Taking a career break, whether for family reasons, personal development, or other factors, is a significant decision that many women make at some point in their lives. However, this break can sometimes lead to financial insecurity and a sense of dependence.
With some careful planning and strategic actions, women on a career break can attain financial independence. In this article, we will explore some practical steps to help women regain control of their financial futures.
Set Goals
The first step toward financial independence is to set clear and achievable financial goals. These goals will serve as a roadmap for your journey. Start by defining both short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals could include saving a certain amount each month for your upskilling or finding a part time gig to start earning. Long-term goals might involve getting back to full time job and start regular earnings, purchasing a car, home, investing for your kid’s future, or plan for your retirement.
Setting goals provides direction and motivation, making it easier to stay committed to your plan.
Create a Budget
A simple budget plan is a powerful tool for managing your finances effectively. Start by tracking your income (if you have any passive income) and expenses to understand your current financial situation. Once you have a clear picture of your finances, create a budget that allocates funds for essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation. Additionally, budget for savings and investments, ensuring that you prioritize these areas to start earning and build wealth over time.
Develop New Skills
While on a career break, consider using your time to develop new skills or enhance existing ones. Continuous learning can open up new career opportunities, even if you're not currently working in your chosen field. Online courses, workshops, and networking events can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and make you more marketable when you decide to re-enter the workforce.
Explore Freelancing and Remote Work
Many industries now offer freelancing and remote work opportunities. These flexible options allow women on a career break to generate income while still maintaining a work-life balance. Whether it's writing, graphic design, consulting, or virtual assistance, freelancing can be a stepping stone to financial independence.
Take Small Steps
You don’t need a large chunk of money or regular income to start an investment. Today you can start investment plans with as low as Rs.500 per month. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in Mutual Funds, is a powerful way to grow your wealth over time with better returns. You can also start investing in e-gold, and other small savings schemes online. If you're new to investing, seek advice from experts, to get some tips based on your goals and risk tolerance. Keep in mind that investing carries some level of risk, so it's essential to educate yourself and make informed decisions.
Build a Strong Support Network
Building a strong support network is crucial for women on a career break. Seek advice from friends, family, mentors, and financial professionals. Joining networking groups and communities of like-minded individuals can provide guidance, encouragement, and potential opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out to your network when you're ready to re-enter the workforce or explore new career paths.
Consider Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is another path to financial independence. If you have a passion or a business idea, consider starting your own venture. While it requires dedication and hard work, entrepreneurship offers the potential for substantial financial rewards and the flexibility to design your own work schedule.
Achieving financial independence while on a career break is not only possible but also empowering. It helps women regain control of their financial futures. Remember that financial independence is a journey, and with determination and the right strategies, you can create a stable and prosperous financial future for yourself and your family.
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About the Author
Nisary Mahesh is a Former banker turned entrepreneur and writer, catalytic in women empowerment through financial literacy, inclusion, upskilling and entrepreneurship.She is the Founder & CEO, HerMoneyTalks, a one stop financial platform for women.
HerMoneyTalks promote women entrepreneurship and handhold startups through curated workshops, bootcamps, accelerator programs, mentoring, with a focus on helping them with a healthy financial modelling for their business.
Her Second Innings supports women professionals on a sabbatical in their journey of getting back to work. The mission of HSI is to guide women to achieve financial independence. Support from HSI comes in the form of job interviews, reskilling programs in Automation, and, free Career Guidance Counselling. Sign up with us and complete your profile to get a call from our counselors to know your job fit.
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