An unexpected consequence of the economic downturn: An increasing number of women who had hung up their professional togs now find themselves having to dust off their resumes and are being forced to returnto work.

There have always been women who have found themselves suddenly needing to produce an income as a result of unfortunate circumstances, such as a divorce or the death of a partner. But with massive layoffs, women who didn’t think they would be on the job search path are back in the market. And they will encounter significant challenges. Not only are they facing one of the most inhospitable job markets in years, but many of these women may have rusty skills and outdated experience, have lost their sense of confidence and are ambivalent, if not resentful, about having to work, and are in competition with people who have more recent experience working. Continue reading » »