This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mounika Chinnam, 33, who lives in Andhra Pradesh, India, and took a seven-year career break. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I got my first tech job at 23, writing code for a research and development company. I had a postgraduate diploma in advanced computing and was excited to begin my career in computer science.
Three years later, in 2019, my life looked very different. I had left my job shortly after getting married and had given birth to my son prematurely, at 32 weeks. I became a stay-at-home mom.
I believed I could rebuild my career at any age, but I knew my son's early years would never come back. I chose to focus on supporting him through his challenges, and what I thought would be a short career break eventually lasted seven years.
I didn't have time to focus on my career
My husband and I met through our families in early 2017 and married later that year. His family lived in another state, several hours away, and he traveled frequently for work. I didn't think living apart would work for us, so I left my job, and he supported our family financially.
In 2019, our son was born prematurely and spent nearly three months in the NICU. Because of his health challenges, every milestone felt significant. As he grew from a baby into a toddler and beyond, he was frequently sick with colds and fevers.
I wouldn't say he was necessarily sicker than other children, but he was sensitive, and his well-being was my top priority, especially because his father was often away for weeks at a time.
After spending seven years at home, my confidence was very low.
I didn't have the time or energy to upskill or study. I spent most of the 12 hours my son wasn't in school taking care of him. During that period, I barely had a social life of my own.
My son inspired me to look for work
When my son was around 6, he started asking me why I didn't work like other people. His questions made me think seriously about what I wanted my future to look like.
By then, he was in school, and I felt he was healthy and independent enough for me to consider returning to work.
After seven years at home, though, my confidence was very low. I wasn't looking for the perfect job or a senior position. I wanted an opportunity that would help me rebuild my confidence.
The technology industry had changed dramatically during my absence, including the rapid adoption of AI. Returning to a technical role would require substantial upskilling, so I was open to nontechnical positions.
I talked about my experience as a housewife in my interview
I interviewed for a business development associate position at a digital marketing company. I told the interviewers honestly that I didn't have experience in digital marketing but wanted the opportunity to learn.
I also asked whether I could work hours that would allow me to be available for my son after school. I was nervous about saying this, but being upfront about my responsibilities as a mother felt important.
The interviewers told me they were looking for someone with managerial skills who could also help manage the office. I explained that managing a household had required me to multitask, organize competing priorities, and handle many responsibilities at once.
I still had plenty of doubts about whether I was the right person for the job. Instead of rejecting me, however, they suggested that I start as an intern for two months, beginning in June 2024.
I was thrilled to be earning money again after such a long break. One of the first things I bought with my income was a toy for my son.
Sometimes all you need is one chance to prove yourself.
Being an intern at 31 felt strange, especially because many of the employees in full-time positions were younger than me.
My responsibilities included managing the office, speaking with potential clients, and writing content. The company had a startup-like environment, so I was able to take on a wide range of tasks. My teammates were also supportive and willing to help me learn.
One of our clients was struggling to gain followers on LinkedIn, so I came up with several ideas to improve their presence. When the numbers began to improve, my employer recognized that I was demonstrating the skills they needed.
In August 2024, just two months after starting my internship, I was offered a full-time position as a business development lead.
The right opportunity helped me restart my career
If you've taken a career break, don't be afraid to start small.
An internship or other entry-level opportunity may feel like a step backward, particularly if you're returning to work after years of experience. For me, though, it was a way to rebuild my confidence, learn what had changed in the industry, and prove what I could do.
Sometimes, all you need is one opportunity to show someone what you're capable of.
I don't feel that I sacrificed anything by choosing to focus on raising my child. Today, my son is 7, healthy and strong. He has all the love and support I was able to give him during those seven years.
And now, I have the chance to build the next chapter of my career.