Six years. That’s 2,190 days. In tech time, that’s practically a geological era.
Maybe you left to raise kids. Maybe health knocked you down. Maybe you burned out so hard you couldn’t look at code without feeling physically ill. Maybe you tried something else, started a business, cared for family, or simply needed to step away.
The reason doesn’t matter as much as this truth: You’re thinking about coming back. And you’re terrified.
I get it. While you were away, React probably went through three major versions. New frameworks emerged and died. AI exploded. The job market transformed. Your old skills feel like ancient history, and your confidence is somewhere in the basement.
But here’s what nobody tells you: You can come back. People do it every day.
The Tech Landscape: What Actually Changed
Let me ease your anxiety first. Yes, things changed. But not everything.
The fundamentals you knew? Still relevant. Problem-solving, system design thinking, debugging logic, understanding how computers work, these don’t expire. They’re the foundation everything else builds on.
What did change:
- AI is everywhere now. GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and AI tools are part of daily development. But they’re tools, not replacements.
- Cloud-native is the default. Everything’s containerized, serverless, or microservices-based now.
- Remote work became normal. The pandemic changed everything. Many jobs are remote-first now.
- JavaScript frameworks multiplied. But React, Vue, and Angular still dominate.
- DevOps merged with development. Developers own more of the deployment pipeline.
Overwhelming? Sure. Insurmountable? Absolutely not.
Your Comeback Journey: A Realistic Roadmap
Here’s your path back, visualized:
graph TD
A[Starting Point: 6 Years Away] --> B[Phase 1: Assess & Accept]
B --> C[Phase 2: Foundation Rebuild]
C --> D[Phase 3: Modern Skills Update]
D --> E[Phase 4: Portfolio Building]
E --> F[Phase 5: Network Activation]
F --> G[Phase 6: Job Search Strategy]
G --> H[Success: Back in Tech]
B --> B1[Take inventory of existing skills]
B --> B2[Accept the gap without shame]
B --> B3[Set realistic timeline: 3-6 months]
C --> C1[Review fundamentals]
C --> C2[Pick one core technology to focus]
C --> C3[Start with free resources]
D --> D1[Learn modern tooling]
D --> D2[Understand AI tools]
D --> D3[Study cloud basics]
E --> E1[Build 2-3 solid projects]
E --> E2[Contribute to open source]
E --> E3[Document everything on GitHub]
F --> F1[Update LinkedIn completely]
F --> F2[Join tech communities]
F --> F3[Attend virtual meetups]
G --> G1[Target returnship programs]
G --> G2[Consider contract work first]
G --> G3[Apply strategically, not desperately]
style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:4px
style H fill:#9f9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:4pxPhase 1: Assess and Accept (Week 1-2)
Stop apologizing for the gap. Seriously. Life happens. According to LinkedIn, 62% of employees have taken a career break. You’re not unique in this, you’re part of the majority.
Take honest inventory:
- What did you know before? Write it all down.
- What skills might transfer from your gap years? Management, communication, resilience?
- What excites you about coming back?
- What scares you most? (Name it to tame it)
Phase 2: Foundation Rebuild (Week 3-6)
Don’t jump into the latest framework yet. Start with fundamentals:
- Data structures and algorithms: LeetCode easy problems for 30 minutes daily
- Your core language: Whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or Java, refresh the basics
- Version control: Git and GitHub have new features, but basics remain the same
- Command line: Still essential, still powerful
Resources that don’t break the bank:
- freeCodeCamp (completely free)
- The Odin Project (free, comprehensive)
- YouTube (endless free tutorials)
- Library books (yes, they still exist and they’re free)
Phase 3: Modern Skills Update (Week 7-12)
Now add modern layers:
Pick ONE of these paths to start:
- Frontend: HTML5/CSS3 → Modern JavaScript → React or Vue → Next.js
- Backend: Your language → REST APIs → Node/Express or Django → PostgreSQL → Docker basics
- Full-stack: Start with backend, add frontend gradually
- DevOps: Linux → Docker → Kubernetes basics → CI/CD → Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
Essential modern tools everyone needs:
- VS Code with extensions
- Docker (at least basics)
- Postman or similar API testing tool
- Basic cloud knowledge (pick one provider)
- ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot (they’re tools, learn to use them)
Phase 4: Portfolio Building (Week 13-16)
Your portfolio matters more than your resume now. Build these:
- One CRUD application: Shows you understand basics
- One API integration project: Proves you can work with external services
- One passion project: Something that excites you and shows personality
Put everything on GitHub. Write good READMEs. Deploy them (Vercel, Netlify, Railway – many have free tiers).
Phase 5: Network Activation (Week 17-20)
Your network atrophied during your gap. Time to rebuild:
Online networking:
- Update LinkedIn completely. Write a powerful summary statement rich with keywords and past accomplishments
- Join tech Twitter, follow developers in your area
- Participate in Reddit communities (r/cscareerquestions, r/learnprogramming)
- Join Discord servers for your tech stack
Real-world networking:
- Virtual meetups (less intimidating to start)
- Local tech meetups when ready
- Coffee chats with former colleagues
- Hackathons (great for learning and meeting people)
Phase 6: Job Search Strategy
Don’t spray and pray. Be strategic:
1. Returnship Programs
Major companies offer structured returnship programs: IBM Tech Re-Entry, Microsoft Leap, Goldman Sachs Returnship, Path Forward partnerships. These are specifically designed for people like you.
