From Self-Doubt to Confidence: My Career Restart Journey with Her Career Foundation

In 2020, I made a difficult but necessary decision—to leave a toxic work environment. But just as I resigned, the world changed overnight with the onset of COVID-19. And so, my career break began.

Taking the First Step to Restart

Fast forward to 2022, I was a mother to a six-month-old baby. Though my career break was relatively short, the scars of my past work experience left me questioning my own abilities. Could I still be the professional I once was? Would I be able to manage both my career and my baby?

While searching for opportunities, I came across a LinkedIn post about an HR internship at Her Career Foundation. That’s when I met Mrs. Sarla Sharma, a turning point in my journey.

The Power of Mentorship

That’s when mentorship changed everything. With unwavering guidance from Mrs. Leena and Ms. Keerthi, I found my footing. Keerthi, my mentor, always had my back—encouraging me, mentoring me, and slowly rebuilding my confidence piece by piece.

With no room for self-doubt anymore, I worked with passion and dedication. I had my confidence back.

Whenever I think of Sarla ma’am’s words, one quote stands out:
“FOCUS ON YOUR CAREER,  GO SLOW BUT BE CONSISTENT”

She didn’t just restart my career-she reignited my passion.
She reminded me that it was okay to start again and take it slow. Balancing personal and professional life was tough, but they gave me the flexibility to manage both and build myself back up.

To Every Woman Considering a Comeback

Take that big step. Surround yourself with the right mentors and a healthy work environment. Find the people who will push you forward and believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Her Career Foundation for giving me the opportunity, the guidance, and the confidence to restart.

To all the women out there—your next phase is waiting. Go for it!

Author : Ramya Kumaresan
 

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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.

Thinking about restarting your career? We're here to support you!
Feel free to reach out at rs@hercareerfoundation.org – let's talk.

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

#hercareerfoundation #careerbreak #sabbatical #restartyourcareer #empoweringwomen #empowerment #planyourcareerbreak #hearhervoice #adverseeffectofcareerbreak #hcf   

A Journey of Growth, Confidence & Strategic Decisions: My Returnship Experience at Her Career Foundation

Making a career move is never just about passion—it’s about persistence, strategy, and the right timing. The phrase “Make a move only when it makes sense” resonated deeply with me throughout my returnship journey. Striving for a goal is important, but clinging too tightly to outcomes can be limiting. Instead, focusing on consistent effort and adaptability makes all the difference.

When I first joined the returnship program at Her Career Foundation, the initial excitement was coupled with challenges. However, the structured training, engaging modules, and hands-on learning experience helped me gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. Overcoming challenges within the training period significantly boosted my confidence. Working with a supportive team on a successful initiative, receiving recognition for my contributions, and embracing new responsibilities all played a crucial role in my professional growth.

Key Takeaways from My Returnship Experience:

- Knowledge & Skill Development – Continuous learning is the foundation of a strong comeback.
- Confidence Building – Every small achievement adds to your self-belief.
- Developing Leadership Qualities – Leading initiatives and collaborating effectively help shape leadership skills.
- Strategic Decision-Making – Thinking ahead and making informed choices is essential for career progression.

Advice for Fellow Women Restarting Their Careers:

- Be Professional – Approach your returnship with dedication and commitment.
- Expand Your Network – Connect with peers and mentors who support your journey.
- Gain Knowledge – Stay curious and keep learning.
- Help Each Other – Growth is collective; empower others along the way.
- Focus on Your Strengths – Identify what you’re good at and build upon it.
- Believe in Yourself – Remind yourself every day: “You can do it!”

Balancing Work & Life: A New Perspective

The phrase “Be Yourself” carries immense weight, but it’s equally important to not forget “Yourself.” Life’s journey is filled with different projects—motherhood being one of the most profound. Applying practical learnings from the returnship back into work life has helped me bounce back with renewed optimism and zeal. Whether it's restarting one’s corporate journey or navigating career transitions, the approach makes all the difference.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Her Career Foundation for their unwavering support throughout my journey. This experience has truly empowered me to step forward with confidence and clarity.

Param's career restart journey is an inspiration to many women—it's never too late to reclaim your professional path.

Here’s to new beginnings, growth, and limitless possibilities!

Author :Paramjeet Kaur
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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.

Thinking about restarting your career? We're here to support you!
Feel free to reach out at rs@hercareerfoundation.org – let's talk.

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

#hercareerfoundation #careerbreak #sabbatical #restartyourcareer #empoweringwomen #empowerment #planyourcareerbreak #hearhervoice #adverseeffectofcareerbreak #hcf   

From Doubt to Confidence: My Career Restart Journey with Her Career Foundation

Author : Shreya Srivastava
Linkedin Post :  https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7302198849186521089
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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.

