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The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Career breaks aren't a setback: How returning professionals can reclaim relevance and confidence
Career breaks are no longer rare. But what still feels rare is the confidence to return from one without apology. Especially for professionals in technical roles, a break is often treated as a red flag, not because skills disappear, but because perceptions haven't evolved fast enough. It's time we changed that. Because today, relevance is no longer about tenure, it's about your current capability, clarity, and conviction. The gender gap in how we view career breaks According to LinkedIn's Gender Insights Report (2024), 38% of women in India list parenting as the reason for a career break compared to only 9% of men. This isn't just a statistic. It reveals how career breaks are still judged, especially for women and mid-career professionals. It's not the gap that's damaging, it's the outdated assumptions attached to it. I've worked with hundreds of returning professionals who assumed they'd have to 'settle' for less after a break. What they actually needed was a reframe, not a downgrade. How hiring managers evaluate relevance today The good news? Hiring priorities are evolving. A 2024 study by Indeed shows that 67% of hiring managers now value hands-on skills and problem-solving more than traditional certifications. I asked a senior leader CHRO from a reputed Power/ Infrastructure industry on how he views a career break. He said: 'There are two parts to it, one is practise and the other is attitude. How can the potential candidate demonstrate that they have already done what is required on the job? I am open to assess and evaluate the credentials of potential candidates. It all depends upon how updated they are and what is the kind of confidence they reflect. However line managers are less open to candidates with career breaks and that is a mindset issue'. Kalpan Desai, CHRO, Atrangii, said – ' I am open to candidates with a career break provided they have upgraded themselves in terms of skills and whether they have a clear blueprint which is aligned to their goals. And if they have collaborative skills in place, it makes a difference because they can then grasp and co-ordinate with domain experts within the company and be up and running soon'. In practice, here's what that means they're looking for: Familiarity with current tools or platforms. Evidence of problem-solving, not just knowledge. A mindset that's adaptable, self-directed, and up-to-date Your resume doesn't need to hide the break. It needs to show what you did with it. Rebuilding technical capability the right way Let's be clear: you don't need to have worked at a company during your break to stay relevant. As the senior HR Leader from the power/ infrastructure sector mentioned – 'In case you are returning to manufacturing sector, pay a visit to the plant/unit and get yourself updated on the advancements made'. Kalpan Desai goes on to share – 'For roles like Finance, HR and Accounting, the basic fundamentals remain the same so you as a candidate need to focus on updating your industry knowledge. Yes, for technical roles, you need to have your technical domain skills updated which you can do through multiple sources, for example LinkedIn Learning and be up to speed.' Here's what works: Contextualise the gap. Mention it directly and with clarity. Don't tiptoe. Show proof of learning. A few well-chosen certifications, mock projects, or freelance gigs go a long way. Build a portfolio. It could be GitHub repos, dashboards, strategy decks, or case studies. Let your work speak. Use a skills grid in your resume. A simple table showcasing tools you know and tasks you've done helps recruiters quickly assess relevance. I've seen returnees land interviews simply because they presented their skills in a clearer, more digestible way. Munira Thanwala , General Manager, HR, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Ltd. shared three tips for candidates returning to work – 'a] Update your skills to show continuous learning such completing short online courses or certifications (from Coursera, LinkedIn Learning). B] Talk about your break with confidence, talk about what you did and what you learned. C] Use your network, reach out to old colleagues, ex-managers or friends in the industry. Apply to 'returnship' programs / internships offered by most companies' Framing the story: What to say in interviews Most returnees fumble the 'Tell me about the gap' question. Here's a structure that helps: Reason → Learning → Action → Readiness. Example: 'After a 15-month break for caregiving, I used the time to update my cloud skills through hands-on labs. I've built two freelance dashboards and now feel fully ready to return to a technical role.' It's not about covering up the gap, it's about showing what you built during it. Breaks uncover hidden strengths Let's flip the narrative. People who return after breaks often bring: Higher emotional resilience Improved time management. Greater retention and loyalty In fact, according to Bain & Company's Returners Report (2023), 45% of professionals who return after a break stay longer at companies than those who didn't take one. That's not a weakness. That's a value-add. Conclusion Career breaks don't erase your potential. They don't make you less capable unless you let the world believe that. In today's workplace, your comeback is only as strong as your clarity. So stop defending the break. Start demonstrating the readiness. (arabjeet Sachar is Founder & CEO, Aspiration, and Career Transition Coach)
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Neel Samarthh mourns the sudden demise of Shefali Jariwala: "Her light will be missed"
Actor Neel Samarthh, who is currently seen in Sabse Bada Rupaiya on Atrangii and will soon appear in the web series Rose Garden, has expressed deep grief over the sudden and untimely demise of actress Shefali Jariwala. Known for his grounded personality and sincere approach to life, Neel is a familiar face in the television industry and often shares heartfelt insights on matters close to him. Reacting to the shocking news of Shefali's passing at the age of 42, Neel shared a moving tribute, reflecting the sadness that many in the entertainment fraternity feel. 'I'm truly shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of Shefali Jariwala at just 42,' he said. 'It's hard to believe that someone so full of life, grace, and energy is no longer with us.' Remembering her not just as a talented actress but also as a strong presence both on and off screen, Neel added, 'She was not just a performer but a personality who left an impression wherever she went. From her iconic appearances on screen to the way she carried herself in real life, Shefali was always full of confidence and elegance.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '암보험' 최적가 가입인기! "개인별 맞춤설계+할인혜택"… 굿리치 보험대리점 (등록번호:제2006038313호) 가격 받기 Undo Neel also took a moment to reflect on the unpredictability of life, emphasising how fragile our existence truly is. 'Life is incredibly unpredictable, and this is yet another painful reminder of how delicate it can be. Shefali's passing feels personal to many of us who grew up watching and admiring her work.' He concluded his message with heartfelt condolences, 'My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who admired her. May God give them the strength to cope with this irreparable loss. Shefali, your light will be missed, but your memories will live on. Rest in peace.' Shefali Jariwala, often remembered for her unforgettable performance in the song Kaanta Laga, left an enduring mark in the entertainment world, and her sudden demise has indeed left a void that will not be easily filled.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive- Neel Samarthh on World Laughter Day: Laughter is like a breath of fresh air
is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of May. This year it is being observed on May 4, and Kundali Bhagya, Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant, Sapnon Ki Chhalaang, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actor , who is currently seen in Sabse Bada Rupaiya on Atrangii, and will soon be seen in the web series Rose Garden, shared that laughter makes him believe that he has connected well with the audience. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said, 'Laughter is like a breath of fresh air. As an actor, it's that moment when you know you've connected with the audience. Whether it's through a joke, a funny scene, or just a small expression it feels like magic when people smile because of you. It's a pure form of joy.' He mentioned that laughter is an important part of our daily lives, and said, 'In today's busy life, we forget to pause and just smile. Everything moves so fast, deadlines, phone calls, meetings that we sometimes forget we're human.' 'Laughter is important because it brings us back to the present moment. It's like medicine, but free,' he added. A piece of advice to bring more laughter into life? 'Don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh at your mistakes. Talk to funny friends. Watch a good comedy movie. Life isn't perfect, but laughter makes it lighter. Just let go sometimes,' Neel concluded.
