Embracing a #CareerBreak: My Journey of Self-Discovery and Renewal

Taking a career break can be scary, especially if you’re the main earner for your family. The pressure to keep going can make it hard to prioritize your own well-being. I want to share my story of taking a career break after 14.5 years of continuous work, hoping it might help others who feel the same way.

My Journey

I started working at 17, balancing part-time jobs with my studies to support my mother. After finishing my master’s degree, I dove straight into my career without ever taking a pause. I loved my work, but the constant pressure finally pushed me to consider taking a break.

In January, after talking with friends and mentors, I decided to take two months off.

Here’s what I learned during those 50 days:

In the first week of April, which was my first week of break, I had a panic attack. Someone made a comment that I took very seriously because it was related to my professionalism. I reached out to a few of my friends and shared what I was feeling. I learned from Abhinanadan, A coach that communication and the way you communicate is important.

?Within 10 days, I started feeling jobless and very uncomfortable, not knowing how to utilize my time. Even though I had planned for some traveling,

One morning I dropped a message in the #SheCreatesChange community ( It's a community of Women Change leaders) and shared my feelings. Immediately, community members shared lots of ideas and showed me some love. One of my friends and a member of the She Creates Change community Namrata Sharma told me, "This is the time you might not be earning money, but you can explore and activate your skills." ?Recently I told Paul Singh Oberoi that I was jobless now, and he said, "No, you are an entrepreneur now."There are many people shared these things

These 50 Days: Discovering a New Version of Me

1.???? Fun and Family Time: Spent quality time with my family and took my mother to the beach for the first time, making her very happy. I also reconnected with my village, reflecting on my journey and appreciating my roots.

2.???? Small but Consistent Efforts: Developed an interest in reading and completed two books. Focused on my physical and mental health through consistent exercise and meditation.

3.???? Finding Hidden Skills: Realized the importance of demonstrating skills in the current market. I started writing poems and articles; one of my poems was performed by Akkai Padmashali, filling the room with emotion and power. I also began writing poems in Kannada and started sketching and painting to relax and spark my creativity.

4.???? Professional Growth: Met with funders and learned about fundraising. Discovered that with clear intentions and outcomes, fundraising is easier than I thought. Also, started learning about stock marketing and retail funding, areas I had never considered before.

5.???? Networking and Learning: Met with journalists, political analysts, civil servants, government officials, mentors, friends, and change leaders. These interactions gave me energy and clarity about what I want to do in life and for whom

6.???? Understanding Marginalized Communities: I engaged in discussions to gain a deeper understanding of #marginalized communities in Karnataka

7.???? Reconnecting with Alumni Network :?I rejoined Karnataka’s largest alumni network, reconnecting with old friends, Teachers.

8.???? Self-reflection: I believe these entire 50 days afforded me the time to accept, forgive, gain clarity, and realize the importance of never giving up on values, love, and respect for oneself and others.

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Key Learnings

1.???? Take a Break When Needed: It’s just a pause, not the end of your career.

2.???? Reflect and Gain Clarity: As a woman leader, it’s vital to recharge and reflect.

3.???? Maintain Your Network: Keeping in touch with your connections is crucial.

4.???? Never Doubt Your Skills: You can choose when to upskill. don't depend or blame your managers

5.???? Value Community: Be part of a community that supports and appreciates you. and vice versa

6.???? Lean on Mentors and Friends: They offer invaluable support and wisdom.

7.???? Have Fun: Enjoy the journey and look forward to what’s next.

One of my mentor and friend told me, "Don't make any sudden decisions because you feel the need to earn. Slow down. You've already overcome so many hurdles in life; it's okay to take it slow now. There are people to support you". The She Creates Change community truly inspired me. We met, we spoke, we exchanged ideas. I'm so glad to be part of this #SheCreatesChange community. Thank you Shalini Menon and Avinash Mohan Chetty for helping me to take a decision. Thank you Durga Nandini Preethi Herman Ashish VR for all the support and Im sure this will continue.

Nirmala Naik Vineeta Chhetri Pranay Manjari Samal Dr. Varsha Pillai (she/her) Anshika Katara Pranadhika, Vijaya, Sheena, Insia, Jincy and all the #SheCretesChange community and my mentors. who reached out to me these days.

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