Embracing Career Transitions: From Full-Time Parent to VP of Product Management
Career transitions aren’t easy — but they are possible. Whether you’re returning to work, changing paths, or reassessing your priorities, it’s okay to take your time. Be intentional. Trust your skills. And most importantly, remember that your experiences, both personal and professional, have value. Taking a career break doesn’t mean losing momentum. It means taking time to focus on the other parts of your life that fulfill you in other ways.
When I stepped away from my career, I didn’t jump into part-time projects or studies right away. I spent a full year doing nothing but parenting (and lots of time in the gym getting fit and running) — an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It was a conscious decision to be fully present for my family during a chapter that mattered deeply.
I spent four years working part-time in IT consulting while I searched for the next full-time destination that would be the best move for my career growth. Even during those part-time years, I stayed committed to both my community and my professional growth — fitting it in between nap times, preschool pickups, and the beautiful chaos of raising young children. I used the flexibility of my schedule to volunteer locally, giving back to my community, and also advance my education to continue building my skills.
One of the most powerful things I did during this time was earn my master’s degree. It gave me structure, helped me sharpen my skills, and most importantly, rebuilt my confidence. It reminded me that taking a break doesn’t mean losing your potential. While not everyone has the ability to pursue higher education, there are so many accessible ways — through online courses, books, or side projects — to continue growing in the midst of life changes. Life experiences, such as parenthood and career breaks, cultivate unique perspectives and valuable skills that individuals bring to their professional roles.
Showcasing Transferable Skills on Your Resume
Returning to full-time work — and later growing into new roles — taught me that adaptability is one of the most important skills anyone can have. Life brings change, and how we respond defines our path forward.
Parenthood taught me resilience, time management, and emotional intelligence — skills that aren’t always visible on a résumé, but are invaluable in the workplace. The growth that happens outside the office can be just as important as what happens inside it.
Being creative with how transferable skills are presented can make a significant impact, especially when drawing from experiences outside of traditional work settings. For instance, parenting cultivates a range of professional competencies such as time management, conflict resolution, adaptability, empathy, and leadership. These can be effectively communicated on a résumé by framing them in professional terms. Rather than listing a career break, one might say: “Took a career break, during which I cultivated strong organisational and problem-solving skills and deepened my emotional intelligence by navigating high-pressure situations and supporting others.” Examples like this illustrate how everyday responsibilities translate into valuable, workplace-ready strengths. It’s about telling a cohesive story — your story — one that highlights continued growth, even outside a formal job title.
Being Intentional About Returning
When I was ready to fully reenter the workforce, I knew I couldn’t just say yes to the first opportunity. I had to be thoughtful about what kind of role would align with both my professional goals and my family’s needs.
I took my time. I searched for opportunities that aligned with my values and offered the flexibility I needed to succeed both at work and at home. I ultimately chose a product management position that allowed me to ease back into the workforce, even if it meant taking a step that didn’t fully reflect the breadth of my experience at the time. That role gave me the opportunity to reacclimate to full-time work, sharpen my skills in the latest technologies, grow my confidence, expand my professional network, and position myself for a future leadership role. As my children grew older and my circumstances evolved, I was able to pursue opportunities that aligned more closely with my long-term career goals.
My biggest advice for anyone currently navigating a similar path is this: be patient with yourself. Your career isn’t defined by any one moment and it’s ok to embrace the “now” and what is needed to show up wholly both at work and in personal life. Those small, gradual steps, led me to where I am today.
Building a Career at Workday
Over the past seven years at Workday, I’ve steadily grown into leadership, earning several promotions along the way. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Vice President of Product Management — a role I recently stepped into. My journey hasn’t been linear; it took intention, flexibility, and a great deal of reflection. Looking back, taking a role that allowed me to ease back into the workforce was essential. It gave me the foundation I needed to grow into the leader I am today.
One of the reasons I’ve stayed at Workday for so long is simple: the people and the culture. I’ve been able to build a meaningful career without sacrificing the presence and care my family deserves. From my early days to where I am now, I’ve found a community that supports and values every part of who I am.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Ready Than You Think
Confidence and self-belief can change everything. Your journey — career breaks, pivots, life experiences — it all matters. And it’s all about finding the right balance between personal life and work life- one that works for you. If you’re facing a transition, know this: you are more ready than you think.
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