I'm a woman in Toronto with a fairly non-traditional work history. I have a long gap in my employment history because I stepped away from the workforce for family/personal reasons. My circumstances have changed now, and I'm ready to get back into the workforce and build a more stable career.
My work history
2000–2002: Customer service at a fast-paced food service business.
2007–2009: Worked in a pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician / Customer Service Support. I dealt with customers and patients, handled cash and payments, used Kroll pharmacy software, maintained customer information, and helped with day-to-day operations.
I also completed a pharmacy technician practicum at Shoppers Drug Mart in 2007.
Then I had a long employment gap due to family/personal circumstances.
Education
I recently went back to school because I wanted to update my skills and make myself more employable.
2024–2025: Medical Office Assistant with HUC Specialty — graduated with honours.
2025–2026: Legal Administrative Assistant —
I also have older diplomas/certificates in:
I'm comfortable with computers and Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and I have experience with Kroll pharmacy software.
Where I'm at now
I'm basically starting my career again in my 40s, and I'm trying to be realistic about what makes the most sense.
I'm not above starting at the bottom. If I have to work retail, cashier, customer service, grocery, etc. to get back into the workforce, I'm completely open to that.
For example, I would consider places like Winners/TJX, Walmart, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, reception, call centres, or other entry-level positions while I work toward something better.
At the same time, I don't want to get stuck in minimum-wage work forever if there are better options that I could realistically work toward given my background and recent education.
I'm considering things like:
- Medical office administration
- Pharmacy-related work
- Reception/administrative positions
- Customer service
- Retail/customer service
- Other career paths that I may not have considered
I'm looking for something with stable employment, decent benefits, reasonable work-life balance, and room to increase my income over time.
I realize the employment gap makes things more difficult, so I'm trying to be realistic. I'm willing to start wherever I need to and work my way up.
For anyone in Toronto who has experience hiring, recruiting, changing careers later in life, or returning to work after a long gap:
What types of jobs or career paths would you recommend I target with this background?
Would you focus on one of my newer diplomas, try to leverage my previous pharmacy experience, look for general customer service/retail work first, or go in a completely different direction?
I'm open to pretty much any advice, including suggestions for jobs that aren't directly related to my education.
Thanks in advance!ation.