A few months after maternity leave, I decided to leave the workforce to be a full-time mom. Having worked hard to climb the higher ed ladder, I left the workforce on my own terms to be with my little one. For me, leaving was a choice that I will never regret.

 

When I was ready to re-enter the workforce, I faced a number of hurdles: where do I start? How do I explain my caregiving pause? What if I don't want to do what I did before?

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I started applying and interviewing. I made it to second rounds. I got interviews outside of my industry. I was getting into places that were difficult to interview. But I kept getting rejected. After hitting multiple road blocks, I started working with a coach only to learn that I had to 'get my foot back into the door' despite having a master's degree and establishing myself in the field. I was floored.

 

What getting in did I have to do when I had both the experience and education? I had to succumb to her advice because I was desparate. After many applications and back and forths I was offered a temporary role in the most unlikely of events and not even through any formal applying: My old boss knew I was applying so she recommended me to her colleagues. One of these colleagues was looking to fill in for a temporary hire. That eventually turned into a full-time role and a promotion.

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Now I work with moms to address the gap-need I faced: figuring out how to re-enter and doing so without having to take a step back.

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