I'm an IT project manager with 15 years IT and 3 years PM experience.
I recently had a baby and took a year mat leave. I'm back at work, but I'm thinking of taking a few years off to spend with my son. Monash Uni just started a Masters degree in Project Management, and I've always been keen to go back to uni to do more post graduate work.
Would I still be able to enter the PM market if I took 3 years off and do a Masters Degree in Project Management during that time? I'm also thinking of doing project volunteer work, to keep me busy.
I love being a project manager and I still have about 30 years of work in the future. I would just really hate it if the time off causes me to be unable to continue as a project manager in the future. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Go for it. Many recruiters look askance at gaps in work history; however, you're taking time off to improve your skills, and recruiters will accept that as a reasonable explanation. Also, you will probably have an easier time reentering the workforce as a consultant than a permanent employee. Regarding your degree, I don't think obtaining a Masters in Project Management is worth the time and cost. Having a Master’s degree will make you a stronger candidate than someone without one, but you'd be better off obtaining a degree in an industry such as Information Technology or Healthcare than Project Management. You could even forgo the degree in favor of certifications. These will increase your marketability far more than a Masters in Project Management. Saving Changes...
I don't think so, and besides, even if it does reduce the offers when you come back or lower pay than if you had stayed, just weight the benefits vs costs and looking back you will always go with spending the time with your son. These are things you can't get back. Projects will always be there. If you do volunteer work as you say and a certification maybe (if you don't have one already) then you should be fine. Saving Changes...
It depends where do you live, Personally, I think it is good to have someone on board after a long holiday. A clear mind, fresh and eager to work again. Saving Changes...
Poh Kim OoiOther| NCS Global Technology Sdn BhdGeorgetown, Penang, Malaysia
I agreed with Kevin because i am in outsourcing fields and we are recruiting people to work with us. However, the job opportunity will depends where you live. There will be risks to be taken but you can still get a job when back to industry if you are persistent and willing to start with part-time or temporary or lower pay to proof your value. Good luck. Saving Changes...
It will not be easy with a gap as continuous employment but you have to compare which one is more value to your principles, in some countries if you take a leave for a month you won't find your position when you're back due to a huge applicants waiting inside and outside to take your position. So we don't know we are you living? to be be more specific in advising. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I've had two, relatively short, periods of mat leave and in the period where I immediately returned to work I wasn't doing what I did when I left. So - from someone who has been there, yes, you will be able to get work. But know now that you will be unlikely to walk back in to an identical role. However, you might not want to. If you want to message me, I'm happy to chat about it. You might find this interesting too: I interviewed some women returners for their advice about coming back to work after mat leave: https://www.girlsguidetopm.com/6-womens-st...aternity-leave/ Saving Changes...
Before we were married my wife and I decided one of us would be home with our children. When our first son was born I had the better job so I worked and she stayed home. By the time our second was born, she had the better job so I stayed home. I wouldn't trade those few years for anything. You can always work a little harder to make up for the work you've missed, but no amount of work will regain you the time you've lost.
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2 replies by Anish Abraham and Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Before we were married my wife and I decided one of us would be home with our children. When our first son was born I had the better job so I worked and she stayed home. By the time our second was born, she had the better job so I stayed home. I wouldn't trade those few years for anything. You can always work a little harder to make up for the work you've missed, but no amount of work will regain you the time you've lost.
Great points Keith. Saving Changes...
Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
I believe you have to decide what's important to you, your family, and not the job or the company. There will always be work out there and other companies hiring. Are you in it for the money, the challenge, the title? What makes it a career for you? You need to figure that out. Looking back over 35 years I think i should have taken more time off for varying reasons, more education maybe, to spend time with the kids, to adjust my perspective. You're not going to get any of this time back so do it now. The best summer I had was when, about 10 years ago, I spent 3 months custom building adirondack chairs in the garage and selling then on Craig's List instead of the politics and boardroom. Only you know what's best for you. Saving Changes...
