Rewriting the Narrative: How to Reenter the Workforce After a Career Pause

Whether it was to raise children, care for a loved one, move across countries, or take time to rediscover yourself—career gaps are more common than you think. For many South Asian women, these pauses are a reflection of deep responsibility, sacrifice, and shifting priorities. But when it’s time to return, the transition can feel overwhelming.

At DAWN, we believe in second (and third!) acts. In fact, we celebrate them.

My own journey included a long pause after high school to raise my family. It was nearly a decade before I returned to school—and even longer before I reentered the workforce. But I never stopped growing. I volunteered at my kids’ schools, organized events, and later took on a leadership role in our family foundation. I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees, joined local boards, and eventually stepped into a public leadership position. Each step built on the last. Looking back, those “gap years” were filled with growth, learning, and purpose.

Drawing from insights from Harvard Business Review and Indeed, here’s how to reframe your career break with confidence:

🌀 Lead with your story
Don’t apologize for the gap—own it. Whether you were caregiving, upskilling, or navigating a life transition, frame your experience as one of growth and resilience.

💡 Highlight transferable skills
You didn’t stop growing. Managing a household, volunteering, or staying engaged in your community shows leadership, time management, and emotional intelligence—key assets in any workplace.

🗣️ Prepare a confident explanation
Craft a 1–2 sentence statement that acknowledges your break and pivots to the value you bring now. For example:
“After taking time to care for my family, I’m reentering the workforce with renewed clarity, strong organizational skills, and a passion for problem-solving.”

🌱 Reconnect and retool
Take advantage of workshops, online courses, and platforms like DAWN to rebuild your professional momentum. You’re not starting over—you’re starting fresh.

As South Asian women, our stories are layered—and that’s our strength. Whether your pause was one year or ten, what matters most is how you frame it moving forward. Own your journey. And remember: You’re not alone. We’re here cheering for you every step of the way.

✨ DAWN stands for reinvention, courage, and community. Let’s build the future together—one bold return at a time. ✨