“Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a brand new opportunity to build what you truly want” – Anonymous.
Many do have the fortune of an illustrious and continuous career in their lives. For few though, a break becomes warranted – whether it be maternity reasons, family circumstances or health issues, there comes an inevitable break. Candidly, I am yet to step out into the corporate world and restart my career, but time and again, over any social bonding, I am set with the unavoidable question, is it going to be easy to get back in the game? Is there a new dawn on the horizon anytime sooner?
Taking cognizant of the reality, I am mindful of this –Technology changes rapidly, things develop at a quick pace and few intimidating terms like Millennials, Gen –Z crop up…all pointing to the fact that the efforts required are more than adequate. Contemplating a lot on the subject, do I tumble down in distress? Certainly no. All I have a sense of belief that to bounce back, I have to sharpen the axe rather than swinging it harder.
Ironically, a major decision such as resuming career after a break is not taken in a day. It’s the culmination of detailed discussions with your well-wishers and endless deliberations with self. Since you’ve already invested ample time in concluding this, it’s only fair to do a few things with precision before heading out into the wide world.
A few pointers in the Pre-resumption stage:
- Assess yourself, bridge gaps : Its normal to think that we would fit right where we left off, but developments in the meantime has to be considered. Upskill with relevant knowledge. One option would be to seek help from someone in similar field and ask for their assessment about your stance.
- Attention to detail : Don’t leave anything to chance, rather try to have a grasp on things. Whether it be resume preparation or cover letter, power dressing for the interview, give it your all and make it your best effort.
- Mock Interviews: It’s quite normal to feel jittery while facing an interview panel after a gap. Try to involve someone who can give you mock interviews and work on your areas of improvement. The best thing to do in any situation is to be yourself and be confident. Never be hesitant to explain the reason for your break, define the way this time helped you progress in life.
Post Resumption:
- Start slow, absorb: Use the first few days to acclimatize and blend in with the surroundings. Be a fly on the wall.
- Have a Mentor: In early stages, have a mentor to look up to. It’s fulfilling to have someone to guide and to consult during uncertainty.
- Seek constant feedback: Touch base with your superiors at regular intervals, bridge any differences in expectations.
- Acknowledge your efforts, stay positive: Above all, recognize your progress, however small it maybe. Be happy for the fact that you braved all odds for being where you are.
To conclude, it’s certainly a bit daunting to restart something after a break. But the bigger regret will be not to try. So if going in for career redemption and venturing a new dawn, gather all the courage and determination and give it your best shot, for where there’s guts, there’s glory!
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, “Importance of networking for success in your career“, ‘Busy Day vs Productive Day‘, ‘Money matters for womens financial independence‘.
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
You can reach our guest bloggers by mailing us at support@hersecondinnings.com.
Her Second Innings, helps capable women professionals to find their calling in their second innings. Women looking to get back to their careers, or needing advice to pursue alternate career to become financially independent Sign up with us and complete your profile. Feel free to connect with us at support@hersecondinnings.com after completing your registration formalities, our career experts would be happy to have a conversation with you and assist you to take the assessment to gauge your current knowledge level to restart your career.
Disclaimer:
“This blog claims no credit for any images or content posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images and content on this blog belong to their respective owners. If there is an image or content on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it to appear on this site, please e-mail us with a link to said image or content and it will be promptly removed.”
