I had to stop working for quite some time to prioritize a family concern (for example, a family member got sick or had difficulty in managing childcare adequately). How do I start over?

Honesty is the best policy. It is important to be transparent about your personal challenges and priorities. Your current priorities should guide you in defining your life vision and mission, which must shape your career goals and priorities. This way, you are in a better position to make wise career choices and decisions that will not compromise your personal obligations.

In the interviews, be open about these challenges so you and your potential employer can decide where you can meet halfway or if you are better off in another organization that can accomodate your personal needs. To help you define your career goals, access these downloadable career-planning worksheets.