Sep 28, 2026
Returning to Work? 5 Tips for Indianapolis Parents Considering a Healthcare Career
It can be overwhelming to even consider going back to work or changing jobs when your family relies on you.
Kente Bell, a career coach at the Mosaic Center for Work, Life + Learning in Indianapolis, works with people who are returning to work or exploring a new job in health care. His advice: start with where you are now. Coaching can help.
Child care, reliable transportation, and flexible work schedules are the top reasons our members consider whether a new job is a good fit. In Indiana, 57% of parents with young children specifically reported missing work or class because of child care issues during a three-month period.
Tip 1: Make a plan to help you show up consistently
A top condition parents look for in a new role is flexibility. That’s a real need. But flexibility works best when you are clear about what you can reliably commit to.
Before you apply for a role, honestly consider how many hours you can work and what support you may need. Knowing your limits can help you focus on roles and shifts that are a better fit for your family.
For many healthcare positions, reliability is important. Bell encourages parents to think through backup plans before taking a job.
“You show up for your family every day. On time. Even when you’re tired,” says Bell. “That is a valuable skill.”
The goal is not to ignore your need for flexibility. It is to define what flexibility needs to look like for you so you can apply to roles you are able to work consistently.
Tip 2: Look for parenting skills that are also workplace skills
Recently, Bell coached a mother who spent the last 15 years at home, raising her kids. She had a pharmacy technician certification but worried she no longer had the skills employers wanted.
Bell worked with her to map out what she did each day.
Getting children to school showed time management. Talking with teachers and doctors showed communication. Keeping a household moving showed organization, punctuality, and dedication.
“You have a lot of skills that translate into the job that you’re aspiring to have,” Bell says.
The same skills can be used when putting together a resume after a break from work.
Tip 3: Establish your support system before you actually need it
A work plan isn’t just for your best days. It also needs to consider what happens outside of work when things don’t go as planned.
Bell encourages parents to identify people or resources in their lives that can help when schedules change. Sometimes that includes family and friends. Other times it leans into church or community organizations.
Mosaic Center coaches can help members connect with local partners that may offer support with barriers affecting work, when someone has gaps in their support network.
Tip 4: Remember that your first healthcare job does not have to be your final one
There are many, many jobs in healthcare beyond becoming a doctor or nurse.
Some people might be drawn to patient care roles. Others find a better fit in registration, logistics, food services, environmental services or another kind of support role.
Bell shares that Mosaic Center coaching includes helping people set realistic goals and learn about healthcare opportunities they may not know exist.
“We help manage expectations, and then we show the opportunities and job fits that they may not be aware of,” he says.
Your first role isn’t your whole career path. It can simply be a solid step toward your larger career goal.
Tip 5: Forget having a “perfect plan”. Just start.
A career change can feel overwhelming when you try to solve everything at once.
Bell’s advice is simple. “Take one step.”
Work on your resume. Learn about a new role. Talk with a coach. Attend an orientation.
“When you don’t know what to do, just start,” Bell says.
It is not necessary for you to know precisely where your path is going in order to start. Having a trusted coach by your side ensures you don't have to navigate your first role alone, giving you ongoing support, practical problem-solving advice, and the confidence to succeed from day one.
Ready to explore what comes next?
Attend an Orientation Session to learn about the Mosaic Center, meet our coaches and discover pathways to your next healthcare job that is a good fit for you.
100% Free & No-Obligation: Learn how membership works at zero cost and with no pressure to sign up before you're ready.
Real Answers for Real-Life Parents: Discover how Mosaic Center can help connect you with child care support, transportation resources, and flexible schedules.
1-on-1 Coaching Connections: Meet career coaches who help translate your parenting skills into healthcare opportunities and build a plan tailored to your family's life.
Clear, Flexible Pathways: Explore entry-level healthcare roles, training options, and fast-track employment pathways. No degree or prior medical experience required.
Zero Guesswork: Learn exactly what support is available and what steps to take next, even if you don't have everything figured out yet.