When Janet Yeung left her job as a graphic designer three years ago to take care of her young daughter, she hoped she would be able to continue to pursue her career once her daughter started school. After all, she had devoted so much time and effort to establishing herself in the field and did not want to give it all up.
But things have been working against Yeung ever since she returned to work a few months ago. She is having trouble getting used to the fast pace and is also struggling with learning the latest design technology, which seems to have mushroomed in the past few years.
She did not foresee the problems and is losing confidence in herself. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Yeung is debating whether she should quit her job and become a housewife.
Like Yeung, many of us who have put our careers on hold for one reason or another return to work eventually. To avoid repeating her experience, however, we should be sufficiently prepared for the transition back to work while on leave.
People take time-out for various reasons. Some want to spend more time with their children or elderly parents, or would like to take a break to pursue further study. Others have been forced to make the move, such as the many employees who were made redundant during the downturn.
When these individuals start working again they may go back to the same position, take on a different role in the same company, or start something new. Many decide to return to work to earn a stable income or because they want to feel involved and accomplished as they develop their professional interests.
Those who have taken a hiatus from work may find the prospect of returning to the market a little daunting, and understandably so. They tend to harbour doubts about their ability to handle their jobs competently and may worry about not being able to adapt to the hectic schedules or manage the often conflicting personalities in the workplace.
But there is no reason to worry. Individuals who are prepared for the transition are often pleasantly surprised to find how quickly they are able to readjust to the new environment and the amount of knowledge they have retained.
The key to successful readjustment is to be proactive in maintaining your skills and your professional contacts while you are away. If you are going to be absent for an extended period of time, come up with a plan on how you will preserve and - perhaps more importantly - update your skills, and make sure you are prepared to jump on any opportunities if and when you decide to go back to work. The following suggestions give you an idea of how to prepare yourself for your eventual return to the workplace.
Keep your computer skills up to date. If you can no longer access the workplace computer system, continue using any form of technology you can, including e-mail, the internet and various applications on your computer. To keep up with your Excel skills try managing your family budget using Microsoft Excel. Also, learn how to use the latest computer programs that are relevant to your industry. Familiarity with technology will help maintain your confidence in the digital age.
Next, if possible, keep your name on your company's e-mail distribution list to stay updated on the progress of different projects and so people do not forget you. You should also try to attend team meetings at work from time to time, if appropriate. Even dialling in from home to a meeting can help keep you in the loop.
It is important that you maintain your network of professional contacts. Touch base with them on a regular basis while on leave. Develop new ones by joining relevant professional associations and attending networking events. Do not be shy to reach out. The contacts you still have in the workforce can be a big asset to you when you look to return to the world of work because they will be able to update you on the job opportunities available.
You should also subscribe to newsletters that will keep you abreast of the latest industry news and developments. And, if you are thinking of returning to work in a different role, find out what skills are required and, where necessary, enrol in a relevant course.
When you finally put together your resume you may find it difficult to explain the gaps in your employment history. Rather than following the format of a chronological CV, which focuses on the jobs you have held in the past, outline your resume in a way that underscores your skills and experience. And do not forget to put down any courses undertaken or valuable experiences gained during the time away from the workforce.
Stay in the game
- Maintain computer proficiency
- Acquire new skills
- Touch base with professional contacts and develop new ones
- Subscribe to industry newsletters
- Highlight your skills and experience in a resume
Andrea Williams is managing director for Hong Kong at Ambition, a recruitment specialist covering Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Britain
