Returning Strong: How Kanya Navigated Her Career After Maternity Leave

"I was terrified that two years away meant starting over. I had imposter syndrome before I even returned." — Kanya M., Marketing Director

The Fear of Coming Back

Kanya had been a high-performing marketing manager before taking extended maternity leave. As her return date approached, anxiety set in.

"The industry had changed so much. New platforms, new tools, new terminology. I felt like a dinosaur at 34."

Preparing for Re-entry

Three months before returning, Kanya started working with a Pragma career coach who specialized in supporting women returning to work.

"My coach helped me see that my skills hadn't disappeared—they'd evolved. Managing a household and young children had actually strengthened my project management abilities."

The Transition Plan

Together, they developed a 90-day re-entry plan: identifying skills gaps to address, building relationships with new colleagues, and having honest conversations with her manager about flexibility needs.

"I was nervous to ask for a flexible schedule. But my coach helped me frame it in terms of business value, not personal accommodation."

Thriving, Not Just Surviving

One year after returning, Kanya was promoted to Marketing Director. She now leads a team of 12 and has become an advocate for returnship programs at her company.

"The career break didn't set me back. In many ways, it gave me perspective that made me a better leader."