By Katie Michel, Founder of GreenFlag
For most of my adult life, my career has been anything but linear. I’ve had multiple career breaks, raised four children, and spent nearly 16 years living abroad as an expat, supporting my husband’s career while navigating life in new countries. Each move, each transition, and each pause in my professional journey shaped me—but it also came with challenges.
When I stepped back into the workforce after my first career breaks, I was terrified. I questioned whether my skills were still relevant, whether I had anything to offer, and whether anyone would even consider hiring me after time away. But once I got back in, I confirmed what I inherently knew
💡 I was still amazing.
💡 My skills and knowledge hadn’t disappeared.
💡 My experience was still relevant.
The professional world had changed, yes—but I had changed too. And while my confidence took a hit during my career break, I quickly realized that I still had everything I needed to succeed.
The Birth of GreenFlag
GreenFlag wasn’t just a business idea—it was born out of frustration, passion, and purpose. Over the years, I’ve met countless intelligent, capable, highly skilled professionals who felt left behind by the workforce simply because they took a break. I watched friends and colleagues—people with years of experience, education, and proven success—question whether they still belonged in the professional world.
And that lit a fire in me.
Because the truth is, these people didn’t “fall behind.” They didn’t lose their value. They just needed a way back in—and an environment that recognized their worth.
GreenFlag is my mission to create that space.
A community that supports and uplifts career returners.
A platform that connects them to companies that value their skills.
A movement to make career reentry a standard, not an exception.
I know firsthand how hard it is to rebuild confidence after a break. I also know how rewarding it is when you finally get that chance to prove to yourself—and to the world—that you never lost your potential.
If you’ve ever felt like the workforce has moved on without you, I want you to know: You are still valuable. You still belong. And Greenflag is here to help you find your way back.
Join the Greenflag community today—because your career isn’t over. It’s just getting started again.