There are many reasons why people have to have a break from work. It could be that they have to take on a caring role for children or elderly parents or that they have had an illness which has resulted in them having to have some recuperation time at home whatever the reason returning to work after a break can be difficult. Although returning to the workplace can be demanding the advantages of collaborating with colleagues as a team can be beneficial mentally and the financial rewards are often welcome.
If you are returning to a post that you have previously held it could be, depending on how long you how been away, that some of the systems and routines have changed. If this is the case you should expect to be retrained before taking up the position fully.
If you are applying for a different role it may be necessary to update the qualifications that you hold to widen the choice of jobs that can be applied for. This may involve undertaking a college course or even going to university which can be an exciting prospect. Many universities encourage mature students to apply for their courses and offer family friendly timetables for those with childcare responsibilities making it possible for many more people to see this as an option.