Going back to work after a gap..

Hi Ladies,

I am new member in IL but have been reading lots of forums for last few weeks on this site.
I too need some advice. I am a software engineer and have worked for top IT companies for around 5 years.
I quit my job after having a baby who is now 1.5yrs old. I have been in US for last few years and now we are planning to go back to India(Bangalore) in December.
Now,after going back to India I want to start working but don't want to work full time leaving my son. Considering the traffic in bangalore and long working hours in indian IT industry I am thinking I will not be able to give time to my son who is still small and needs me. But at the same time I don't want to be sitting at home full time.
Does anybody know if there is any IT company in Bangalore which offers part time job or something like half day in office and half day from home?
Will it be possible to get a job back in IT field after 1.5yrs of gap?

Any ideas, suggestions....are most welcome. I am sure there will be many ladies in this group who must have been in my situation.

Thanks,
Sonal

Hi Sonal - Look for start ups if you are alright with the lower salaries. Start ups usually find it difficult to find talented people. They may offer you flex timings/work from home options etc. I moved back to India last yr and I tried in larger firms first. Timings are non-flex and no PT jobs are available in the software arena if you look at most biggies.
IBM I heard is an exception(not sure of PT options though).
I'm with a start up, I'm happy with the work and the people. I get my flexibility(work from home 2-3 days a week) and am happy with it.

Good Luck!

Hi,

Thank you so much for your reply.
If start ups have flexible timing it will be a great place to work for me.
I have no problems with lower salary as long as I have flexibility.

Thanks again!

I would suggest that you look for companies with flexi timings and work from home options. Not only startups but even small MNCs offer the same, especially if you are into a niche domain. Do a bit of research in your field and find out the companies which have such policies. Then you can target such companies for finding a job.

Regarding rejoining after a gap, yes it is possible. I came back to IT field after an year long break. Before starting my job hunt, i completed my CSTE certification. During the interview, i told them that my break is because i wanted an extended maternity leave and i could convince them of my skills due to the CSTE certification.

-Lakshmi

Hi Lakshmi,

Thank you for your reply and suggestion.
Yeah you are right,I must do some research and find out about such companies.
One more question......did you mention in your interview that you would like to have flexible timing/work from home options??
Or you went by their working trend/culture?

I would suggest not to tell them that you would like to avail felxi timings/work from home option during the technical round where your potential manager takes the interview. If you stress on work from home/ flexi timings, some managers might see you as a potential liability.

Instead in your HR round, ask your HR along with other questions. Like, howz the transport facility, how is the canteen, do you have any flexi timings, etc. That way, it would look like a general query.

In my interview, it was the other way round. My HR was against the working from home policy. But i cannot help it as my manager is in Canada and every day i need to work atleast 2 hours in Canadian timezone. So i spend only 7 hours in office and i have my manager's approval for the same.

-Lakshmi

Lakshmi - good point. Better to prove your capabilities and then get what you want ;)
I've always been upfront with my request though. I didn't want to take the trouble of going through rounds and rounds of tech screens if I'm not going to take up the offer! I've never had a good experience with HR here :( The managers seemed more understanding and willing as long as they see the potential.

Good Luck Sonal!

Thanks to both of you.
I will try my luck soon.

Regards,
Sonal

Hi..

Do u guys know of any such jobs in Pune ? I am planning to start work after 4 yrs.. But not a full time..

VV

Hi VV,
There are a few websites where start ups and small MNCs advertise these jobs. One of them is Sutrajobs.com - Hire for free, Startup hiring, Startup jobs, New age media jobs, Emerging companies

Good Luck,
L