How the Gap in the Resume of Many Working Mothers Affects Their Career
By: Liliana Nuño Silva
Tags: Work Life Balance, Equal Opportunity, Parenting, Programming, Working Moms

Other Experiences

Out of curiosity, I asked other women about their experiences with this issue. And, of course, there was a mix of answers.

There were a bunch of lucky ones that work in companies that support women at every stage of their lives. The factors that helped them were made mostly by their line manager, their company’s policies, colleagues, and more important their partner.

If all of these factors don't sync, it is tough.

One thing worth noting that these women mentioned, is that “getting your job back is one thing, but making a career is a completely different ball game".

In some of these cases, they feel that is difficult to support their current team, in contrast to other team members who are single or don't have kids. It is very difficult choosing family time vs. the occasional drink after work.

But for the rest of us, life got more complicated. I want to remark that many of the women I talked to preferred to have a private conversation to explain their issues and asked not to be named because of the fear of prejudice of society. So, for privacy, I will use fake names.

In the case of Mery, the time off made a huge impact on her career, to the point where she had to change the industry and re-enter in a significantly lower position, feeling that her experience is not recognized.

Now, she is back in a junior position. Still, she is optimistic and feels grateful for having a job and a very supportive family.

Sophie moved countries and, after some time off, trying to get a job was not an option anymore. For her, things like overtime, 24-hour availability, month-end closings, would be a job impossible to maintain in the long run. Luckily, she was able to start her own company instead.

For Melissa, the expenses for daycare were so high that it made no sense for her to start working. Her income was drastically reduced. In time, she managed to go back to work to the same position but part-time in university and with no change in salary.

After leaving that job, when she applied for another job, she was explicitly told that the institution was unable to give her a higher position due to her gap in experience, despite her excellent qualifications. Instead, the successful (male) candidate had no such gap.

Gabriella mentioned that moving to a different country and age are the issues for her. When the family moved countries, she expected to take some time off to enjoy her kids.

But things didn't go as planned and she had to start looking for a job. Despite being very qualified and having worked in many places at the director level, she can't get interviews.

Also, she is primarily responsible for her kids, so things like kids' activity schedules are on her and paying someone to help with this would significantly reduce her income.

So after 50, she feels that her professional life is over but she is not ready or prepared financially for retirement. She feels that more doors are closed than open.

I have the impression that companies feel they just can't afford to incorporate women that took the decision of staying at home due to the fear that the company is not the main priority in their lives.