Some of the Best Jobs for Reentering the Workforce: Options to Explore in 2025

Have you been out of the workforce? Perhaps you had to take a career break because you couldn’t keep up with the ever-changing job market trends, or you needed time off to handle personal or health issues.

Are you ready to make a comeback, but don’t know how to go about the job search? This article will provide you with information to make a seamless reentry into the labor market. You will learn how to secure a new job in your desired industry that celebrates your life experience and skills.

Find out the best full-time and part-time jobs for reentering the workforce, as well as the kind of companies that hire workers in your situation.

What Does It Mean to Reenter the Workforce?

Reentering the workforce means applying for and landing a job after an extended period of absence. You only reenter the workforce when you’ve sustained noticeable career gaps due to unavoidable life events. These events could be accidents, divorce, childbirth and child-rearing, school, or illness.

What Jobs Are Available to Those Reentering the Workforce?

There are plenty of jobs available to you if you take time off work, especially if you are breaking into the workforce as a contract, entry-level, or freelance worker. With this entry method, you can immediately apply transferable skills to suitable jobs in the gig economy. All you have to do is find jobs suited to your current skillset and use the right digital platforms to promote yourself.

Entrepreneurial roles where you manage or promote a business are another great way to get back to earning an income. You can create products to sell or help someone else sell their creations on digital platforms. You don’t necessarily need to acquire new skills. If you already have marketing or business management skills and experience, all it may take is a decent website or portfolio and knowledge of the most up-to-date industry tools.

Companies That Hire Individuals Reentering the Workforce (Returnship Programs)

Some companies offer career opportunities like structured, paid “returnship” programs to help professionals update their skills and restart their careers after extended breaks. These programs typically range from 12 to 20 weeks, and often include mentorship, training, and a possibility for full-time employment once the returnship program is completed.

So, if you took a career break and wish to get back to your old industry or want to change career paths, you can apply to one of these companies offering returnship programs.

• Amazon. Amazon offers a couple of return-to-work opportunities across different business units. For example, the rekindle program in India and Audible’s “Next Chapter” Returnship Program in the U.S. provide structured training, mentoring, and potential pathways to full-time roles for professionals reentering the workforce.^1,2
• Goldman Sachs. Since 2008, Goldman Sachs has assisted returning professionals in relaunching their careers, regardless of the extent of the career gap. This paid 12-week Returnship Program is designed for professionals with at least two years of extended absence.³ The program offers skills training, mentorship, and networking, with the possibility of converting to a permanent role.
• JPMorgan Chase. The ReEntry Program is a 15-week fellowship available in the U.S., UK, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.⁴ It supports experienced professionals with career gaps of two years or more, combining training, mentorship, and on-the-job experience that can lead to full-time positions.
• Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin’s Chapter Next: Returnship Program provides 12- to 16-week paid returnships for professionals with technical skills.⁵ Participants with a career break of two or more years will receive mentorship and training to help them transition back into the workforce, with opportunities to move into permanent positions.
• Boeing. Boeing’s Return Flight Program offers a minimum of 12 weeks of paid returnship experience.⁶ It is designed for mid-career professionals returning after a career break, with opportunities across fields such as engineering, IT, finance, operations, and supply chain. Participants receive mentorship, training, and networking support, and successful graduates may transition into permanent full-time roles.
• Chevron. The Welcome Back Program at Chevron spans 12 to 16 weeks and provides professionals with structured training, mentorship, and exposure to new tools and methods.⁷ The program is designed to lead to long-term employment.
• HubSpot. HubSpot’s Returners Program is a cohort-based initiative (historically ~20 weeks) that provides training, mentorship, and a structured reentry path for experienced professionals seeking to rejoin the workforce.⁸
• Northwell Health. In partnership with Path Forward, Northwell Health offers a 16-week returnship program for mid-career professionals in fields like finance, information technology, or human resources.⁹ The program supports individuals with career gaps of up to two years.
• Santander. Santander’s Reencuentra Program in Spain is a structured initiative designed to help women reenter the workforce after career breaks.¹⁰ It provides paid training in the latest technology, tools, and methods used in performing modern job functions.

