‘Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn to walk.’ – Walt Disney
Few Women have the luxury of an uninterrupted career. For others, there comes an inevitable situation which necessitates a break. Besides from break, owing to a multitude of factors, some experience a slump and struggle for a Career Resurgence. Having ruled the roost for years, it seems daunting to make a comeback. There are moments of cynicism, with so many “If’s” and “Buts”. So, is it really that difficult to revive one’s career after a break or a slump?
I personally feel it’s all in the head and with the virtues of determination and hard work, it’s possible to make a stellar comeback. During my one-on-one with my team, I came across the predicament of a few who felt buried deep and strived for a revival. In my discussions, I usually recommend a couple of things to be followed vigorously to gain a strong foothold and make headway. To summarise my views in a nutshell:
- Start slow and work hard. Don’t expect immediate results or vast transformations. Take time to soak in the work environment.
- If you were on break, exploit the skills you have acquired. For e.g., if the reason for break is maternity, utilise the immense patience, hardworking qualities you have obtained in the sabbatical to your advantage.
- Highlight your progress to your managers, big or small. It’s not about gloating, but showcasing your potential and reinstating the faith they have in you.
- Seek constant feedback and incorporate them in your work. Also, self-evaluate.
- Avoid stark comparisons with your peers; rather measure your performance against yourself from where you started and how it’s progressing.
- Connect with your support group for help – whether it is friends, family or mentors at work who will handhold you in the initial few days.
- Staying positive is the key. Be a ray of sunshine and appreciate the fact that you have a second chance to start over.
- Acknowledge your Career resurgence. Encourage and pat yourself for the accomplishments, even if it’s trivial.
Career is established through years of patience and arduous work. In the event of a break, remember that you are the one who built it, so endure, give it all you can and get back on track. Years from now, you will look back with pride and cherish all the efforts that revived your career on the path to glory.
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – A commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry. Having handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard, I decided to take a break for a while. Now, a doting mother of a one year old child, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting. 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.)
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