Back to work…

Taking a break from work is a privilege that not many women can afford. For those who do, it’s a journey that involves stepping away from the corporate world to focus on themselves and their families, only to return later with a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges are numerous, from adjusting to a new routine to managing the demands of both work and home. This transition is especially daunting for those who have been away from the professional environment for an extended period, as the dynamics of the workplace can change significantly in that time.

This week we explore the lives of two such women who made this courageous decision. They share their experiences of the challenges they faced - physically, mentally, and emotionally - as they navigated their way back into the workforce. Let’s dive into their stories and see how they managed the transition back to their careers.

“My journey back to work is one of determination, adaptation and support,” Neha Arif

Neha Arif reflects on her journey back into the corporate world after taking a break for motherhood and parenting. Having been a working woman since her O’ levels, Neha was no stranger to juggling responsibilities. She recalls attending school, having lunch, and then heading straight to work, often aligning herself with evening shifts at the magazine she worked for. “It was tough, but manageable, thanks to my boss,” she shares. This early experience ingrained in her a deep understanding of work-life balance, albeit in a different context. So, when the time came for her to consider returning to work after her break, she naturally gravitated toward it. “I didn’t know any other way to be,” she adds, emphasising that her work ethic was an intrinsic part of her identity.

The transition back to the corporate environment was not without its challenges, both professionally and personally. Neha was trained in print journalism, a field that demanded meticulous attention to detail and a methodical approach to writing and editing. However, during her eight-year hiatus, the media landscape had undergone a digital transformation. “It was fast, it wasn’t thorough, and it was editable even after there were errors,” she notes, highlighting the stark contrast between the world she left and the one she was re-entering. This shift required Neha to adapt quickly. Personally, she had to brace herself for the relentless pace of digital media, all while managing the demands of motherhood. With kids to care for, she had to be constantly on her toes, balancing their routines with her professional responsibilities.

Professionally, Neha found herself struggling with the rapid changes in the industry. Her instinct to spend time meticulously editing content, a habit ingrained from her print journalism days, clashed with the fast-paced nature of digital media. “People weren’t paying attention to errors, and it was something I had to come to terms with,” she admits. Yet, over time, she adjusted, learning to streamline her approach and adapt to the new normal of the digital world.

The biggest challenge, however, was the physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that came with balancing work and family life. Neha candidly discusses the myth of separating personal and professional lives. “One brings the office energy home, and takes the home energy to office,” she says, noting how this interchange sets the tone for the entire day. Her husband, too, felt the strain, as he had grown accustomed to her being around for the kids. Now, with Neha back at work, he had to step in more actively with childcare - a role many men in our cultural context are not traditionally trained for. Fortunately, Neha’s husband was supportive and hands-on with parenting, which helped ease the transition.

As Neha settled back into the corporate world, her perspective on work-life balance evolved. She emphasises the importance of having both a supportive spouse and an understanding boss. “That is where a woman can strike a balance,” she asserts. Despite the 24/7 demands of the modern work environment, Neha stresses the necessity of maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. One of her key strategies is to compartmentalise her roles: “I put away my phone when I am with family - whether at home, a restaurant, or on vacation. And when I’m at work, I’m focused there.”

Neha is also keen to dispel the myth that mothers are superwomen. “We aren’t superwomen, and we need all the help we can get,” she says, advocating for the need for supportive spouses, understanding bosses, and inclusive workplaces. Her approach to balance is practical and grounded in reality, acknowledging that while mothers do extraordinary things, they should not be expected to do it all without support.

For other women considering a return to the workforce after an extended break for parenting, Neha offers a heartfelt advice. She acknowledges that nothing is easy, whether one is a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. The key, she believes, is making a choice that leaves you with good energy. “Don’t feel left out if you’ve chosen to stay at home - parenting is a hard job,” she says. Conversely, she advises against feeling guilty for returning to work and not always being there for the family. “Feel good in whatever you choose for yourself. And stand by it. A happy mom is a great mom.”

“My journey back to work is one of determination, adaptation, and support,” sums up Neha. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who balance parenthood with their professional aspirations, finding a way to thrive in both roles.

