Want to return to work after a career break but not sure where to begin?
Returning to work after a career break can be a daunting experience. Often there are many challenges…
Your resume/ CV may be out of date
You’re worried about how to explain the gap on your CV
You’re experiencing self-doubt and a loss of confidence
You feel out of touch with the job market
It’s never too late to unlock your potential (again).
What took you to where you are today, and your path into your future career is your unique journey.
Below I share my journey to The Career Lounge
2003: The start line.
Graduated from university with a masters degree, full of strive and ambition, ready to make the world a better place.
2005: First career leap of faith.
Relocated to the UK to be a social worker. The change was nerve-racking. But among all the emotions I was experiencing, the excitement and thrill topped it all.
2007: Restless and ambitious.
Invested in making my first major career change. Enrolled in a 2-year part-time graduate diploma in law program. Pushed myself to the limit. Working full time, studying part-time. Thanks to almond croissants and cappuccinos (this was before the days of acai bowls and protein punches), I was able to be true to my commitment.
2011: 2nd attempt at a career change
Corporate law is probably not the path for me. Does this mean I’m a failure? No, not really. If at first, you don't succeed, pick yourself up and try again. This is when I took up another part-time master in HR development and consultancy as a gateway to a new career.
2012: Let’s go crazy.
Quit my job in social care without a new job to go to. Gave it my all by interning (for free) in HR departments in the UK and also while on holiday in Hong Kong. It paid off. Within 3 months I had a full-time recruitment role in a private company.
2016: Disaster strikes. Career break.
3 months pregnant and found myself in an unplanned career break. But my career path so far prepared me to turn this challenge into an opportunity. Before my daughter was born, I did a certification in Executive Coaching & Mentoring.
2017: Many new beginnings.
Moved to HK with my 6-month-old baby, Celia. An absolute all-consuming bundle of joy. Thanks to the recommendations I got from my internship at Hong Kong in 2012, I was offered a research consultant opportunity at HKU. Discovered the many challenges new working mothers face in Hong Kong. Decided to set up a coaching practice to support women going back to work from a career break.
2019: My breakthrough.
Re-branded my service as The Career Lounge. And here we are!
TESTIMONIALS
“Nerice was rigorous and committed to my success, and I could trust her completely. After my coaching sessions with her, I realised I was able to let go of self-doubt and I was able to achieve so much more than I ever envisioned.”
- Camille
“Working with Nerice gave me clarity about what I was seeking in a job. Through a personal introduction made by her, I reached the interview stage for the first time since moving, giving me confidence to continue searching. Now I have a fulfilling and rewarding job.”
- Anita
“Nerice had a good bird’s eye view of the opportunities and the places to go for self-development too as she is a strong networker in recruitment and coaching circles. She gave me real practical tips, including getting out there to specific events, to hear people out, learn a bit about what’s going on in the job scene.”
- Heidi