Career Break - Make It Resourceful!

• Posted In : 2021-May-13

The percentage of women employed in the corporate sector has considerably gone up over the last few decades. However, it is seen that for a vast majority of these women, a career break is imminent. They are burdened to shoulder the impracticalities linked with shouldering domestic responsibilities with a full-time career.

A career break is imminent.

Women face various obstacles to restart their careers after a break,  including self-doubt, lack of skill sets, low confidence, return to work syndrome, sense of uncertainty and insecurity, lack of financial independence, and yes at times the career break acts as a stigma. 

Yet many women still can’t avoid taking a career break? 

What should one do to restart their career after a break?

Once women are in a comparatively smoother phase with reference to their domestic engagements, the restlessness to return back to the mainstream workforce gains momentum for a majority of the women.

It's important to be resourceful from day one of your career break, plan your returnship from day one...

Well, here are some useful tips to keep in mind when on a sabbatical to help you shake off the rust:

1.      Read, Read and Read

How long has it been since you read a book, a magazine, or even a newspaper? There's never enough time, is there? Now that you've decided to stay indoors, whether to rest alone or to care for a newborn baby, reading is a perfect way to stay linked to the outside world. Reading not only keeps you updated, but it also enhances your analytical and writing abilities. It also keeps the brain busy and buzzing, giving it the workout it craves! Reading is a fantastic way to broaden your intelligence, relieve stress, and even boost your memory!

2.      Honesty is the best policy

Have a sabbatical? Don’t lie about it in your resume or interview, just be honest.  We sometimes feel embarrassed about taking a break, whether it's for health reasons or simply to unwind. If you're caught lying to your employer, the repercussions can range from a ruined reputation to even being fired. Lying to your employer isn't ethical and this will damage the trust associated beyond repair.

3.      Stay connected

In today’s social media era, it is a bigger challenge to disconnect at times than to stay connected! Social media helps you learn new insights and network with like-minded people! Creating professional profiles and showcasing your expertise on social media isn't a bad idea either.

4.      Lean-to Unlearn and Relearn

A sabbatical is a perfect time to hone your skills in your area of expertise. Invest in your self-development, catch up on new skills, keep on preparing yourself with the skills which the industry will be looking for you in the future. Upgrading your skills allows you to stand out, boost productivity and obtain a competitive advantage.

“In this world, you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.” ?Lou Holtz

5.      Confidence is the key

Make no apologies and do not undervalue your sabbatical. You've been on an incredible journey; now it's time to get up inspired and plan your next move. Let not a temporary pause let you break you. With your learnings, skill development during your career break, you are ready to bounce back and remember this time you are not starting it fresh, you are beginning it with your past experiences.

However, it's important for you to believe in yourself, invest in your learning, skill development and remember nothing is impossible.

To be well-rounded, find time to invest in yourself and develop yourself for a better tomorrow.

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ? Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Author : Apekshya Basnet

A freshman at Jamia Millia Islamia; feminist; Based in New Delhi; a young ambitious woman with strong opinions, a brave heart, and a skeptical mind.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We here at Her Career foundation aim to Empower Women. We deliver programs that contribute to personal and professional development. We understand you and stand strong with you.

“By empowering women, we empower the nation.”

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

#encouragedaughterstoask #womenmustask #hercareerfoundation #careerbreak #sabbatical #restartyourcareer #empoweringwomen #empowerment #planyourcareerbreak #hearhervoice #adverseeffectofcareerbreak               

Image Credit : Unsplash