2. Contract Work First
Consider starting with contract or freelance work. Lower commitment for employers, easier entry for you, builds recent experience quickly.
3. Target the Right Companies
- Companies with returnship programs
- Startups (more flexible, less rigid requirements)
- Non-tech companies with tech departments
- Government and education (often more open to non-traditional paths)
Addressing the Gap: Your Script
Stop dreading this question. Here’s your framework:
“I took time to [reason – keep it brief]. During this time, I [any relevant skills/experiences gained]. I’m excited to return because [genuine enthusiasm for tech/role]. I’ve spent the last [X months] updating my skills through [specific actions taken].”
Example: “I took time to care for family health needs. During this time, I developed strong project management and crisis handling skills. I’m excited to return because I genuinely miss solving technical problems and building things. I’ve spent the last four months rebuilding my skills, learning modern React and cloud technologies, and building three full-stack projects.”
Focus on the value you offer rather than defending the gap. Your maturity, life experience, and perspective are assets, not liabilities.
The Mental Game: Staying Sane
This journey will mess with your head. Some days you’ll feel like a genius catching up quickly. Other days you’ll feel like you’ll never make it. Both are normal.
Combat impostor syndrome:
- Keep a learning journal. Document daily wins, however small
- Find a accountability buddy or mentor
- Remember: Even senior devs Google basic syntax daily
- Your experience outside tech gave you skills others don’t have
Manage the overwhelm:
- You don’t need to learn everything
- Pick one path and go deep
- It’s okay to not understand everything immediately
- Take breaks. Burnout during recovery helps nobody
Success Stories: You’re Not Alone
People successfully return to tech after decade-long gaps through programs like VMware’s VMinclusion Taara, transitioning from completely different careers like teaching. If someone can switch from teaching to tech after 10 years, you can return after 6.
82% of Path Forward returnship participants secure employment after completing their programs. The odds are actually in your favor.
The Timeline Reality Check
Be realistic about timing:
- 3-6 months: Minimum to update skills and build portfolio
- 6-12 months: More realistic for full preparation and job search
- Your first role back might not be ideal. That’s okay. It’s a stepping stone
This isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. Pace yourself.
Resources to Start Today
Free Learning Platforms:
- freeCodeCamp
- The Odin Project
- Coursera (audit courses for free)
- MIT OpenCourseWare
Practice Platforms:
- LeetCode (start with easy)
- HackerRank
- CodeWars
- Exercism
Community Support:
- r/learnprogramming
- r/cscareerquestions
- DEV Community
- Local meetup groups
Returnship Programs to Research:
- Path Forward
- IBM Tech Re-Entry
- Microsoft Leap
- Amazon Returnship
- Goldman Sachs Returnship
The Truth Nobody Tells You
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: Your gap isn’t a weakness. It’s part of your story.
You lived life outside the tech bubble. You gained perspective. You know what really matters. You’re not the same person who left, and that’s a good thing.
The tech industry doesn’t judge based on age or career gaps, they care about technical skills. Your ability to code, solve problems, and contribute to a team matters more than an unbroken resume.
You’re not starting over. You’re starting again, with wisdom you didn’t have before.
Your First Step Starts Now
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait until you feel ready. You’ll never feel ready.
Today, do one thing:
- Write “Hello World” in your favorite language
- Sign up for one free course
- Update one section of your LinkedIn
- Read one technical article
- Join one online community
Just one thing. Tomorrow, do another.
Six years ago, you stepped away from tech. Today, you begin the journey back. Not because you have to, but because something inside you wants to build again, solve problems again, be part of creating something again.
That feeling? That’s all you need to start.
Welcome back. We’ve been waiting for you.
References
- FlexJobs: “15 Companies With Return to Work Programs (Returnships)” – https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexible-companies-with-return-to-work-programs
- Apex Systems: “How to Rejoin the IT Workforce After an Employment Gap” – https://www.apexsystems.com/careers/career-resources/how-rejoin-it-workforce-after-employment-gap
- LinkedIn: “Returning to a Tech Career after a Break” by Tamara Dowling – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/returning-tech-career-after-break-tamara-dowling
- Techneeds: “7 Companies with Returnship Programs 2024” – https://www.techneeds.com/2025/05/15/7-companies-with-returnship-programs-2024-to-explore/
- Medium: “Here is How I Restarted My Career in Tech after a Ten-year gap!” – https://medium.com/taara-in-you/here-is-how-i-restarted-my-career-in-tech-after-a-ten-year-gap-c22e6a0129f9
- Nintriva: “A Guide to Finding Job After A Career Break in Tech” – https://nintriva.com/blog/finding-job-after-career-break/
