Taking a career break can feel daunting, especially for working women who often fear stepping away due to family or caregiving responsibilities. This fear can cause anxiety as the return to work raises countless questions about flexibility, part-time options, and finding the right fit. I've personally experienced this and want to share my journey to offer encouragement and practical insights.
I found myself in a career gap when my partner moved for a new job, and I chose to leave my position to support him. Initially, this decision brought uncertainty, but it eventually became a positive turning point in my career.
During this break, I took time to reflect on my true passions. As a software engineer, I tried consultancy and development but struggled to balance my work and personal life. I wanted something creative and flexible that still challenged me strategically.
From Engineer to Product Marketer: A New Direction
That's when I discovered product marketing—a field that perfectly blended my technical background with strategic and creative thinking. The role required an engineering degree, which aligned well with my skill set, and despite the steep learning curve, I was excited to dive in.
My mindset was simple: with time and dedication, I would master this new field.
In my early months, I set a personal goal to be recognized at my company's annual awards. That vision kept me motivated through the challenges, and I achieved that goal—receiving both recognition and promotion with a significant raise.
Key Takeaways: Exploring, Learning, and Embracing Growth
The biggest lesson I've learned is to never stop exploring.
There's no "wrong" move in your career—every experience, even those that seem unrelated, contributes to your growth. Don't see career gaps as barriers. Instead, use that time to rediscover your passion and return stronger when you're ready.
After this breakthrough, I faced a new challenge: moving to the UK to pursue a master's degree. Finding a job in such a competitive market was no easy feat. To make ends meet, I took a part-time role as a retail assistant, all while continuing my search for a role in my field. Persistence paid off—I eventually landed an internship, which led to a marketing manager role after graduation.
Consistency and Networking Are Key after a Career Break
Throughout this journey, consistency has been my greatest asset. Staying focused, continually learning, and building my network all helped me move forward.
Networking, in particular, was invaluable. Whether it was connecting with people on LinkedIn, attending events, or joining virtual internships, each step brought me closer to my goal.
I also realized how important it is to stay open to new possibilities.
The job market is full of opportunities you may not have initially considered. By listing your transferable skills and thoroughly researching roles, you'll find the right fit. Start by taking advantage of free resources, and once you're clearer on your path, invest in paid courses to deepen your knowledge.
Rejection Is Just Another Step Forward
Lastly, don't fear rejection. Every "no" is just part of the journey to finding the right role. Keep learning, keep trying, and remember that persistence will eventually lead to the job you've been aiming for.
Bridging the Gap with ELE Hub
Feeling lost or stuck in your career? Join us at this virtual event for advice and Q&A with top careers experts & explore career change options, career management tools and ways to get practical experience. Click on the below link for more info: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ai51S9VMqsFLMlOTscRx8plEo1ssWPOfNKsgvESqlUnZNCeCzg_O~AmsLRc8OiYWy4NbIN0Mek7S3xDfRU2UEhBkgCcijNV7gKl9p7usNtTj5TQ
