How Can I Get Back Into the IT Industry After a 5-Year Gap?

Ans: Good to see you seeking a job in IT. Companies in IT look to add women on their roles. I suggest connecting with your class mates working in IT industry or IT roles elsewhere and they will be able to get you an opportunity to be interviewed by their company's HR. Also talk to your placement head and seek his suggestions, connections. Make a well rounded biodata, make applications with a cover note to convince the employers on how you can add value to the company. In case there are some new software, languages, skills that you need to learn, go for them simultaneously. You are sure to succeed.

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!!