Here's How Women Can Resume Work After a Break

 

Synopsis: Personal reasons or inbuilt pressure of giving their best to every role often compel Indian women to take a career break. Here is why and how they can resume and recoup their career.

Gunjan Bharadwaj | 16th September 2021


When I decided to take a break from work to have a baby, I vowed to be back soon. Unaware, of the fact that motherhood is not a 2-3  years task, instead, it is quite overwhelming, demands 24*7*365 days of engagement. Although I had every intention to get back to work,  it got postponed, then delayed,  with every other milestone of the little one. 
Being unemployed, then justifying such gaps to yourself, and getting back to work, is a very tricky part emotionally. It needs rigorous brainstorming, believe me on this! Being a woman and a mother is not the same thing.  
So let's peep into this thinking cloud, once again with me, to find the answers of basic but foremost WHYs, IFs, BUTs, that come to our mind while making any such decisions.
 




Why Do We Want to Work?

Isn't this tune running through your head all day, the moment you think of recouping after good long years? Why I want to work, if at all I want to resume, is it worth, leave it there is nothing more important to me than my child, money is not everything, I shall invest my time in my kid and shape a better character for his/her future. These thoughts have kept me occupied for years. Always after every interview call, I felt the same. This agitation of being independent and raising a child in a monitored environment has left me with depression of wanting something else and ending up in doing something other than ordinary.
The reason why a woman should be independent is for her stability and satisfaction. There is no space for sulking or inferiority complex, instead, profound adequacy can be attained in monitory terms as well. Economic necessity is no longer the incentive unless it is really dire.

How to Resume Work After a Gap?


Boost up your Skills

Now when you have decided to resume then next comes the step of preparation. Here, "next" is about being prepared for the "next level". Evaluate your skillset and cope with the latest market trend. One must keep himself updated with what is going on where. Remember, research is your responsibility. So spend some time analyzing how market trends have changed, what are the most in-demand skills in your targeted field or industry and how technologies have evolved in the last few years. This research will improve your credibility as a job candidate and help you stand out from the crowd. Only then resuming could be made easier and smooth. Prepare yourself to justify that the taken break was not a break literally. 

Good Resume

If you have a good resume, shortlisting is a sure thing. Your selection is 80% resume and rest 20% is your performance in interviewing rounds. Be selective while quoting your skills, review and customize it as per the job role. It is important to understand what the employer wants and how fit are you for the role. This will reduce the chances of being underprepared.

Balance Is Important, Change is constant!

Keep it in mind that you require to make some changes in your daily schedule and reassess the priority on your to-do list, there is no need of killing oneself in trying to manage work and home. 

How to Find a Job?

Now comes in how to find a job? Do some research online and find out what employers are looking for in the candidate. You can use job posting websites such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed and read the job description of your targeted role. You can also check the job websites of your dream companies.

Justify Your Gap!

Be prepared to justify your gap, as an employer they will seek honesty. You could tailor your answers to demonstrate how your break will benefit the role you are now applying for. Think critically about some of the concerns an interviewer may have. They may wonder whether you’re ready to get back on the career ladder, assure them with your satisfactory confident answers.

Don’t Sit Idle: Explore Alternative Career Options

In today's ever-evolving digital world, the traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer the only path to success. With the rise of social media platforms and content-driven careers, there are more opportunities than ever to explore alternative career options that align with your interests and skills. Instead of sitting idle, why not consider becoming a YouTube content creator, Instagram influencer, blogger, social media expert, or content writer? Here's why these careers might be the perfect fit for you.

1. YouTube Content Creator

The world of YouTube is vast and diverse, offering a platform where creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're into gaming, cooking, DIY, education, or vlogs, there’s a niche for everyone. As a YouTube content creator, you can build a loyal audience, monetize your videos through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, and turn your passion into a profitable career.

2. Instagram Influencer

Instagram continues to be a leading platform for influencers, with millions of brands looking for individuals who can authentically promote their products. If you love creating visually stunning content and connecting with a community, becoming an Instagram influencer could be a great career alternative. With the right strategy, influencers can generate income through sponsored posts, collaborations, and affiliate marketing.

3. Blogger

Blogging remains a powerful way to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with a global audience. Whether you want to write about travel, lifestyle, technology, or fashion, blogging allows you to dive deep into topics you're passionate about. Monetization can come from affiliate links, sponsored content, or advertising, making it a lucrative career option for those who love writing.

4. Social Media Expert

As businesses increasingly rely on digital marketing, the demand for social media experts is higher than ever. If you're adept at navigating different platforms, creating engaging content, and analyzing performance, you can help brands grow their online presence. Whether working as a freelancer or with a company, being a social media expert offers flexibility and a rewarding career path.

5. Content Writer

Content writing is crucial for businesses looking to maintain a strong online presence. If you have a flair for writing and can craft compelling stories, articles, or web content, content writing could be your gateway to a successful career. With the rise of blogs, websites, and social media, the need for skilled content writers continues to grow.

Hope for the best sounds cliché, but manifestations do work. You may have cold feet after thinking about burdensome responsibility of managing home, children and work, Yes it could be difficult in the initial phase but then you will get used to it sooner. 
Self-reliance is one of the most important attributes of personal freedom. This blog may inspire you, speak to you, or urge you to strive harder and to be free from any external control or constraint.
Believe in yourself, you have all the answers inside you.
The more you trust yourself, the easier your life will flow.

6 comments

  1. Lou FarrellSeptember 21, 2021 at 1:44 PM

    Very informative post and there is a lot to be said about working after having children and the sense of identity is of paramount importance. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Off-Beat |GunjanFebruary 7, 2022 at 1:13 PM

      Rightly said! I am a firm believer that every woman should be an independent soul.

      Delete
  2. CorinneSeptember 21, 2021 at 5:17 PM

    Great post! I was going to go back to work but I'm not returning. I am going to blog full time instead. I'm hoping that it will be something I can continue to do for a long time!

    Corinne x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Off-Beat |GunjanFebruary 7, 2022 at 1:15 PM

      I highly appreciate this Corinne. A huge step instead. It is commendable that you decide to work for yourself instead.

      Delete
  3. ofaglasgowgirlSeptember 27, 2021 at 12:57 AM

    These are such great points and important to remember when going back after any break. When going back to college I had to learn that I couldn't do it all and that's ok.

    ReplyDelete
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