“It’s never too late to start anew, whether it’s refreshing your skills through courses, earning new certifications, or even embarking on a completely different career path, the possibilities are endless,” Saher Kazi

Saher Kazi is a doctor who took a break after her medical education and went back to work. After completing her medical degree and house job, pursuing postgraduate studies seemed the natural next step for her. A career break was never part of the plan. Yet, life had different plans, fate took its course, and she found herself taking an unexpected nine-year hiatus. The possibility of returning to work was always in the back of her mind, but the timing was uncertain. It wasn’t until her family returned to Pakistan that the idea of resuming her career took shape. Though the thought of starting over felt daunting, she decided to take a leap of faith and embarked on the next chapter of her journey.

For many women, stepping back into their professional lives after a hiatus requires more than just personal determination - it demands a strong support system. The transition can be daunting, filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. Understanding this, she knew the importance of having a solid foundation of encouragement to lean on. Her husband and family were instrumental in this process, providing unwavering support as she navigated the challenges ahead.

Rather than diving directly back into her career, she chose a gradual approach, starting with volunteer work. This not only eased her back into the rhythm of professional life but also allowed her to regain confidence in her abilities. Alongside this, she diligently prepared for her residency exam, a crucial step in re-establishing her career. The combination of volunteer work and focused preparation served as a bridge, helping her transition smoothly back into her professional role.

This methodical and supported approach ensured that when the time came to fully reengage with her career, she was ready - mentally, emotionally, and professionally. Transitioning back to the corporate world after a break is often fraught with apprehension and uncertainty. Reflecting on the experience, Saher acknowledged that while the challenges were substantial, they were primarily rooted in apprehension rather than any insurmountable obstacles. The initial fear of not being able to adapt quickly to the new routine or meet the expectations at work loomed large. However, she found that with the right support system in place, these fears gradually dissipated. A supportive home environment played a crucial role in easing this transition. Having a family that understood the demands of her new role allowed her to focus on her professional responsibilities without the added stress of balancing home life.

Moreover, a positive and welcoming work environment was equally essential. The culture at her workplace was one that fostered growth and adaptation, making it easier for her to reintegrate into the workforce. Colleagues and superiors provided the necessary guidance and understanding, which alleviated much of the initial anxiety.

In hindsight, she is grateful for the support systems that helped her navigate this period of change. The combination of a supportive home and work environment was instrumental in her ability to adapt to her new routine. This experience underscored the importance of having a strong support network when making significant life transitions, particularly in a professional context.

Balancing a demanding career and personal life is a challenge many face, particularly in fast-paced industries where the lines between work and home often blur. It’s a delicate juggling act, and the key to success lies in two fundamental pillars: a strong support system and effective time management.

Reflecting on this balance, it becomes clear that having a support network - whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues - is invaluable. “A good support system is crucial,” says Saher Kazi. “It’s about having people who understand the nature of your job, the pressures you face, and who can provide the encouragement and assistance you need.” This understanding creates an environment where you can focus on your career without feeling guilty or overwhelmed by personal responsibilities.

However, even with a strong support system in place, the responsibility of managing your time effectively remains. It’s essential to prioritise what truly matters. Saher emphasises the importance of this approach: “You have to decide what’s important and manage your time accordingly.” This means setting clear boundaries, knowing when to switch off from work, and dedicating quality time to personal life.

In today’s world, where the demands of work often extend beyond office hours, achieving work-life balance is not about dividing time equally between work and home. Instead, it’s about making intentional choices that align with your values and goals, supported by a network that understands and respects those choices. With the right support and a clear sense of priorities, it is possible to thrive both professionally and personally, creating a fulfilling and balanced life.

Advising all the women out there, considering returning to work, Saher says, “It’s never too late to start anew, especially in today’s world, where countless opportunities await. Whether it’s refreshing your skills through courses, earning new certifications, or even embarking on a completely different career path, the possibilities are endless. With self-belief, there’s nothing that can stand in the way of achieving your goals.”

The journeys of Neha Arif and Saher Kazi back into the corporate world after their breaks offer valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the power of support systems. Both women navigated significant changes, whether it was adjusting to the fast-paced nature of digital media or re-entering the medical field after nearly a decade. Their experiences underscore the importance of having a strong support network, both at home and work, as well as the need for personal determination. They prove that with the right mindset, it’s possible to successfully transition back into a career, no matter how long the break. For women considering a return to the workforce, Neha and Saher’s stories are a testament to the fact that challenges can be met and overcome, and that a fulfilling balance between personal and professional life is within reach.

*The interviewees refrained from sharing their pictures in order to retain privacy.

The writer is the Head of Content at a communication agency based in Karachi.