In the bustling world of academia and professional growth, taking a break can seem like a daunting prospect, especially for moms who step away from their careers to focus on parenting. As someone who took a four-year career break to be a stay-at-home mom, I understand the fears and uncertainties that come with such a decision. However, my journey of returning to academia and securing admission to Monash University in Australia has shown me that a career break doesn’t break your career; it enriches it.
My daughter and I took photo in front of the Sir John Monash Statue at Monash University Clayton Campus. Source: Personal Documentation.
When I decided to take a career break, it was one of the most challenging yet fulfilling choices I ever made. Leaving behind my professional aspirations to focus entirely on my daughter felt like a significant sacrifice at the time. But deep down, I knew that being present for her during her formative years was crucial. Erica Komisar, a renowned psychoanalyst and author, emphasises the importance of a mother’s presence in a child’s early years, highlighting how it shapes their emotional and psychological development. This period allowed me to witness the first steps, the first words, and countless other milestones that I would have missed otherwise. It was during these moments that I realised how enriching this time was, not just for my daughter but for me as well.
During this journey, I also had another significant realization: I wanted to be a role model for my daughter. It became important for me to demonstrate that valuing continuous learning is essential, no matter the stage of life. By returning to academia, I hoped to show her that it’s possible to balance responsibilities. I wanted her to see firsthand that education and growth are lifelong endeavors.
The Fear of Returning
As my daughter grew older and more independent, I felt the tug of my academic and professional aspirations once again. However, the fear of returning to a competitive field after a significant break was real. Would I still be relevant? Would universities and employers see value in my time away from work?
My daughter joined me in the orientation week on campus. Source: Personal Documentation.
These doubts are common among many moms considering a return to their careers or education. But I want to share a powerful truth: your experiences as a mother add immense value to your professional and academic pursuits. The skills you develop—time management, multitasking, empathy, and resilience—are highly transferable and respected.
The Application Journey
With renewed determination, I began my application process to Monash University. I chose Monash not only for its stellar reputation but also because of its supportive environment for returning students. During the application process, Monash University allowed me to submit a Career Break Statement, which enabled me to reflect deeply on my journey as a stay-at-home mom and articulate how it provided me with a unique perspective and renewed passion for my field. I highlighted my parenting years as a period of personal growth and learning. Instead of viewing it as a gap, I presented it as a time when I honed critical skills and gained valuable insights into human development—an area that directly relates to my field of study. Additionally, Monash offers great support for students who are also parents, further underscoring their dedication to creating an inclusive academic environment.
To my delight, Monash University saw the value in my experiences, welcomed me into their program, and awarded me a full scholarship for my doctoral studies. The preparation took a year, starting with joining as a mentee at the PhD Bootcamp 2022 from Indonesia Mengglobal in October 2022, until I received the admission and scholarship offer in October 2023. This long journey, filled with moments of hard work and joy, has shaped me profoundly.
Encouraging Fellow Moms
To all the moms out there considering a return to education after a career break, I want to encourage you. Your time spent nurturing your children is not a setback but a stepping stone. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey:
- Embrace Your Story
Your career break is part of your unique story. Embrace it and reflect on the skills and insights you gained during this period.
- Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and mentors who believe in your dreams and can offer guidance. In my case, I challenged myself to join as a mentee in PhD Bootcamp 2022, and it turned out to be an invaluable treasure.
- Seek Flexible Programs
Look for fields that offer flexible programs tailored for returning students or professionals. In my case, I switched from engineering to education to gain more flexibility in my PhD studies. This allowed me to study from home and accompany my daughter, who attends kindergarten in Victoria only twice a week.
- Stay Updated
Keep yourself informed about developments in your field. This could be through online courses, webinars, or news.
- Time Management
Effective time management is crucial. Start your day before the rest of the family wakes up to have quiet, uninterrupted time for studying or working on your application. Identify the most important tasks each day and focus on completing those first. Utilize short periods throughout the day, such as during your child’s nap time or after they’ve gone to bed, for focused study sessions.
- Trust in God’s Plan
Believe that God will make a way if your dreams align with His purpose. Trust that in His timing, the right opportunities will come.
My daughter in front of Sir John Monash Statue Clayton Campus. Source: Personal Documentation.
A Final Word
Taking a career break to be present for your children is a decision that carries immense value. It is a period of growth, learning, and love that enriches both your life and your children’s. And when the time is right, don’t be afraid to step back into your professional or academic journey. God has a way of making paths clear and providing opportunities when we least expect them.
Your career break does not define you; it enriches you. Embrace it, and when you’re ready, take that leap of faith. Your dreams are still within reach.
Editor: Bima Aryuna