These returnship programs have been verified as of September 2025 and are subject to change.

10 Jobs for Reentering the Workforce in 2025

Just because you took considerable time off from work doesn’t necessarily mean you have to return to a low-income job or have limited job options. Below are some options to explore for full-time and part-time workers to earn a stable income.

*Salary information is based on Management Occupations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nurse Practitioner

Nursing professionals are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to experience an accelerated job growth rate of 35 percent from 2024 to 2034.¹¹ Professionals in this role include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. If you’re already a registered nurse with organizational skills, you can relaunch your career with any of these nursing professions.

According to the BLS, nursing professionals typically have master’s degrees, and they earn more than registered nurses. They also have a higher satisfaction rating and can easily move on to a management position. In addition, you can launch this career at any age. In fact, successful nurses tend to have a high level of technical and social experience.

Data Analyst 

If you’re a technology or business-savvy professional who has taken considerable time off work and would like to launch a new career in tune with the current market demands, you can opt for a data analytics career. This field deals with the management of data sets using scientific tools, methods, and models. 

It includes conducting market research, exploring historical data to discover information patterns that can be converted into insights and used in decision-making. If you already have an undergraduate degree in a related field, you could attend a data analytics bootcamp to align your skills and knowledge with the current market or apply for a master’s degree program.

Software Developer

Software development is open to all interested individuals who are ready to go through the intensive training process. Software development involves the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software applications and systems.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in your fifties or twenties and might have to start with entry-level positions. With how flexible this role is, you can work remotely. What’s more, you can teach yourself to code and build applications from available online resources. If you’re looking for more defined training, coding bootcamps may be a good path for you.

Consultant 

Sometimes, reentering the workforce simply means rechanneling the services you provide. As an experienced professional with over five years of experience, you can choose to become a consultant in a field you’re passionate about. This role allows you to control your career growth and derive fulfillment while doing so. You get to apply your mentoring skills to as many clients as you like, while enjoying flexible hours.

To get started as a professional consultant, you should have a professional certification. This would enable you to boost your credibility. Depending on the kind of public image you want, you may need to get a business license.

Real Estate Agent 

Whether you’ve been a stay-at-home parent for quite some time or you’re an out-of-work professional looking for a new career with a flexible work schedule, becoming a real estate agent may be a great option for you. Depending on how well you perform in your role, you can earn a high income. 

Real estate agents are licensed professionals who facilitate estate transactions. They connect buyers with sellers of real estate properties for a commission. You don’t need a college degree to get started. All you need is a high school diploma, negotiation skills, and a positive attitude. You will need to study for and pass an exam to receive a real estate license in your state.

Digital Copywriter

With the growth of online business and social media platforms, marketing and advertising professionals who have been out of the industry for an extended period of time can relaunch their careers as freelance writers. Copywriters write sales copy for businesses to sell or create awareness about certain products across digital platforms.

This career path is for those who have adequate marketing and communication skills. This is a flexible job that you can do from the comfort of your home. As a freelancer, you can choose your hours and clients, as well as set your desired compensation rates.

Professor (Postsecondary Teacher)

Professors typically have doctoral degrees and certifications to teach college students. If you’re passionate about teaching and you have the time and resources to further your education, you can become a professor. Professors are skilled at academic research and aid professionals in improving their work processes through their publications and consultations. 

To get started in a full-time job as a professor, you have to pick a discipline to specialize in, then proceed to fulfill the necessary education requirements. While studying for your doctoral degree, you can work as a teaching assistant at the university or college you’re studying in. This would help you build the connection you need to secure a job there.

Digital Entrepreneur 

A digital entrepreneur owns and manages an online business, whether as a blogger, e-commerce store owner, or independent contractor. If you’re considering relaunching your career in the labor market but you aren’t keen on working as an employee, you can put your savings to good use and start an online business from home. 

This is one of the most ideal ways to get back into the workforce. It requires a lot of work to get the business up and running, but you can always contract out or hire help. The advantages of running your own business can be diverse, but some of the most satisfying ones are the high revenue, flexible schedules, and the chance to use your creativity.

