Life has a way of handing you challenges all at once. For me, it felt like the perfect storm – my parents were dealing with health issues, I was traveling constantly between the East and West Coasts, going through a divorce, and trying to be there for my two young kids. The burnout was real. I knew I needed to step back, refocus, and figure out what truly mattered. What I thought would be a year-long break turned into something much longer, but looking back, it was exactly what I needed to happen to get me where I am today.
During that time, I learned to prioritize. I became a single dad 50% of the time, which meant I had to step up in ways I hadn’t before – getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, scheduling playdates, etc. It wasn’t something I had to do before, but it became clear how important it was. That time helped me grow as a parent and a person.
The idea of returning to work crossed my mind a few times, but my heart just wasn’t in it – until one day, my youngest son, who was around 12 or 13 at the time, said, “Dad, I don’t remember you ever working.” That hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized I wanted to set a better example for him, show him what hard work looks like, and make him proud. That’s when I knew it was time.
I owe so much to reacHIRE for making that transition possible. I’ll admit, I was scared at first – doubts, anxiety, fear – “Can I do this again? Am I capable? Will people even want me back after so much time away?” But reacHIRE provided a supportive environment that made all the difference. I was part of a cohort of 17 people, and while I was the only man and one of the older participants, I never felt out of place. Everyone was welcoming, encouraging, and understanding, thanks to the amazing leadership of my Program Manager Amanda Olender and the group’s camaraderie. Being surrounded by people who were going through the same emotions was incredibly comforting.
I started in a business development role on a global software team, which aligned with my background. But during the returnship, unexpected situations opened a door to a sales position with Pro-face by Schneider Electric. It wasn’t the role I had envisioned, but I knew I wanted to stay at the company. Now, as an Area Sales Manager covering 11 states on the West Coast, I’m grateful for the experience and the safety net that reacHIRE provided. Without this program, I don’t think I could’ve handled the transition.
What I appreciated most about reacHIRE – aside from the support and the friendships – was that I didn’t have to figure it all out on my own. Their connections and expertise made the journey so much smoother. For anyone considering returning to work, I can’t recommend them enough.