Thinking about restarting your career? We're here to support you!
Feel free to reach out at rs@hercareerfoundation.org – let's talk.

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

#hercareerfoundation #careerbreak #sabbatical #restartyourcareer #empoweringwomen #empowerment #planyourcareerbreak #hearhervoice #adverseeffectofcareerbreak #hcf   

From Pause to Progress: Kavita Shah's Journey Back to the Workforce

The courage to restart is the first step toward redefining your future.

After a decade-long career break, the thought of re-entering the workforce filled me with a mix of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, and a deep desire to prove myself again. I was apprehensive about the challenges ahead but also motivated by the opportunity to learn, grow, and redefine my professional path. The decision to restart felt empowering, giving me the chance to take control of my future and contribute meaningfully to the areas where I could make the most impact.

My journey with Her Career Foundation (HCF) was transformative. The internship experience provided invaluable exposure to industry skills, projects, and tasks that deepened my understanding of the professional world. The transition from being away from the workforce to actively engaging in real-world projects was not always easy, but it was fulfilling. Every challenge became a stepping stone, pushing me to learn and adapt.

The mentorship, training, and support I received at Her Career Foundation played a crucial role in shaping my path. My mentor helped me recognize my strengths and areas for improvement, guiding me through obstacles with invaluable insights. The structured training programs honed my technical skills, enhanced my efficiency, and boosted my confidence in tackling complex tasks. More than just skill-building, the continuous encouragement from my peers and colleagues allowed me to persevere through difficult moments.

Over time, I noticed a significant transformation in my confidence and mindset. Initially, I was hesitant, questioning whether I still had what it took to thrive in a professional setting. However, with every new task I undertook, my belief in myself grew stronger. I became more proactive, open to challenges, and determined to pursue a long-term career. The journey of learning is continuous, and with each challenge, I now see an opportunity for growth rather than a roadblock.

To any woman hesitant about restarting her career, I would say this: your journey does not have to follow a straight line. A career break is not a setback—it’s a moment to reassess, rediscover, and return stronger. Your skills, experiences, and resilience are valuable. Embrace change with confidence, because the future is still yours to shape.

I am deeply grateful to Her Career Foundation for giving me this platform to rebuild my career with purpose and direction. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing this journey, gaining further experience, and making meaningful contributions in my field.

Author : Kavita Shah 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavita-shah-2629b015/?

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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.

Thinking about restarting your career? We're here to support you! Feel free to reach out at rs@hercareerfoundation.org – let's talk.

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

#hercareerfoundation #careerbreak #sabbatical #restartyourcareer #empoweringwomen #empowerment #planyourcareerbreak #hearhervoice #adverseeffectofcareerbreak #hcf        

From a 9-Year Career Break to a Confident Comeback: Manisha Passan’s Journey of Resilience & Growth

The days once seemed bright, and the sky endlessly blue—a phrase often found in poetry, symbolizing hope and promise. But what happens when life comes to a standstill, when everything around you becomes a blur, and the blue sky fades into uncertainty?

As a fresh MBA graduate, I stepped into the world with excitement, armed with knowledge and ambition to conquer the corporate landscape. But reality had other plans. College placements froze, and I found myself navigating the challenging terrain of job hunting. Eventually, I secured a position at an executive search firm, where I worked for 1.5 years. Yet, traditional expectations lingered—my parents, particularly my father, hoped for me to settle down, and the idea of relocating to a new city was not one he easily accepted. Having spent seven years in hostels for my studies, he wanted me to stay close to home.

Moving to Mumbai marked a new chapter in my life. My husband, supportive and understanding, gave me the freedom to pursue my career on my own terms, without any pressure from his side. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Soon, we learned we were going to be parents. The news was overwhelming—a mix of joy and uncertainty. While the thought of building a family with the one I loved filled me with happiness, it also came as a surprise. Despite the challenges, our families were supportive, and we embarked on this new journey with love and anticipation.

Yet, like many new mothers, I found myself grappling with depression and loneliness, balancing the demands of raising a baby with the isolation of being a homemaker. It was a rollercoaster ride—one where emotional disconnects and struggles with relationships often led me to question myself.

Amidst this, I discovered solace in writing. What once felt like a meaningless existence began to find purpose as I poured my thoughts and experiences into poetry. My words resonated with others, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life, relationships, and the emotional intricacies of motherhood. Through sharing my stories, I found a platform for expression, yet I still felt uncertain about my true path.

