The Journey Back: Navigating a Career Comeback After a Hiatus
Jori Bolton
As Richard Carter sat at his desk, he picked up a cherished photo that captured a joyful moment from the past. The image featured his daughter, Ava, at the age of seven—her eyes sparkling with excitement, her hair tousled, and an oversized butterfly net in her hands as she played in their backyard. This photograph was taken ten years earlier during the inaugural week of homeschooling, shortly after Richard made the significant decision to leave his role as a divisional vice president of marketing at a prominent consumer-goods firm, opting instead to educate Ava himself.
This story, which resonates deeply with many parents and professionals alike, illustrates the challenges and rewards of stepping away from a established career to embrace family life. Richard's path is not just about leaving a job; it's about transforming his life's priorities and later, finding a way back into the workforce. But how do individuals like Richard successfully re-enter their careers after such breaks?
A version of this article appears in the March–April 2026 issue of Harvard Business Review.
