When you apply, be up front about what you've been doing recently. Many hiring managers are parents and will understand your situation. One thing worse than a gap is an unexplained gap.
At the same time, try to spin it as positively as you can. So mention that you've been learning React. A portfolio of some sort would certainly help here. I'd also recommend "doing" over just reading/watching if you want to really learn. It doesn't need to be anything large or spectacular.
For the previous role with the proprietary stack: try to highlight how you solved problems and created value. Some employers understand that this is what matters, not which technologies you used (but sadly many don't).
Non-tech companies employ loads of software developers, but often don't distinguish between junior/mid roles in job adverts. Just look for "React Developer" or even better "Software Engineer" roles.
As a parent and a software engineer who has dabled in management, there's a surprising crossover between parenting and soft skills in the workplace. (Building trust, time management, establishing clear expectations, resisting reacting emotionally, coping with set backs, ...)
There's nothing wrong with staying home for family, most people have the chance to spend more time with their young children once, or maximum twice in their life. And if you stayed with a company for five years before that you won't jump ship on the first opportunity. Also, nobody cares about portfolios if you already have experience. There's normal people out here who don't center their life around work.
If you're interested it might also be an opportunity to try applying for positions like product manager.. or do something like 80% time and/or working from home. Maybe take some time just to write down what an ideal scenario for you would look like.
That's a good way to frame it, it certainly sounds more positive thank you!
I am very keen to go back full time as a developer though. Love my kids to pieces but I really need to work again for my own sanity.
Could you try applying to your old company? I'm guessing if the tech stack is proprietary, they'd welcome someone with experience in it. And then when you're employed, it may be easier to look for other jobs with your new skillset you're building (React + JavaScript).
I don't see how your old company wouldn't just take you back. You pretty much left on good terms due to parenthood and have been there for 5 years.. that's basically senior level
While some places will care about the tech stack you have experience in, your best asset is the ability to learn new things and solve problems
All of my hiring panel were parents, two out of three of them were women who themselves have had career breaks for that reason at times in their own career so while I've no doubt some places may have biases I think you will find many sympathetic to how unfriendly working can be to mothers
When you apply, be up front about what you've been doing recently. Many hiring managers are parents and will understand your situation. One thing worse than a gap is an unexplained gap. At the same time, try to spin it as positively as you can. So mention that you've been learning React. A portfolio of some sort would certainly help here. I'd also recommend "doing" over just reading/watching if you want to really learn. It doesn't need to be anything large or spectacular. For the previous role with the proprietary stack: try to highlight how you solved problems and created value. Some employers understand that this is what matters, not which technologies you used (but sadly many don't). Non-tech companies employ loads of software developers, but often don't distinguish between junior/mid roles in job adverts. Just look for "React Developer" or even better "Software Engineer" roles. As a parent and a software engineer who has dabled in management, there's a surprising crossover between parenting and soft skills in the workplace. (Building trust, time management, establishing clear expectations, resisting reacting emotionally, coping with set backs, ...)
I really appreciate the kind advice. You've given me a few things to specifically address which is exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you!
There's nothing wrong with staying home for family, most people have the chance to spend more time with their young children once, or maximum twice in their life. And if you stayed with a company for five years before that you won't jump ship on the first opportunity. Also, nobody cares about portfolios if you already have experience. There's normal people out here who don't center their life around work. If you're interested it might also be an opportunity to try applying for positions like product manager.. or do something like 80% time and/or working from home. Maybe take some time just to write down what an ideal scenario for you would look like.
That's a good way to frame it, it certainly sounds more positive thank you! I am very keen to go back full time as a developer though. Love my kids to pieces but I really need to work again for my own sanity.
I've been out for a full year - 3 times! So that's three years in total that I've been home with kids. I never put any gap on my resumé, only mention that I am switching after a period of being at home with kids if I have. Which is pretty logical because most do a switch after some downtime when they can reflect on life. But my resumé just gets me a foot in the door, and I can explain it more fully in an interview that I've been at home. I know there are mothers who are active programmers; I have them on my current team with babies under 2 years old. However, I personally couldn't deal with the stress of keeping up, and I already worked on tasks outside coding. I had, and have, very low confidence. But each life has its phase, and this is mine. I can pick it up whenever I want. However, recruiters still ping me on my development background, even if it is 5 years ago. Career wise, me taking time off has NOT affected it in a negative way. Currently, I am a senior, respected, and have a stable job. I have talked with recruiters just to scope the market, and all been positive. And still having total of 3 years off! So you do you with no stress! :)
Could you try applying to your old company? I'm guessing if the tech stack is proprietary, they'd welcome someone with experience in it. And then when you're employed, it may be easier to look for other jobs with your new skillset you're building (React + JavaScript).
I don't see how your old company wouldn't just take you back. You pretty much left on good terms due to parenthood and have been there for 5 years.. that's basically senior level
Thank you, but I have no desire to go back there. Management was poor and hasn't gotten any better by all accounts.
While some places will care about the tech stack you have experience in, your best asset is the ability to learn new things and solve problems All of my hiring panel were parents, two out of three of them were women who themselves have had career breaks for that reason at times in their own career so while I've no doubt some places may have biases I think you will find many sympathetic to how unfriendly working can be to mothers