Fate, however, had a serendipitous twist. I stumbled upon Her Career Foundation's website, and it felt like a light in the darkness—an organization that viewed women’s career breaks through a different lens. I connected with Ms. Sarla Sharma, the foundation's Chairperson, and was immediately struck by her grace, poise, and wisdom. Her calm demeanor and empowering words reassured me that a career break was not a setback but an opportunity for reinvention. She encouraged women to embrace such breaks as a time to reassess goals, acquire new skills, and rediscover passions. Her guidance emphasized that success is not a one-size-fits-all journey but a personalized path shaped by each woman’s unique experiences.

Meeting Ms. Sharma was a turning point for me. Here was someone who truly understood that being a woman—particularly one with aspirations—was far from easy. Yet, through her support and the Her Career Foundation's Returnship Program, I was able to take the first step toward rebuilding my career. The last five months have been transformative. With a newfound understanding of industry standards and patient mentorship, my skills and confidence have grown.

Despite the challenges, I am learning to balance work and family life, navigating opportunities across diverse sectors and gaining valuable experience. My children have been my pillars of strength, and my husband proudly supports me as I take this brave leap into the workforce. It’s a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always hope, and the seeds of optimism can grow in unexpected places.

Through this journey, I’ve realized that the foundation of my dreams, once nearly abandoned, is now being rebuilt with purpose. I owe my deepest gratitude to Ms. Sarla Sharma and Her Career Foundation for their unwavering support, mentorship, and belief in the power of women to reclaim their careers and destinies.

For me, this is more than just a career shift; it is the rediscovery of a dream once forgotten—now emerging stronger and more defined than ever.

Author - Manisha Passan
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By empowering women, we empower the nation.

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.

Visit us at: www.hercareerfoundation.org

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

A little belief, a little faith, a little hope is sometimes all that is needed to see the light.

My name is Mrs Shalini Shetty, residing in Vasai, Mumbai.

I lost my husband during the COVID in Oct 2020. He was the sole bread earner in the family. I never had to think about the finances but his sudden loss forced me to step out for my kids.

I had to start looking for a job after 22 years after I quit working. Things have changed a lot. Firstly I was mentally and emotionally disturbed due to the loss of my husband, I was completely shattered and in this situation, I had to collect my broken self and start looking ours for a job. This was really not easy for me.

After 22 years – searching for the job had made me desperate that whatever salary or job comes to me I was willing to accept and restart my career.

I was not having any clarity regarding my career like - What I have to do, which career should I choose, what work I can do, whom to approach.  I was confused about my career?

The only thing constantly running in my mind was to somehow start earning to support my family.

I attended a couple of interviews, but due to lack of clarity, anxiety, nervousness, and lack of confidence I failed to clear the interview.

Fortunately, one of my neighbors told me about Sarla Mam, and the very next day she took me to her office to meet her.

After hearing me out she offered me a one-month internship opportunity with Her Career Foundation.

They started with their process right from the discussion, counseling, and mentoring session.

The internship process started off with skill development – helping me with brushing up with basic accounting practices Tally basics, posting basic ledger entries, Journal Entries, etc. 

Every aspect of my training was personally supervised by the mentors including Sarla Mam,

Leena and Simran as my dedicated mentor, who worked closely with me and constantly motivated and encouraged me. throughout.

An important part of the training involved Interview Preparation, Job Search Process and most all how to crack the Interview.

I really appreciate the kind of support which was extended to me by Her Career Foundation.

A little belief, a little faith, a little hope is sometimes all that is needed to see the light.

Her Career Foundation has just done that in my life.

My sincere thanks and best wishes to Her Career Foundation.

Shalini R Shetty

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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

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

From Darkness towards Light - Raveena Sunil Joshi

I had been looking for a job for the last 6 months, but honestly, I did not have any clarity regarding my career plans like, what I wanted to be, which domain I wanted to work in.

Having completed MSC in Computer Science,  was not interested in this domain. Due to a lack of my career aspirations clarity, I had developed anxiety, nervousness, and self-doubt. I had lost my confidence. I felt complete darkness around and within me about myself and my career.  I had no one to talk to about the same and seek guidance. I shared this problem with my aunt and she introduced me to Mrs. Sarla Sharma from Her Career Foundation.

In the very first meeting which was a casual, informal meeting but I failed to even communicate with her that too in the Hindi language.  I could not speak out due to a lack of confidence in myself. Post the first meeting, she invited me for a meeting in her office.

I was nervous as usual. On the very first day, Sarla mam spoke to me in detail, she asked me about various things from personal to professional life. The first thing was that she made me feel absolute -relaxed and comfortable. She suggested me to speak out whatever, I had it all within me. 

Post the first-hand formal discussion,  she offered me an EIGHT weeks internship with Her Career Foundation, wherein I gain first-hand exposure in Admin and Backend roles, accounts, admin & front office, customer relations, and this exposure helped me to identify the best domain I would want to build up my career.  

