Career Gaps for Women

• 23 Sep 2025

In the past couple of months, I’ve had the same conversation with three different women – and it’s really stuck with me. Each of them, brilliant and accomplished in their own right, asked me (with genuine fear in their voice) “How do I explain a gap on my CV?”

Reasons vary. One had moved countries to support her partner, another had a baby, and the third was simply considering a break to pause and reset. Yet all of them were worried about how taking time out would be judged by potential employers or colleagues.

This really resonates with me.

Almost 20 years ago, I had two children back-to-back. That meant two pregnancies, two C-sections (one of them deeply traumatic), all within the span of two years. During that same time, I moved my young family to Beijing, undertook my second Master’s degree, and threw myself into learning Mandarin (well… I tried!).

And yet, when I was ready to return to work, it was tough. I was penalized for what was labelled a ‘two-year career break.’ Never mind the personal growth, resilience, and life experience packed into those years.

But the point is this … how is it that in 2025, women still feel they need to defend or justify taking a step back – for caregiving, for moving, for seeking something more purposeful? We really must do better.

I love that more men are stepping into their roles as present fathers and partners – and we often see this proudly reflected in their LinkedIn bios. So why don’t we extend the same grace, understanding, and even celebration to women?

(photo of me on one of my ‘career breaks’)