Stay engaged during a tech career break by joining online forums, attending virtual events, taking courses, following tech leaders, contributing to open source, blogging, volunteering, joining local Slack/Discord groups, reading industry news, and keeping in touch with mentors and colleagues.
What Are the Best Ways to Stay Connected to the Tech Community During a Career Break?
AdminStay engaged during a tech career break by joining online forums, attending virtual events, taking courses, following tech leaders, contributing to open source, blogging, volunteering, joining local Slack/Discord groups, reading industry news, and keeping in touch with mentors and colleagues.
Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
Like this article?
How to Take a Career Pause Without Losing Momentum
Interested in sharing your knowledge ?
Learn more about how to contribute.
Sponsor this category.
Join Online Tech Forums and Communities
Participating in platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/technology, or specialized forums related to your tech interests can keep you engaged with ongoing discussions, trends, and problem-solving. These communities are excellent for sharing knowledge, asking questions, and staying informed without a full-time commitment.
Attend Virtual Meetups and Webinars
Many tech groups now offer online meetups, webinars, and workshops. These events are often free or low-cost and provide opportunities to learn, network, and ask questions from the comfort of your home, helping you stay abreast of industry updates and build connections.
Take Online Courses and Certifications
Engaging in e-learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or edX allows you to update your skills and knowledge. Many courses offer forums and cohort groups where learners interact, which helps maintain a sense of community involvement during your break.
Follow Influential Tech Leaders on Social Media
Twitter, LinkedIn, and Medium are platforms where tech professionals and thought leaders share insights, industry news, and career advice. Following them can keep you informed and inspired, and also help you participate in conversations through comments and posts.
Contribute to Open Source Projects
Even during a career break, contributing to open source projects on GitHub or GitLab allows you to practice coding, collaborate with other developers, and build a portfolio. This involvement demonstrates continued engagement and helps maintain your practical skills.
Set Up a Personal Tech Blog or Vlog
Sharing your thoughts, tutorials, or project experiences via a blog or YouTube channel can keep you motivated and connected. It encourages interaction from readers and viewers, fostering community ties and keeping your voice relevant in the tech space.
Volunteer for Tech-Related Causes
Offering your skills to non-profits or community tech initiatives on a volunteer basis can keep you connected while contributing positively. This also enables networking with like-minded professionals and adds meaningful experience during your break.
Join Local Tech Slack or Discord Groups
Many cities and tech niches have Slack or Discord communities where professionals chat casually about projects, job openings, or tech news. Active participation can maintain daily interactions with peers even without a formal job role.
Read and Comment on Industry Publications
Following tech blogs, news sites, and journals such as TechCrunch, Wired, or Ars Technica can keep you updated. Leaving thoughtful comments or engaging in discussions on these platforms can connect you with other readers and experts.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins with Former Colleagues and Mentors
Maintaining relationships with your previous coworkers or mentors through periodic calls, messages, or virtual coffee chats helps you stay informed about workplace trends and potential opportunities. This network is invaluable for support and guidance during your break.
What else to take into account
This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?