Taking a career break is normal—life happens. Whether it was for family, personal reasons, maternity leave, or a career shift, many professionals, especially women, face the challenge of restarting their IT careers. If you’ve been away from work for a while, you might be asking yourself:
“Will employers even consider me after a long gap?” “Technology has changed so much—how can I catch up?” “Will I have to start my career from scratch?”
These fears are completely valid, but they are also myths that prevent many capable professionals from making a successful comeback. The good news? The IT industry is more welcoming than ever, and companies are actively hiring professionals with career gaps through returnship programs and career restart initiatives.
Let’s bust the top 5 myths about returning to IT and show you how to restart your career with confidence!
1. Employers Don’t Hire Candidates with a Career Gap
This is one of the most common fears among professionals returning to work. The reality? Companies today value skills over career gaps. Many organizations run return-to-work programs, second career opportunities, and restart programs specifically designed for professionals looking to re-enter the workforce.
Reality: Companies Are Looking for Skilled Professionals, Not Gaps.
- Many IT firms have returnship programs designed to help professionals reskill and reintegrate into the workforce.
- Recruiters understand that career breaks happen for various reasons, and a gap is no longer a major hiring concern.
- Highlighting your skills, certifications, and experience in your resume is far more important than explaining the gap.
What to Do?
Look for companies offering “returnship programs,” “jobs for women after a career break,” and “career restart opportunities.” These initiatives help professionals upskill, rebuild confidence, and secure IT jobs faster.
2. Technology Has Changed Too Much, I Can’t Catch Up
Yes, technology is constantly evolving, but catching up is easier than ever. With online courses, certifications, and structured training programs, you can get back on track quickly.
Reality: Upskilling is More Accessible Than Ever.
- Online platforms offer software testing courses, automation testing training, and IT certifications that can help you regain confidence.
- Many IT fields, like software testing and QA, don’t require advanced coding skills—just strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Short-term certification programs like ISTQB, Selenium automation testing, and API testing courses can help bridge the knowledge gap in just a few months.
What to Do?
Enroll in a software testing course online or join a software testing training institute to get structured learning and hands-on experience.
3. I Need to Start from Scratch
Many professionals worry that returning after a career break means starting at an entry-level position all over again. This is NOT true! Your past experience still holds value, even if you’ve been away from work.
Reality: Your Previous Experience Still Counts
- Many companies hire based on transferable skills, not just recent experience.
- If you previously worked in development, support, or any IT role, you can transition into fields like software testing, automation testing, and quality assurance without starting over.
- Companies value professionals who bring real-world problem-solving skills, making you an asset to their team.
What to Do?
Instead of starting from scratch, build on your existing experience by upskilling in a high-demand area like software testing, test automation, or agile methodologies.
4. Only Full-Time Jobs Are Available
Balancing family and work is a top concern for many professionals, especially women returning to IT after maternity leave. The good news is, the industry now offers more flexible job options than ever before!
Reality: IT Offers Remote, Part-Time, and Flexible Work Options
- Many software testing and QA jobs offer remote work, part-time roles, and freelance opportunities.
- Some companies provide return-to-work programs for moms with flexible schedules.
- You can also explore contract-based testing roles, freelance QA jobs, and consulting positions.
What to Do?
Search for keywords like “remote software testing jobs,” “flexible IT jobs for women,” and “part-time QA jobs” to find positions that fit your schedule.
5. I Can’t Compete with Fresh Graduates
Many returning professionals feel they will be at a disadvantage compared to freshers. However, companies don’t just hire based on technical skills—they look for problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and practical knowledge. These are areas where experienced professionals have an edge!
Reality: Your Experience Gives You an Advantage
- Unlike fresh graduates, you have real-world work experience and professional maturity.
- Companies prefer candidates who can adapt quickly and contribute effectively from day one.
- If you’ve worked in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, or other industries, your domain knowledge can be a huge advantage in software testing roles.
What to Do?
Focus on presenting your experience, skills, and certifications effectively on your resume. Highlight past projects, industry knowledge, and any new training you’ve completed.
Returning to IT isn’t as difficult as it seems—it’s all about taking the right steps with determination. The tech industry values experienced professionals who can bring practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Looking for expert-led training to fast-track your comeback?
Explore Obsqura Zone’s software testing courses and career restart programs now!
