Hi Mayank, I was Working with A leading Life insurance Company As Zonal Head but over a period of time i started feeling mentally drained, i wasnt enjoying my life at all and one fine day i put in my papers. it is now a gap of 1.5 years and i am getting inclined to join back as active employee but the problem is od age and the gap. what would you recomend from an HR prespective and the way to approach probable employers. Regards, Ajay

Ans: Dear Biswajit,
General Insurance is a big industry and there are only a few players in this segment.
Please try to look for jobs through job portals and recruitment consultants seriously and consistently and you will definitely get a good job

Ans: Hi!!
Congratulations on taking a break because you felt exhausted and recognised a need for a break! You prioritized your well being, good. Not many have the courage to do this and the support system that allows them to do this. Count your blessings!!

I am splitting my answer into two parts..

Part A: Ask yourself - "why did this burnout happen?", write them down, analyse and ensure it doesn't happen again.

Part B: Tell yourself - "1 and a 1/2 years break is a very small gap in a lifetime". I would have loved to know how you utilized and spent this 1 and a half years. This is for everyone who is taking a break, take a break but use your time wisely to learn a skill, volunteer, travel... it has to be action oriented and not just sleeping and wasting your time, do all those things that you could not do because of your job! When on a break focus on your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of your life. Let the blossom.

If you want to stick to IT industry then keep looking, you'll find what you want. Ask for help from seniors and people you know to get you back into the job market. Ask and don't be afraid of hearing a NO, don't take a "no" personally. Ask and you shall seek. Meanwhile keep learning skills to up your prospects in whatever areas you want to work.

All the best!!

Ans: Re-entering the workforce after a long career gap can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make a successful transition. Here are some steps to help you get back on track. Reflect on the reasons for your career gap, what you've learned during this period, and how it has shaped your skills and experiences. Ask yourself: What are your current skills and strengths? Are there any new interests or fields you want to explore? What kind of roles are you looking for? Identify any skill gaps and take steps to address them. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer a wide range of courses that can help you update your skills. Consider taking on volunteer work or freelance projects to gain recent experience and showcase your commitment to returning to the workforce. Be ready to address your career gap positively and confidently. Be honest about your career gap, explaining it in a positive light, and focusing on what you've learned and how you're prepared for your next role. Practice common interview questions, especially those related to your gap. Emphasize your eagerness to return to work and your proactive steps to stay current in your field. Networking is crucial when returning to the workforce; hence, Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and professional contacts to let them know you’re looking to return to work. Become active in professional associations or online groups related to your industry. Look for part-time positions to gradually re-enter the workforce. Explore remote job opportunities that offer flexibility. Remember, many professionals successfully re-enter the workforce after a gap. With the right approach and mindset, you can find a fulfilling role that leverages your experience and skills. Good luck!

Ans: Do some online courses that are job oriented and simultaneously look for job in that area. Another option would be to do some full time courses like Executive MBA or other job oriented courses that could help you get a job.