Ask the Expert Randy Prange is a business advisor and CEO of Insights, Inc., a nationally recognized strategic planning and business development firm. Husband's Gap in Service Q: Randy, How does my husband explain the past 1 1/2 years of unemployment and being a stay at home mom while I have been the breadwinner? It is necessary for him to return to work now and I know he is very concerned that this will stop his forward movement. He previously had a six figure income. I know that he has also gotten a little comfortable with the stay at home job. He is an extremely devoted dad and husband but it's time for the role reversal to take place again! I lost my job last year and our income has taken a drastic change. I would appreciate your input. How exactly does he respond when a prospective employer understands the gap in time? Thanks so much! Nancy A: Dear Nancy, I'm afraid I can't help you with the domestic side of your question. You and your husband will need to work that aspect out between you. Regarding the explanation for the gap in service, in today's market it is becoming more common to see men spending some time outside the traditional workplace for the purpose of child rearing and working in the home. Considering the income range you described, many employers would assume your husband could afford a hiatus of this nature. He should approach prospective employers with complete confidence regarding his skills and experience and consider his break in service as a special life experience shared with your children. Moving forward now, he may want to consider enlisting the help of professional placement services to give him a boost in confidence and help in the search for a good match with his talents and interests. Recently Asked Questions I'm ready to reenter the work force after six years, but I'm worried about how to compete again. Randy's answer My new boss is ten years younger than I am, not married and practically lives at work. I feel like he expects me to do the same. What should I do? Randy's advice While in the process of interviewing for a new job, I found out I was pregnant. At what point should I tell them the good news? Randy's Answer Submit your questions Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual. The information provided is based on personal observations and experiences of the writer that have been garnered over years as a business manager, owner and executive business coach and counselor.