I've been on medical leave since 2022, and I'm ready to jump back into the software engineering world. I have a decade of experience working in both corporate and academic settings, including being a scrum master for a couple of years. My degree is from a decent university, completed in 2012, and I was well-versed in Java and full-stack development, but it's been almost five years since I've worked with any tech. I'm facing the challenge of updating my skills, especially since my disability support is ending soon, and I'm eager for some advice on how to navigate this transition.
3 Answers
How many jobs have you applied to so far? Knowing where you stand in your search could help you frame your next steps.
If you have experience in academia, consider looking for part-time teaching roles. They often offer more flexibility and understanding regarding gaps in employment due to medical issues. Schools are increasingly seeking STEM teachers, so the competition is lower compared to corporate jobs. It might be a great way for you to ease back into the tech scene!
Getting back into software after a break isn't as daunting as it seems. Your senior-level experience is still valuable, and while front-end technologies like React have advanced, the core principles remain the same. I'd recommend getting familiar with AI coding tools—Claude Code is great and worth the subscription. Also, be transparent about your gap in your resume and cover letter to avoid any misconceptions. Updating your resume and starting interviews will also help you identify areas to focus on.
Related Questions
How To: Running Codex CLI on Windows with Azure OpenAI
Set Wordpress Featured Image Using Javascript
How To Fix PHP Random Being The Same
Why no WebP Support with Wordpress
Replace Wordpress Cron With Linux Cron
Customize Yoast Canonical URL Programmatically