I understand your struggle, I work in the food services industry. It was tough making the decision to continue working (once places opened back up) because I didn't want to get myself or my girlfriend sick. but I have a lot of friends who did NOT return. I think employers will be understanding, just be prepared to talk about what you did during your year out of work. Did you take care of your aunt? Learn a new skill? Highlight that stuff!

I wouldn’t even worry about that. Lots of employees know people were let go because of the pandemic. My husband was out of work for 17 months. He got let go during his paternity leave. It was the worst timing. He was able to get a better paying job than he had. Find what you want, not something that just brings home some money.

@Isla Alejandro I don't think that you're screwed due to your long-term unemployment due to the pandemic. You've got very valid reasons for not returning to work or starting a job search during this period of time that any employer that is worth working for would and should understand. You can use the time with your elderly Aunt to put skills like Caregiver on your resume or application.

Another way to activate your job search and to have help of others is to look at activating your professional network. We've got an entire section on Jobcase with articles dedicated to helping you build out your professional network for your job search. Many jobs are filled by asking people you know if there are opportunities at their workplace as well. Good luck Isla! And remember for any other questions, support or anything else the community here on Jobcase has your back.

Hey Isla. I learned in the last jobcase webinar that you can actually put a 'planned career break' section in your resume under experience! They suggested that you put a sentence or two under that explains why you took the break so maybe something like 'stepped away from work to care for my elderly family member during COVID.' Good luck!

No you are not! I am 64 and just started working at Walmart. I hadn't worked since 2008 because of my health & taking care of my aging parents. You can do this!

The economy is just starting to recover. Unemployment was at an all time high. You are in the normal.

I took care of my mom for 9 years with dementia. I worked full-time. The 1st 4 years I had her in adult daycare until she no longer wanted to go, "Walking-out". I registered with CCS Connecticut Care Services, a government agency to get in-house care while I worked. The aides came twice a day, one 8hrs (day) and the other 4hrs (evening). Look into the Home Healthcare Services in your area. They will help and can sign you up for the government funds to pay for the services. I hope this helps! God Bless

I was a caregiver for my parents for what was supposed to be a short time but turned into long-term. It was my honor to do so, however, it did change my career. I left my profession to take on something that let me work PT from home. Later, when I tried to return to my chosen profession too much time had passed and I was only given serious consideration for my current job skills. I have three college degrees and years of experience, so it was like I was completely starting over. Employers should be more understanding of your situation because of the pandemic. Regardless, you may want to take an online class to keep your skills current or learn something new for your field. Not sure what your career is, but most interviews for office positions and overall team communication are now virtual. You may want to make sure you are familiar with programs, such as Zoom, Team, Google Calendar, etc.

Put it on your resume.

Your definitely not screwed hun if anything you benefited yourself while unemployed by taking care of your aunt adding caretaker to your resume! Employers will understand why it has taken you so long to come back to the field. Just be you you got this!! Good luck!!