Navigating Post-Maternity Return in IT: Breaking Down the Decision to Resign

Last month, I restarted my career after a 2.5-year maternity break, and I'm currently facing a challenging workload in my project. Interestingly, three people who worked in my role previously left within 1-3 months. This situation raises the question: is it okay to resign my job? This article aims to provide insights into the decision-making process regarding resignation after such a prolonged break in the IT industry.

Understanding the Impact of a Maternity Break in IT

Break or 2.5 Years in IT Industry Makes a Huge Difference

The IT industry is ever-evolving, and a 2.5-year break can significantly impact your career. Despite the initial heavy workload in a new role, there are other factors that come into play, such as adapting to the work culture.

Adapting to Work Culture

Evolving work culture within the IT industry can be a challenging factor after a long break. Even if you decide to resign, your workload is likely to remain similar to what you were facing before. Adding up to the challenge, you must be prepared to spend at least 9 hours at work, a standard expectation in many IT environments.

Adjusting to a New Routine

It's been just a month since you returned to your career after a significant break. Adjusting to your routine might be overwhelming, given the differences in your regular schedule. It is very natural to feel overwhelmed and underprepared during this transition phase. However, it's important to give yourself some time to settle into the new routine.

Introspecting the Real Reason for Resignation

Introspection is Key to Making the Right Decision

Before making a hasty decision to resign, it's crucial to introspect and understand the underlying reasons driving your desire to quit. Here are some common reasons to consider:

Support for Home and Office Work: Do you feel adequately supported when managing both personal and professional life? Work Culture Gap: Is there a significant difference in the work culture between your past and present roles? Does it make you feel left out or disconnected from the team? Time Commitment: Are you able to dedicate at least 9 hours of your day to work? Skill Gap: Is there a skills gap in your technical or soft skills that needs addressing?

Resigning without understanding the root cause can lead to the same issues in your next role. Hence, it's essential to identify the real reason for your desire to resign and find a solution to address it.

Strategic Considerations Before Resigning

Prepare for a Smooth Transition

It's perfectly fine to resign and move to another company, but it's important to have another job lined up with an offer letter to continue your career. Additionally, be prepared to justify your departure and reassure your new employer that you are a good fit and ready to take on the role.

If you have more questions regarding this or any other career-related queries, feel free to reach out. I'm here to assist you.