ran a parent group with 40+ members, handling communications, social media, and event logistics.”
Numbers = value. Use them!
Rebuild Your Network—One Coffee at a Time
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” And while both matter, connections often lead to opportunities. Reconnect with former colleagues. Join LinkedIn groups. Attend local networking events. Volunteer for causes that matter to you. Even casual chats with other parents at school drop-off can lead to unexpected opportunities.
And don’t overlook informational interviews—a quick 20-minute convo with someone in your target industry can open up valuable insights (and job leads).
Polish Your Professional Persona
Update your voicemail greeting. Clean up your LinkedIn profile. Refresh your resume with your most relevant (not just most recent) experience. If it’s been years since your last interview, do a few mock ones. Even practicing in front of a mirror helps!
And don’t forget your wardrobe—a crisp, comfortable outfit can do wonders for your confidence.
What’s the Job Market Like for Moms in Canada Right Now?
In 2025, Canadian mothers returning to work are facing both challenges and new opportunities. As of Q2 2025, the national unemployment rate sits at 7.0%, the highest in nearly four years, but job openings in part-time, healthcare, education, and remote administrative roles have increased steadily.
Here are a few key insights:
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Flexible and Remote Work Is Booming
Since the pandemic, remote jobs have become a mainstay. Many employers offer flexible hours and work-from-home options, which are ideal for parents re-entering the workforce. -
Childcare Remains a Barrier
While the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care plan has reduced fees to an average of $10/day in many provinces, access to spots remains limited in urban areas. This continues to impact how and when mothers return to work. -
Employers Are More Open to Career Gaps
According to a 2025 survey by Robert Half Canada, 73% of employers said they are more likely to consider candidates who have taken career breaks for caregiving than five years ago. The stigma around resume gaps is fading—so long as you can show transferable skills.
Tips for Finding a Family-Friendly Employer
Some companies just get it—they offer parental leave, flexibility, and a culture that supports work-life balance. Here’s how to find them:
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Use sites like Glassdoor or Indeed to read employee reviews.
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Check out Canada’s “Top Family-Friendly Employers” list, published annually.
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Look for companies that mention “returnship” programs—these are like internships for professionals re-entering after a career break.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Re-entering the workforce after maternity leave might feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been out for a while. But your experience—both professional and personal—has value. You’ve handled tantrums, solved crises before 8 a.m., and kept tiny humans alive. You’ve gained time management, patience, multitasking, and problem-solving skills that any employer would be lucky to have.
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from strength.
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Advisor and CEO at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. In Addition to BCJobs.ca, Simon is hosting unfiltered conversations with marketing experts in our podcast “Marketing On Mars”. Tune into our last episode to hear from Marketing Leaders how they approach work and how they grew in their careers.