Web Designer 

If you have some graphic design skills and a good grasp of modern technologies, you could learn web design. Web designers are tech professionals who create the aesthetic layout of websites and web applications. Professionals in this field are knowledgeable about front-end programming languages, especially CSS and JavaScript. 

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

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Find Your Bootcamp Match

To get started, you can learn the techniques of the field through online courses. But if you want to boost your professional image and broaden your field knowledge, attending a web design bootcamp could be a good option for you to consider.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants don’t always need specialized skills or training to pursue. Job seekers and those reentering the workforce can enjoy a flexible schedule and potentially remote positions. Tasks may include managing phone calls, emails, calendars, travel plans, social media pages, and more. Some virtual assistants also perform data entry and bookkeeping tasks depending on their employer.

Tips for Finding Success When Reentering the Workforce

If you’re looking to reenter the workforce, you should reacquaint yourself with the new industry trends and implement a job search strategy. It can be more difficult to quickly get a job compared to before you left if you didn’t build a lot of transferable skills. If you follow the tips listed below, you’ll find it easier to land a job in your desired industry.

• Conduct industry and job market research. If you’ve made up your mind to relaunch your career, the first thing you should do is conduct industry research to learn the latest developments and job options in your desired industry. Then, investigate the latest job market trends so you’ll know how to proceed with your job applications. This will enable you to properly direct your resources. 
• Secure a professional certification. Professional certification gives you industry credibility that would be useful in negotiating high compensation rates. Enrolling in a professional program is a chance to build the relevant skills needed to succeed in your field. These programs allow you to build a network you can rely on in your career.
• Upskill with a market-led course. If you’re looking to just update your skills in your field, a course may be a great way to learn the latest trends and technologies in your industry. These programs are flexible, allowing you to get hands-on experience through real-life projects.
• Review your resume. To boost your chances of getting to the job interview stage, you need a well-structured, ATS-friendly resume and cover letter that properly highlight all your achievements and experience. Your resume should draw attention away from your resume gaps and focus on your skills and background.
• Take advantage of corporate returnship programs. Some companies offer returnship programs to aid returning professionals in reintegrating into the workforce. These fellowships are usually paid and can lead to full-time positions. You’ll build a network of professionals, acquaint yourself with the latest technologies and methods in your industry, and boost your resume with structured projects. 
• Try to secure freelance or contract gigs. You don’t need to return as an employee if you don’t want to; you can launch your new career as a freelancer or independent contractor.

Outlook for Reentering the Workforce

The outlook for workers reentering the workforce can be encouraging. Regardless of the reason for your career break, it’s possible to return to a better job position than the one you left.

With companies offering home-based jobs, you don’t have to worry about commuting or relocating. In fact, you can take advantage of the remote work system and apply to a broader job market, so you can optimize your compensation rate.

Best Jobs for Reentering the Workforce FAQ

Sources:

1 https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/career-programs/rekindle

2 https://www.audiblecareers.com/returnship-program

3 https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/programs-for-professionals/returnship

4 https://www.jpmorganchase.com/careers/explore-opportunities/programs/reentry-program

5 https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/careers/candidates/ex-pro/return-to-work.html

6 https://jobs.boeing.com/return-flight

7 https://chevroncareers.runmytests.com/learning-and-development#welcome-back-row

8 https://www.hubspot.com/returners-program

9 https://jobs.northwell.edu/campaign/2024-northwell-health-returnship-program/#:~:text=The%20Northwell%20Returnship%20Program&text=We’re%20proud%20to%20offer,care%20for%20a%20loved%20one.

10 https://www.santander.com/en/press-room/press-releases/2023/03/santander-launches-the-second-edition-of-its-reencuentra-programme-aimed-at-helping-women-get-back-into-the-job-market-after-time-out-for-family-reasons#:~:text=04:06%20PM-,Santander%20launches%20the%20second%20edition%20of%20its%20%22Reencuentra%22%20programme%2C,opposite%20is%20true%20with%20men.

11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com

12 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm

13 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

14 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/naics4_541600.htm

15 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm

16 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm

17 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm

18 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm

19 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm

20 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm