[OutOfHere]

I would fill the gap with open source and personal projects that I have worked on. Include sufficient detail. Surely you've been doing something of technical interest in this time. Mark it as self-employed. Good luck.

If you don't have any, then start working on one now, preferably a challenging one, for which you can show impactful results, then go to step 1.

[imissfirefox]

It’s not a given they were doing something related that could go on a resume. Could have been time off for parenting, caring for an ill family member, unable to legally work (for example living abroad for a partner’s education or work assignment), personal health problem/treatment, etc.

For the community: What are some ways to support a person getting back into the field and avoiding discrimination against time out of work?

[OutOfHere]

That's true. I think the simplest way back in is to accept a lower paying job as long as the work itself is at one's level, then use it as leverage to get back into the bigger game. For example, a remote senior engineer might normally expect 160k, but someone in the op's shoes might have to settle for 120k for the same role until there is more leverage. Also, a contract role may be easier to get than an FTE role.

[taurath]

Give referrals and connections for referrals mainly. Walk them thru interview processes, help them brush up on skills, new advancements.

Had to take 3 years for a health problem during which I mentally just couldn’t code. Still looking and now finally able to practice projects again; it is difficult!

[silverquiet]

If I had a good chunk of time off, I would really prefer not to spend that time developing software. As it is, people have to pay me a good chunk of money to do that.

[wruza]

So your employer prefers to save a good chunk of money cause you’re likely a little rusty.