Rediscovering Yourself: Moms Returning to Work After a Long Break
- Dec 24, 2024
- 6 min read
Did you know that 73% of Indian women leave their jobs on giving birth?
According to the study conducted by the Genpact Centre for Women’s Leadership, a wing of the University, 50% of working women in the country leave their jobs to take care of their children at the age of 30. Even among those who manage to return, 48 percent drop out within four months of rejoining the workforce. (Source: Predicament of Returning Mothers Report, Ashoka University)
Motherhood is a beautiful journey of unconditional love, but it also comes with its sacrifices. While it brings immense joy, it often leaves women at a difficult crossroads when it comes to returning to work.
Re-entering the workforce after a career break—especially one taken after childbirth—is filled with emotional and practical challenges. For many mothers, it’s not just about finding a job again; it’s about reconnecting with their own identity and rediscovering their passions.
Let’s talk about the real struggles moms face, share relatable stories, and introduce a transformative model that’s changing the way mothers return to work—one that supports their unique needs and empowers them every step of the way.
The Challenges of Returning to Work After a Long Break
After years of focusing on raising children, reentering the professional world can feel like starting from scratch. Mothers face a unique mix of professional, personal, and community-related challenges that can make this transition daunting.
1. Professional Challenges
Skill Gaps and Outdated Experience
Technology and workplace dynamics evolve rapidly. A gap of even a few years can make women feel like their skills are outdated, leaving them at a disadvantage in competitive job markets.
I had to step back when I had a baby - the maternity act wasn't so strong back then. This break got extended because of family caregiving responsibilities. Now it's been almost 6 years, and I don't see a way to go back. It's as if my 10 years of experience hold little value.
shared Ritu, an IT professional from Bangalore with 10 years of experience.
Bias Against Career Breaks
Some employers perceive career breaks as a lack of commitment or question whether moms can "keep up" with the demands of a fast-paced workplace.
Rigid Work Environments
Traditional 9-to-5 jobs with little flexibility often conflict with the unpredictable demands of parenting, making many jobs feel out of reach.
I have a full-time nanny, and was able to manage working full-time during the lockdown. But now my office expects me to be back & there seem to be no solutions to make this work! I haven't found a daycare I trust, so I will have to find another role where I can work in a hybrid or work-from-home format.
shared Mansi, a Financial Analyst from Mumbai with 5 years of experience
2. Personal Challenges
Loss of Confidence
Time away from the workforce can erode a mother’s confidence, making her second-guess her abilities and potential contributions.
I love spending time with my kids, but I missed the structure and identity that came with work. Still, every time I thought about going back, I felt paralyzed by the thought of starting over.
shared Preeti, an IT professional from Mumbai with 3 years of experience
Identity Crisis
After years of caregiving, mothers often question who they are now. The shift in priorities and identity can make it hard to reimagine their professional selves.
Emotional Guilt
The decision to return to work often comes with guilt — guilt for leaving their kids and guilt for needing fulfillment outside of motherhood.
3. Community Challenges
Lack of Support Systems
Many mothers feel isolated in their journey, with limited access to mentors or networks tailored to their unique needs.
I would like to start something of my own, which I work on independently while also spending quality time with my child. I have spent some time researching this, but it's quite hard to set this up!
shared Asmita, a mom of 18 months old from Gurgaon.
Judgment from Society
Moms returning to work may face judgment for “abandoning” full-time caregiving, creating unnecessary pressure to justify their decision.
These stories highlight a recurring theme: moms are not just looking for jobs; they are seeking roles that value their experience and accommodate their new realities. For many, part-time jobs offer a flexible solution that bridges their professional aspirations with their family commitments.
Introducing Playmo: Designed to Help Women Thrive
Women often face challenges in maintaining their careers as they navigate different life stages—transitioning from being single to getting married, relocating to a new city, and eventually having children. These changes can be overwhelming, and the added challenge of a career break after becoming a mother often takes a toll on their confidence. The process can feel frustrating and isolating, leaving many women struggling to reclaim their sense of self and professional identity.
What's Playmo?
Playmo is redefining the way women return to work by creating the opportunity to take on the role of a Play Leader. We understand that traditional jobs often fail to accommodate the unique needs of mothers, and we’re here to change that.
As a Play Leader, you:
Host PlayPods for kids in your community, creating enriching experiences for children.
Build strong local networks of parents and kids, fostering meaningful connections.
Work on your own schedule, balancing your career with family life.
For mothers or women looking for part-time jobs that provide both flexibility and fulfillment, Playmo offers an ideal platform, let’s discover how in the following sections.
Start Your Journey as a Play Leader
Embarking on a new career can feel overwhelming, but at Playmo, we’re here to ensure your journey is smooth, fulfilling and supported every step of the way.
As a Play Leader, you’re not just hosting PlayPods—you’re becoming an entrepreneur, building a thriving community of parents and children in your neighborhood.
Why Choose a Career as a Play Leader?
Becoming a Play Leader gives you the freedom to:
Work flexible hours that fit seamlessly into your routine.
Be your own boss, managing your sessions in your neighborhood.
Create meaningful connections with families while building a sustainable venture.
For moms exploring part-time jobs, Playmo is a transformative opportunity that empowers them to balance work and family without compromise.
How Does Playmo Support You?
Training by Experts
Receive hands-on training from top Social Emotional Learning (SEL) experts and experienced educators.
Gain confidence, even if you have no prior experience working with children.
Structured Curriculum
Access a well-designed curriculum tailored to engage kids in fun, enriching activities.
Each session is carefully planned to ensure meaningful play and development for every child.
Community Support
Connect with a network of Play Leaders from across the country, sharing experiences, ideas, and support at every stage of your journey.
Ongoing Support
Help in identifying all the materials needed for successful activities and guidance on sourcing them, ensuring a smooth start to your journey as a Play Leader.
Whether it's setting up your hub or troubleshooting along the way, Playmo offers continuous support to ensure your long-term success.
All you need to do is decide to take the leap—Playmo will handle the rest. From training to tools, curriculum to marketing, we’re here to empower you to build your own thriving venture as a Playleader.
Playmo’s Community Impact
For Moms
Rediscover Confidence: Moms regain a sense of purpose and identity through meaningful work.
Financial Independence: Playleaders earn income while maintaining flexibility for their families.
Supportive Community: Moms find themselves surrounded by a network of like-minded women who understand their journey.
For Kids
Social Development: PlayPods foster creativity, collaboration, and social skills in children.
Safe Spaces: Kids grow up in nurturing, community-oriented environments.
Discover why play-based learning is crucial for children's development — read more here.
For Communities
Stronger Bonds: Playmo builds tight-knit neighborhoods where parents support one another.
Empowered Women: By creating opportunities for moms, Playmo contributes to stronger, more equitable communities.
Finding Your Next Chapter
Returning to work after a long break can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to reinvent yourself and find work that truly aligns with your life. You don’t have to compromise between being a great mom and pursuing your passions.
At Playmo, we believe in building careers that fit into your life, not the other way around. Explore flexible and part-time work opportunities as a Playleader, where you can rediscover yourself, make an impact, and create a fulfilling career that works for you.
Your next chapter is waiting. Are you ready to write it?
Comments