--- title: 5 Smart Ways to Restart Your Career After a Long Break in 2026 description: Learn top 5 effective strategies to restart your career after a long break in 2026: upskill via online courses, volunteer in your field, and more. --- # **5 Best Ways to Start Your Career After Long Break in 2026** Updated: 13 August 2026, 4:20 pm IST The pandemic has changed how people work. LinkedIn’s research reveals that 62% of employees have taken a career break at some point.  The social media platform has included career breaks on their profiles to extend support to such people. The same research also shows that 56% of such employees learn new skills. If you are planning your career comeback, from volunteering to distance education, here are some tips to get you back on the field: ## Nothing is more convincing than the truth While being on a sabbatical is entirely acceptable, hiding it is not. Research by LinkedIn also shows that 51% of employers prefer candidates who provide context to their career breaks. Thus, it is always better to confront the career break with your employer. ## Prepare for interviews Being out of touch with the corporate world might have shaken your communication skills. The best way to deal with such a hiccup is to enroll in online courses that seamlessly fit into your routine and help you with mock interviews to ace the real ones. ## Polish your skills There is no end to learning; if you are on a break, what can fill the gap in your CV better than an online degree? If you are worrying about a tight schedule, you can always opt for open education, whose pace will be in your control. With online education, you can enjoy online study benefits that offer all the features of distance courses, like flexibility and instant availability of course materials. ## Volunteer in your area of expertise Volunteering not only works up your CV but also helps you brush up on your skills. You can be employed by the same organization or get good referrals when you perform well. It also allows you to build your network, which is an indispensable part of career bouncebacks. ## Target career returner programs Life happens, and breaks are needed. Keeping in mind the same thought, companies like Deloitte, Accenture, and Amazon are running Career Return Programs which support employees to rehabilitate into the professional world. Always keep an eye out for such programs. ## Last but not the least Making a career comeback is easier with the resources available in 2026. Have a CV that speaks for you by adding online certifications. If you are wondering where to start, you can browse Amity University Online to find the best courses relevant to your field. ##### ABOUT AUTHOR [Neetika Singh]() ### Senior Manager – Content & Website Experience [Neetika Singh](https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetika-singh-493a6621b/) is a digital experience and content strategist with over 13 years of experience in higher education. She writes about online learning, admissions, scholarships, student success, and learner experience, creating content that empowers students to make informed academic and career decisions.  * * *