Women: Returning to Work After 15 Years

Eileen McMahon, a Dublin-based mother of two, had spent over ten years at home with her children, uncertain of how to approach the daunting prospect of rejoining the workforce. “I planned to return to work around four or five years ago, but I found myself constantly wavering and rationalising delaying the start,” she admits.

After being a stay-at-home mum to a son and daughter for fifteen years, she questioned the value of her past experience and her career aspirations. The biggest question, however, was how to even begin.

One day, while at home, she tuned into a radio programme featuring Work Equal, a free initiative established by stylist and social entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, that aids women in transitioning back into the professional world.

A person on the radio spoke of the difficulty of self-recognition during this process. McMahon identified deeply with that sentiment and promptly reached out to Work Equal. This move introduced her to a group of welcoming, committed, and compassionate individuals.

McMahon felt positive after each interaction, whether it was attending workshops or preparing her CV. “Every step was just so uplifting, and I ended each session in better spirits,” she identifies.

Soon after seeking their assistance, McMahon secured a position as a sales associate in a large fashion retail company – a role she relishes. She says it’s a complete deviation from her previous jobs, but proved to be exactly what she needed to thrust herself back into the workplace.

This episode also features a discussion with Sonya Lennon, the founder of Work Equal. They discuss the hurdles women face when going back to work, the initial steps for that transition, and the importance of female representation in leadership positions to drive change from the top.

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