March 8th, celebrated universally as International Women’s Day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, also serves as a call to action for gender equality and women’s rights. At 2ndcareers.com, we wish to take this forward by providing women returning to the workforce a platform to present their credentials and seek remunerative opportunities that reflect their values. Pushpa Rajnath, a colleague at 2ndcareers shares her own journey that led to her second career.
Why a Second Career is Worth Considering: My Journey
By Pushpa Rajnath
Yes, a second career is definitely worth pursuing, whether post-retirement or after taking a break for personal reasons. In fact, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests, shift laterally, or even dive into something completely different that excites you. The beauty of a second career lies in the ability to re-skill, learn, and adapt at any stage of life. This is exactly what I discovered after over four decades in the corporate world.
I journeyed through different industries. For over 40 years, I was immersed in the corporate industry, holding various positions and working for Managing Directors and Center Heads in multiple industries—ranging from manufacturing to retail, venture capital, and finally, IT. My longest stint was in IT, where I spent more than two decades.
When I started, I was a young girl full of excitement, hope, and dreams for the future. Every step of the journey taught me something new—whether it was technical skills, navigating corporate dynamics, or building a vast professional network. Each role I took, each manager I worked with, each challenge I faced, helped shape my career.
Like many, I had my own highs and lows during those early years. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. I had just come out of college and entered a world full of unfamiliarity. There were times I felt dejected, coming home feeling exhausted and disheartened. But every morning I woke up with a new sense of determination. I decided to give my best every single day, hoping that the next day would be better.
One of the most rewarding moments came when I received recognition for my hard work. My manager told me, “Pushpa, everyone outside knows you. You are very popular.” That compliment was humbling, and it highlighted how, with the right support and platform, my passion and efforts could shine. My background in English literature and my involvement in Toastmasters gave me an edge, honing my leadership and communication skills—two essential assets in my career.
A turning point was my realization of the need for change. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) was a transformative period for many, and it was during this time that I began to feel the weight of the years I had spent in the corporate grind. The long hours had taken their toll. My job had started to feel like a routine, devoid of excitement or joy. Despite all my achievements, I felt mentally and emotionally drained.
Discussions with my family led me to make a bold decision in August 2022: I resigned from my role. I didn’t know what would come next, but I was relieved to be free from the daily grind of early morning meetings and long hours. I promised myself to enjoy life, travel, and take a breather.
The unexpected yet fulfilling next chapter has now begun. For 1.5 years, I embraced this newfound freedom. However, as time passed, I realized I missed the intellectual stimulation and the need to stay active. I didn’t want to just sit idle; I wanted something flexible that kept me engaged and allowed me to continue learning.
That’s when the idea of a second career started to form. My friends encouraged me to pursue something that would keep me engaged, and help me stay updated with the changes around me.
And then, I found my second career with 2ndCareers.
From the very first conversation with the founders, Sushma and Shanthi, I felt an instant connection. Their passion for what they were doing was infectious, and I could see how much they believed in their vision. They welcomed me into their company with open arms, and the trust and confidence they placed in me from Day 1 made all the difference.
I’ve already gained quite a bit from my second career. My second career with 2ndCareers is the perfect blend of flexibility, learning, and fulfillment. It’s a part-time role, which suits my desire for work-life balance, yet keeps me intellectually challenged. I am constantly learning new things, which is both refreshing and exciting.
In conclusion, I emphasize that it’s never too late to explore new opportunities, post-retirement or after a break. A second career doesn’t have to be a drastic change; it can be something that reignites your passion and keeps your mind active. Whether it’s a lateral shift or trying something entirely new, the key is being open to learning and upskilling. The journey may not always be smooth, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are more than worth it.
So, if you’ve been thinking about starting a second career, I encourage you to take the leap. There’s so much more out there waiting for you to explore.