Has this career crossroad ever derailed your career?
We all face crossroads in our careers but there are at least two that are unique to women:
1. Off-ramping to have a baby or take care of children.
2. Re-entry after maternity leave or the kids have gone back to school.
Many women find these crossroads to be particularly challenging. What's the biggest obstacle?
Fear.
Will I have a job when I go back? Will my skills be obsolete? Will I fit in since so much has changed since I left? The list goes on and on.
Last week I asked author Karen Kodzik about this while interviewing her, and she said the best way to move past the fear is to know that you always have options. The next best thing? Know yourself, make a choice and develop a roadmap.
The reality is this. Women have babies and are typically the caregivers for family members in society. Off-ramping and on-ramping are normal crossroads for women. The sooner we all recognize that - particularly the companies we work for - the better off we'll all be.
Have you ever been derailed for taking time off for family? Share your comments here.
1. Off-ramping to have a baby or take care of children.
2. Re-entry after maternity leave or the kids have gone back to school.
Many women find these crossroads to be particularly challenging. What's the biggest obstacle?
Fear.
Will I have a job when I go back? Will my skills be obsolete? Will I fit in since so much has changed since I left? The list goes on and on.
Last week I asked author Karen Kodzik about this while interviewing her, and she said the best way to move past the fear is to know that you always have options. The next best thing? Know yourself, make a choice and develop a roadmap.
The reality is this. Women have babies and are typically the caregivers for family members in society. Off-ramping and on-ramping are normal crossroads for women. The sooner we all recognize that - particularly the companies we work for - the better off we'll all be.
Have you ever been derailed for taking time off for family? Share your comments here.
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