In 2007, I stepped into the corporate world, armed with a fresh degree and dreams of a fulfilling career. Life moved swiftly, and soon after two years of professional growth, I found stability, got married, and continued to build my life. But in 2012, as life took a new turn with the arrival of my young children, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life – resigning from my job to devote myself to motherhood.
Being a full-time mother was both rewarding and challenging. The joys of watching my kids grow were immense, but there was always a lingering fear—could I ever return to the career I once loved? With each passing day, my children became more independent, and a familiar fire began to burn within me. I wanted to return to work, but the thought of balancing a full-time job with the responsibilities of motherhood made me hesitate.
As the years passed, my career break stretched to an unexpected eight years. I dipped my toes into freelance work, hoping it would bridge the gap. However, the crowded market and the time spent on each test seemed unworthy of the effort. I then considered a part-time job, but COVID-19 hit, and the world turned upside down. With my kids learning from home, especially my youngest, who struggled with online classes initially, I had to put those plans on hold.
It was during this time that I read about a ‘Back to Career’ program for women, organized by the Kerala government. The idea of reigniting my career sparked something in me, and I quickly registered on the portal. I began updating my skills, aware of the significant changes in the industry during my absence.
The job fair was an overwhelming experience—so many women like me, were eager to return to the workforce. I applied to a few companies and attended the interviews. One day, I received a call from Founding Minds, offering me an internship.
I wasn’t alone in this journey—ten of us started together at Founding Minds, each with their own story of resilience. The internship was a thoughtfully designed program that included several course materials, and we were given the flexibility to enroll in courses on any online platform, with the fees reimbursed, as the company was supportive in helping us stay capable and up-to-date with industry standards. As we started working, the team members were incredibly supportive, helping us understand the project and gradually giving us more responsibilities. We were included in daily stand-up calls, meetings, and even team lunches, where our voices were heard, and our input was valued. Regular reviews highlighted areas for improvement and recognition for our progress motivated us to put in even more effort.
Three months later, I got life-changing news – Founding Minds had decided to hire me full-time – it was a moment of deep emotion. My journey from career to caregiver and back again was not just about returning to work; it was a testament to resilience, determination, and the incredible support from my loved ones. Today, I’m proud of the path I’ve walked, and I hope my story inspires others to never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
I am especially grateful to Founding Minds for their forward-thinking approach and their belief in the potential of women returning to the workforce after a career break. By offering opportunities to women like me, who had taken time off to focus on family, they have not only rekindled our professional lives but also set an example for other organizations. Their decision to invest in career-break women is a powerful statement that talent and dedication do not diminish with time; they only grow stronger.
Remember, it’s never too late to chase your dreams. The journey may be long and filled with challenges, but every step forward is a step closer to your goals. If you have the passion and the courage to persist, no break is too long, and no dream is out of reach. Believe in your strength, embrace your journey, and trust that the best is yet to come.
About the Author
Siji Antony is a Senior QA Engineer with 7 years of experience in testing web applications, excelling in identifying issues and ensuring they are resolved to deliver high-quality, bug-free products. Throughout her career, she has refined her skills in quality assurance, consistently contributing to the success of every project she undertakes. Outside of work, Siji enjoys tending to her garden and cherishes spending time with her family.
