WOMEN’S CAREER TRAJECTORIES

Abstract

The goal of this quantitative interpretive phenomenological research was to find out what motivated women to attempt to go back into the job after taking time out to raise their kids. The purpose of this study was to examine how professional hiatuses affect women’s career trajectories. Five overarching themes emerged from the data study including independence fear shock development and revitalization. According to the study’s findings professional working moms may take preventative measures while leaving the industry if they had a clearer picture of the obstacles they could face upon returning. Women who are considering a career comeback may be able to avoid the obstacles faced by the study’s participants if they remain in touch with their employers maintain their professional networks and abilities and engage with companies that specialize in assisting moms in returning to the workforce. More collaboration with firms dedicated to placing re-entry women leveraging technology to provide more flexible workplace conditions for mothers and establishing a network for talented females who have left the organization but may want to return are just a few examples of what more could be done to capitalize on the amazing talent pool of women wanting to re-enter.