The journey of returning to work after taking time off to raise my children was anything but straightforward. Initially, as a new mother, I had a vision for balancing parenthood with my career. I eagerly searched for nurseries near my workplace and explored flexible working options to return to the office after giving birth to my first child, Michael, in 2001. However, reality had other plans for me.
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As my maternity leave drew to a close, I found myself grappling with the unsettling thought of leaving my newborn in someone else’s care. The emotional weight of that decision was exacerbated by the fact that nothing I had planned seemed viable. The balance between work responsibilities and motherhood felt, at times, like attempting to walk a tightrope. Did I really want to trade my child’s early milestones for boardroom meetings?
With these feelings swirling in my mind, I made the choice to submit my notice and step away from the corporate world. Motherhood became my primary focus, and in 2005, I welcomed my second child, Melissa. It was not until 2018 that I found myself contemplating a return to full-time work. There I was, with 17 years of my life dedicated to raising my children, wondering how the corporate landscape had changed—and how I had changed with it.
Leaving My Job: A Permanent Holiday?
Leaving my operations position in the IT sector was akin to embarking on a long-awaited holiday. While I found immense joy in being a mother, I often reflected on my career. My professional identity had been intertwined with my work since 1998, where I carved out a reputation and formed deep connections with my colleagues. I even invited my entire global team to my wedding! It was difficult to say goodbye to that part of my life.
Strangely enough, parenting during this period felt like an extended adventure. Time spent with my children allowed me to instill invaluable lessons, nurturing their independence. I taught them skills like cooking and responsible budgeting—lessons that would serve them well in adulthood. We turned mealtimes into mindful rituals, ensuring nothing went to waste at restaurants. However, there lingered a whisper of ambition in my mind, nudging me to consider re-entering the workforce. Could I truly handle a corporate role amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting?
Living on One Income
During those years, my partner’s income became the bedrock of our family. We learned to make compromises, like forgoing lavish vacations or private schooling for our children, yet we did so willingly. We believed my presence at home was worth every sacrifice. Yet, while I was deeply fulfilled as a mother, I craved adult conversations and connections beyond playdates.
My re-entry into the workforce became more compelling when my teenage son made a lighthearted comment in 2017, joking about earning more money than me during his first job at a grocery store. It struck a chord. With both my children gradually gaining independence, I began seriously considering my professional future again. How had the world of operations evolved? Did I still possess the requisite skills?
I braced myself for the reality check of my résumé gap, knowing I might have to apply for positions lower than my previous roles. I attended workshops at a local community center that taught job search techniques, résumé writing, and interview preparation. The sense of community in those workshops was invigorating. With every lesson learned, I felt my confidence grow. Was this the moment I had been waiting for to rejoin the workforce?
Finding a Path Back: The Career Returners Program
One pivotal moment came when I applied for a three-month employment program with O2, a renowned telecommunications company now known as Virgin Media O2. Coincidentally, it was tailored specifically for individuals re-entering the corporate world after a career break—just like me. Without this opportunity, getting back to work would have felt like navigating a labyrinth without a map.
During interviews, the hiring managers didn’t just focus on my absence from work; they delved into my transferable skills. They acknowledged how my experiences as a mother could enrich the workplace. How empowering it felt to be seen for my entire self! Settling back into the corporate rhythm was surprisingly smooth. By the end of the program, I had secured a full-time position as a problem process manager, revisiting operations that felt both familiar and new. What a whirlwind of emotions as I observed how technology had transformed communications with tools like Teams and virtual collaboration becoming norms.
A Changed Perspective
Fast forward to 2022, where I found myself promoted to senior problem manager—my career trajectory brilliantly rekindled. I often reflect on how my career break cultivated a softer, kinder version of myself. The nurturing instincts I developed as a mother have made me a more empathetic colleague. I listen better, collaborate more readily, and approach challenges with a renewed sense of understanding.
My career break has proven invaluable. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to step back into my professional journey without sacrificing my ambitions. I’d tempered my expectations but emerged stronger and more resilient. Unfortunately, hiring processes still favor traditional candidates over career returners, often overlooking the rich tapestry of skills that life experience provides.
As I navigate this new chapter, I’m also driven by the desire to support others like me, who may face similar struggles. The corporate world is beginning to recognize the unique strengths of returners, yet there’s still much work to be done. The path isn’t always straightforward, but perhaps the questions we face along the journey are as important as the answers themselves.
In the end, my story isn’t just about a career rebound; it’s about embracing the complexities of life. Each experience shapes us in unexpected ways. So, what does your journey look like? Where do your passions lie? The adventure is never truly over.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