I had a dedicated mentor to train and groom me in my interpersonal skills, interview etiquettes, preparing resumes, uploading them on job portals, searching for jobs. Practical training on MS-Word, Excel,  brushing up the internet basics with the practical ones, which were most important.. My mentor helped me to build up a LinkedIn profile, helped me to understand why Linkedin is important - the do's and don't,

Aishwarya was my mentor during these 8 weeks of internship. She worked closely with me and constantly motivated me which boosted my confidence, connecting and talking to people in and around me in the workplace. I was trained on

After 8 weeks of training with Her Career Foundation, I have gained my lost self-confidence, Her Career Foundation has given me a mentor to seek support whenever I need it in the future.

Without any doubt, Her Career Foundation has empowered me by various skill development which I need to excel in my career

I express my gratitude and thanks to Her Career Foundation for the training and mentoring program, it has been highly productive for me.

My Best wishes to Her Career Foundation you guys are doing great.

Raveena Sunil Joshi

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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

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

Sajeeda Mulani

Hi, I am Sajeeda who has been blessed to get a career restart at the age of 48.

I was on a sabbatical break for 3 years due to health reasons. Prior to this I had a career spanning for 18 years in the field of Secretarial, HR & Admin with renowned MNC’s.

During my break, I had invested my money is a Ponzi scheme which paid me well for a year and in the subsequent year the scheme just stopped paying and the person is currently behind bars. Whilst all this happened, I was suddenly broke and without income. I started my hunt for a job. I posted my CV to around 300 openings but never received a single interview call. This was completely demoralizing.

In all this frenzy and anxiety I could reconnect to one of my old acquaintance Sarla Sharma, who is the MD of Pioneer Management Consultant Pvt Ltd and also the Founder of HerCareer Foundation which supports women who are on sabbatical and are planning /struggling to make a comeback. She immediately asked me to come to her office at Belapur. We had a long conversation and she being a true angel asked extended me with  Returnee Intership Program opportunity for 3 months at Pioneer Management Consultant Pvt Ltd.

There was anxiety, complexes, low self-esteem which I was facing after all the negativity that I had to go through.

I was unsure, how I would cope-up after the break. I was given the time flexibility so I started going at 10 am and returning back home by 4 pm. The first week was challenging and tiresome and I would be low on energy. It took a while for me to build up my confidence. I was continuously motivated which boosted my confidence and propelled me to give my best.

I happen to appear for a couple of interviews which unfortunately didn’t click, probably not meant for me as God had planned something better for me. I reconnected with my ex colleagues and working friends and sent them a sms note  that I am open to job openings. One of my ex colleague mentioned about an opportunity that was coming up in her organization. I appeared for the Interview process and I got a temp job for 6 months as a backup for an employee who had gone on a maternity break of 6 months.

HerCareer Foundation Returnee Internship Programme gave me the confidence to give my best shot. Even after getting the job they were in continuous contact with me to just ensure I had settled well and am doing good. During my last 9 months journey I have been awarded and appreciated in the organization and now am on a one year contract for taking care of International PF for Expats.

I want to add here to all the women out there looking for a comeback / returnship to have faith and confidence that you will shine again provided you give your best shot to your work.

Anuja Patankar

I was on Career break for 2 years, I decided to join work when my Son was 2 years old. 

I started applying for jobs, during this time  I came across the "Returnee internship program" by Her Career Foundation.

This internship program helped boosting my confidence, encouraged me to learn new things and also guided me towards a right direction.

Her Career Foundation supported me with 4 weeks -  Returnee Internship Program in Recruitment Domain , as I wanted to change my functional domain .  I got an opportunity with Pioneer Management Consultant Pvt Ltd - Underwent learning on screening and interview assessment , followup with candidates at primary level. Understanding the job profile and candidature credentials. Shortlisting the resumes. All in all it was great learning experience . Interviewing other end help me boost my confidence level and it helped to take the decision to select my career in HR & Recruitment .

I will always be thankful for Her Career foundation for supporting me with Returnee Internship program. I was very happy to find such opportunity in Navi Mumbai itself.

I congratulate Her Career foundation for doing such a great job and for helping women,  boosting their confidence and make thier journey easy after coming back from a sabbatical .

My Best Wishes to Her Career Foundation in their wonderful initiative supporting , mentoring women in their come back.

Priyadarshini Gholap

I had been trying long to get work from home opportunity and I was struggling to get through it.

I express my gratitude towards Her Career Foundation who helped me find a suitable work from home job as per my skills and requirements. They are extremely professional and understood the specifics of my job requirement. They worked to make sure the position was right for me, and helped me to get a good salary. The job gave me freedom to  work any time during the day and is flexible . Thank you so much and I strongly recommend Her Career Foundation . Wish all the best to Her Career Foundation in their initiatives