Going back to the future

Returning to work after a long stint away has its hurdles, writes

For many women, going back to work is simply a financial necessity for the family budget, says Wright.

“I was blessed in that I didn’t necessarily have that need but at the same time I knew for my own brain stimulation and sanity I had to take that step.” She still needed to do the sums. “Your costs are going to go up when you go back to work. And you have to think: ‘is it worth it for me?’”

There are many different ways to go back. They don’t all involve hitting the ground running in a full-time role.

Temping can be an option if you don’t want to commit yourself longterm or want to be able to experience a mixture of different work situations before you do so.

Another option is job-sharing where two people share the tasks/ days of one job, where part time may not be an option.

Even if you start at the bottom again, as Wright did, the upward trajectory is often faster than the first time around.

Wright worked hard, and subsequently bought into the law practice as a partner.

Even so, her earning power will never reach what she could have achieved working in the city.

“There are non-financial benefits that make up for it and I don’t mean that as a cliche.

“Working within the local community is an asset you can’t put a value on for someone like me.”

The good news, says Leberman, is that returners are the ones that can change the culture and make it easier for the next wave of women.

As a returner from a break you will have had lots of life experience and built new skills. These are skills that you can market.