Returning to work after a career break

It had been 15 years since I last worked in clinical research. I enjoyed greatly my time at home, intimately involved in my kids growing up, but they were now teenagers and seemed keen to fend for themselves. I was eager to find a new challenge and interested in picking up my career again (and the family would always benefit from the extra income).?

Previously I had managed an SMO at a large London NHS Trust, but that was 15 years ago. How out of date was I? I was anxious and my anxiety was holding me back.

Faltering and un-productive conversations with larger CROs left me feeling even further out of my depth. I was being told that despite my experience I would need to consider an entry level position. My confidence was knocked.?

I updated my LinkedIn profile and in doing so quickly found my way back to work and a feeling of self-worth. A recruiter contacted me about a Clinical Project Manager position at a small CRO, Niche Science & Technology. After an initial telephone conversation with their Head of Project Management I was offered an in-person interview.?

The initial telephone conversation enabled me to discuss the role informally while allowing me to share my experience. A working mum herself, Karen (Head of Clinical Project Management) and I discussed the company and how I may fit into the role and the company (and the job around my family life). I was hopeful that she would recognise the experience built up before my career break and give me a chance to show how enthusiastic I was to return to work. The formal interview was discussion based and gave me the opportunity to meet some of the other members of the team while giving Karen a chance to test my skills….however rusty they were.

Niche obviously saw that I still had something to contribute and offered me the role. Starting work 4?weeks later was daunting. But Niche is a super company; small enough for everyone to get to know each other while also being supportive. I had good refresher training and was able to re-familiarise myself with clinical research, regulations, processes and requirements before being given my own project.?

I have now been at Niche for 3 years and don’t regret my decision to grasp the opportunity. Projects are wide ranging, making the role interesting. There have been plenty of opportunities to discuss the daily issues and progression of my employment within the company in the form of regular 1:1s and annual employee development meetings. This gives me a chance to discuss which projects I enjoy (and those I’d rather not be involved in) along with what support/training I feel I need. Both my manager and colleagues are always available for a question/discussion or to share project updates.

Despite my initial fears I have found that returning to work after 15 years has gone smoothly. I started on 3 days a week and now work 4 days. There is a degree of flexibility and any days worked on my usual day off can be taken whenever convenient. The company also communicated and supported well during the COVID lockdowns. I had been employed for only 4 months before the first lockdown was announced and as a company we have had several others join since who have not had the opportunity to experience the office environment. Niche currently operates a fluid approach to office and home working which works well for me.?

My advice to anyone in the same position would be to have confidence in yourself. Time may have passed since you last sat at a working desk but that doesn’t mean you don’t have skills and experiences that would make you an asset to any company. Get yourself out there and lift your head up high.

Jacqui Bird?is a Senior?Clinical Project Manager