Career2.0- my return to work journey

While most of us will remember 2020 year for the pandemic and the impact it created, I for one will also remember it for an important milestone of my life.- A kick start to Career 2.0 or my return to work.

It was 2017 , when I finally did what I felt was the right thing to do. I decided take a quit my job and take a break. The sabbatical was a welcome break after having juggled work and day care routine for years.

For the first few months, I just soaked in the feeling of the guilt- free motherhood and almost after a decade I spent a month at my parents place. ..and then it was time to move on to reviving old hobbies and building new ones- writing/ blogging being one of them.

Soon, we touched the two year mark and my son and I both were ready for me to get back.. As expected it was a roller-coaster ride for the next 5–6 months and finally in Jan 2020, I was back to work, in role that I loved.

The question that I have been often asked before and after is …how easy it easy it was . how did you do it ?

Well !! the answer is not really straight and simple, but in hindsight, I think there were a few things that made the difference and these could be of help for those who are planning to embark on this journey.

I owned my choice to first take a break and return- I did it because I wanted to, not because someone else wanted me to. It was a decision I was very sure of because I had lived with it my head long enough before taking the plunge. As it happens with most choices, there was a give and take- I was stepping away at a time when I was doing really well professionally and the future looked promising. I was leaving it all when the voices around me were all warning me that I would never be able to return. But in my head I knew that what I stood to gain outweighed all other concerns. I knew I owed these two years to the mother in me and my decision was aligned to my core values. The most sane advice came from my younger sibling, who said “ no decision is right or wrong , its all in your hands ultimately…what and how you do during your break and post it will define whether it was good or bad”.

Clarity of what I could live with it and without-. My expectations from my new job were realistic and practical. Yes, my son had grown up but he still needed me around so when I had to let go of an opportunity that did not fit in with my idea of work life balance, I did not hesitate. Giving it a try, is an advice many may give but making a commitment and then backing off is not the kind is work ethic I would choose or recommend.

Passion for my work and willingness to keeping learning -.I had always loved my profession at it was more than a job for me — it was my passion. So all through I was in touch with industry trends and also did some freelance (mostly pro bono) work in my field. It not only kept in me connected to field but was also very satisfying for the career woman in me. Given my experience, I can say that continuous learning is the one thing that can make or mar your prospects for return.

Self-belief — Once I decided to return,this was my strongest armour. Never did I allow myself to believe that it was difficult/ impossible. I also consciously stayed away from people who would make me believe otherwise. There were acquaintances/ some ex- colleagues who had already written me off, even before I took my first step towards return, based on their own experiences. To keep all the negativity at bay, I invested my time in learning and reading inspiring books. This was a great help!

Family support- my family stood by me like a rock when I decided to leave against all negative advice and also, when I decided to return. My parents who were the real inspiration behind my career supported my decision. My siblings were there with me holding my hand at every step..so much so that I do realize, I couldn’t have done it without them.

And now for some bitter pills — As I mentioned earlier, it was a roller-coaster ride with is share of bumps So on the way, I realised that there are organisations who will want you for your skills but not hire you for that break in a career.

Then again you will realise you really can’t count on everyone in your professional network — even people who have always leveraged your support in the past may now become elusive.Some personal equations also undergo a change — some people don’t see you at the same person once your corporate title and the associated frills are gone. But the silver lining was the support coming from unexpected quarters. And these bumps only made me stronger and wiser.

My spiritual journey and professional training as life coach has always propelled to be there for people but with these experiences behind me , I was more sure than ever before of my commitment to be there for other woman who were trying to take a break or planning to return .

The day I took.a break and resolved to return, I realized that I did not have many examples to refer to. All I heard were those voices reminding me that not many have been able to return back, especially those who left at a leadership position- After-all weren’t leaders supposed to be role models, super woman’s managing it all seamlessly, instead of revealing their vulnerabilities by raising their hands and saying “ I need help..a break..because something other than my career is more important for me, at this time”.

But, once again I chose to go against the tide, secretly hoping that someday I would change the narrative with my own ‘story of return’. So here I am sharing my story…this is my humble attempt to let you all know it’s possible and you can do it too!
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