Only four years ago we found ourselves among one global pandemic. Unemployment figures hit all-time highs in 2020 as many businesses could not operate and many others had to drastically change the way they operated.

Since then, many have returned to work, but not all have. Some saw their break as an opportunity to return to school, learn new skillstravel or start a family. After making decisions like these, going back to work can be nerve-wracking. If you're looking to return to work (or have recently), here are five things you need to know.

Related: Have a gap in your CV? Here's how to own it

1. Time away from work likely made you stronger, not weaker

The best leaders and critical thinkers are those who have had a variety of life experiences and exposed themselves to different things, people and places. Work experience is (obviously) great, but it's just some kind of experience. When that's all we have, we tend to lack the ability to reason through different types of scenarios and relate to different types of individuals. We end up being one-dimensional and unable to think outside a box.

When we take time away from workwe do new things that we have never done before. We invest time in things we didn't have time for before. These things change our perspective and broaden us. Time away will likely make you grow and evolve (for the better). During my 21-year career, I have chosen to leave work three different times.

I traveled abroad, cared for a dying family member, became a marathon runner, published two books and held my own photography gallery opening. These experiences dramatically expanded my worldview and changed me tremendously. They helped me become more aware, confident, approachable and responsible. All of this made me a better manager and employee. If you've taken time off to raise children, go back to school, or serve on a board, it's definitely changed you into a stronger, stronger individual.

2. You are not the first or only person to rejoin the workforce after time away

Many people take time away from work at some point in their lives. It is not abnormal and you are not alone. More than likely your future boss or the person interviewing you has taken time off work or knows many who have. Make sure you never fall into the trap of believing that being out of work is bad or problematic – because it's not.

Having one the employment gap on your resume isn't a red flag, especially if you filled the time doing something meaningful, like accomplishing a big goal or developing a different skill. If you are not currently unemployed and this is not the case, you can still do this. Read a book (or several). Join a club. Take a class. Give back to the community by volunteering. Push yourself to develop or grow. That way, you'll have something to share with others when you get back to work.

Related: Why Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Vacations: 5 Tips for Taking Productive Time Away from Work

3. Your skills and talents don't disappear overnight (or even within a year)

Being unemployed doesn't change who you are or what you know. Your CV still exists. Your professional accomplishments and work experiences don't just fall apart on you took a step back focus on other parts of your life. It's the same with your college degree, certifications, and past training. Everything still happened. It's amazing how quickly old skills come back.

Even after employment gaps, I quickly caught up when it came to using databases or systems, crunching numbers, or fulfilling my professional responsibilities. Especially when it comes to the talents or gifts required for people-related endeavors, such as leadership or sales. You just don't forget how to interact with others because life has looked a little different for a few months or years. You will still know how to ask questions, listen and care about the answers.

4. Not working was probably the right life decision – and the right employer will understand

It's easy to assume that others will think less of us after we take a break from work. No doubt some people will. Those people are not worth your time. Anyone who looks down on you for taking time off to paint, travel, start a family or go back to school is not the right employer for you. This is because they are judging your choices and refusing to accept who you are as a person.

Great companies and great leaders care about their employees as people—not just workhorses. If the person interviewing you (or leading you) is raising an eyebrow at your choice to focus on an aspect of your life other than just work, you're probably not in a place where you're valued as a person. If you took time away from work to do something you feel good about, maybe it was the right choice. The right employer will know (and respect) this.

Related: Here's how to get back into the business world after a break

5. You will have plenty of tools, resources and people who are there to help you

Today's rate of technological advancement is huge, so taking time off means you can return to a changed industry. This can be scary and overwhelming. Just because you're re-entering the workforce doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Don't make the mistake of refusing ask for help because you don't want to look stupid or weak. Using the tools around you doesn't mean you're overwhelmed or overwhelmed. This means you are resourceful and humble. Identify what you need to get back up to speed. Figure out what things you need to learn (or relearn). Then, speak. Publicly notify someone (even if it's just the person sitting next to you). You will be surprised how willing people will be to help you. It's okay to ask for help.

Self-fulfilling prophecies are real. If you believe that going back to work will be difficult, then it will be. If you believe that taking time off work has put you at some kind of disadvantage, then it will. Whatever you tell yourself is true, is what will be true for you. Remember that your thoughts and feelings are both choices. You arrive Select how to feel about your return to the workforce. Where there's a will, there's a way. Choose to be confident and stand by your decisions. If you remember these five truths, your return to work will be great and you'll likely be a better employee than when you left.