Challenges :
Reshaping a career is a challenge enough for anyone, but for women, several layers add complexity to the task. So, despite strides in gender equality, many women often experience unique challenges that can limit their growth within a career and changing careers. Here are some of the significant challenges they face:
- Gender Bias and Stereotypes
The foremost barrier for females is gender bias. Stereotypes about the capability and role of a woman heavily influence decision-making in hiring, promoting, or assigning jobs. In many cases, women with the ability are not considered for leadership positions or offered challenging roles even if they are qualified, which significantly prohibits their career growth.
- Work-Life Balance
Balancing work with personal life is still a challenge for most women. Family responsibilities, such as raising children or taking care of elderly people, are mainly held by females. This sometimes makes it difficult to develop a career, take up challenging projects, or even simply have a full-time job.
- Absence of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Mentorship and networking are what drive careers; however, it is an opportunity that women tend to access less frequently compared to men. There is still a weak representation of females in high positions in many industries and organizations, decreasing the chances of mentoring aspiring women. On top of that, networking events and professional groups are often swarmed by males, making it harder for women to get valuable connections.
- Self-Confidence and Self-Promotion
Research shows that women are not likely to negotiate or self-promote as much as men regarding raises and promotions. This can be due to a lack of confidence or fear of being viewed negatively. Women may feel less at ease in male-dominated work cultures where individuals are encouraged to flaunt their accomplishments, and hence, this issue may affect their career growth.
- Limited Professional Development and Career Advancement
Women need professional growth programs, training, workshops, or even conferences to advance in their careers. This, at times, is not achievable because of time constraints, finances, or the unsupportive nature of employers toward the same. This slows the acquisition of skills and work competitiveness.
- Career Return
Many women take career breaks for various reasons, including raising children or caring for family members. It is very tough to re-enter a profession after a break from work due to problems like a gap in the resume, obsolete skills, and loss of confidence. Employers are also most likely to be more cautious about taking in someone who has been out of the work cycle for a long.
- Wage Gap and Economic Inequality
The gender wage gap is a long-standing issue that directly affects women’s career progression. Overall, women are paid less than men for equal work, which potentially jeopardizes their economic security and ways to invest in their careers. In turn, this may disadvantage women from resources such as education, training, or professional networks.
How women can overcome the challenges of restarting their careers after a long gap:
- Skill Enhancement: Take advantage of online courses, workshops, or certification programs to update skills and demonstrate current knowledge in relevant areas. Consider volunteering or freelance work to gain practical experience.
- Networking: Rebuild professional networks through social media platforms like LinkedIn, attending industry events, and reaching out to former colleagues or mentors for advice and referrals. Joining women-focused professional groups can also provide valuable support and networking opportunities.
- Confidence Building: Engage in self-assessment and reflection to recognize and appreciate skills gained during the career break. Practice interview techniques, use positive affirmations, and seek support from peers or career coaches to boost confidence.
- Flexible Work Options: Explore companies known for offering flexible work arrangements or negotiate flexible schedules during the job search process. Highlight transferable skills and adaptability during interviews to demonstrate readiness for different work environments.
- Professional Development: Stay updated on industry trends and advancements by subscribing to industry publications, attending webinars, or joining relevant professional associations. This demonstrates commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.
- Resume and Interview Preparation: Tailor resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences, including any volunteer work or projects completed during the career break. Practice answering potential interview questions about the career gap with honesty and positivity.
- Seeking Support: Utilize resources such as career re-entry programs, online forums, or mentorship programs specifically designed for women returning to work. These platforms offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice from others in similar situations.
- Managing Work-Life Balance: Develop strategies for managing work-life balance, such as setting boundaries, delegating responsibilities, and prioritizing self-care. Seek out employers who prioritize work-life balance and understand family commitments.
- Positive Mindset and Resilience: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and maintain a positive outlook throughout the job search process. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and stay persistent in pursuing career goals.
By proactively addressing these challenges and leveraging available resources, women can successfully navigate their career re-entry journey and position themselves for fulfilling and sustainable professional growth.
