For many women, the joy of resuming work after a break often comes with a new set of challenges. The need to divide time and attention between personal and professional responsibilities demands a thoughtful reset of many aspects of their lives. And the empowering potential of technology has lots to be explored!
In most cases, women opt out of full-time, well-paying jobs while raising a family. Sometimes, for women, their marriage could mean a relocation or a new life that comes with new expectations, and they would like to take a break till they get used to it. Other reasons for a break in a career could be one’s health or the health of a family member, the loss of a job due to layoff or trying something one is passionate about – like being an entrepreneur. A sabbatical or the pursuit of higher education could also result in a short break.
Unlike in the past when women had to completely give up their careers to take care of their families, today there are many options to resume their work. Part-time jobs, gig work, and freelancing can be explored as favourable alternatives to a full-time job that may not provide a good balance. For those who wish to get back to their full-time jobs, it may be a good idea to carefully reflect on the job role and the expectation to strike a balance with domestic responsibilities.
The search for a job is not just about updating the resume with new skills or certifications acquired during the break. You need to approach the new world of work with confidence and clarity. This requires a determined effort to acquire skills that help you navigate the complexities of restarting and relaunching your career.
Click here to download the e-book and learn more about the top 10 skills required by women who are looking to resume work after a break – “Top 10 skills for women resuming work after a break“
The top 10 skills required by women who are looking to resume work after a break
- Networking
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Perseverance
- Negotiation
- Continuous Learning
- Growth Mindset
- Planning and Organizing
- Effective Communication
- Digital and Financial Skills
Returning to work after a significant career break remains a tough choice for a lot of women. Not every woman is given a second chance to reclaim her career. Regardless of the reason for your career break and the length of it, you’ll need motivation, inspiration, courage, confidence and the skills we have discussed so far to successfully return to work.
If you are someone who’s already re-joined the workforce, we request you to share your journey with us. You can tell us about the skills that led you on your journey, as well as some of the challenges you faced and overcame.
If you are someone who’s looking to resume work after a break, write to us at contact@nationalskillsnetwork.com about what keeps you motivated and how you are planning to make a comeback. What are some of the skills you are looking to acquire?
You can also write to us if you know a woman who’s made a successful comeback or a woman who made her entrepreneurial debut after a career break. Share her story with us and help us inspire millions of other women who are waiting to reclaim their careers.
