Asha Patel wanted a new challenge after a ten-year career break and flexible working helped to make this possible. Here’s what she told us…
Name
Asha Patel
Old Position
Full-time mum
New Career
Internal service manager across the pensions and savings team
Can you tell us about your current role?
I returned to work in 2016 after a ten-year career break. At first, I was working as a project analyst and then a programme support manager at Phoenix Group, on large scale programmes like the Standard Life acquisition.
In May 2021 I decided that I wanted a new challenge, and I applied for the role of internal service manager across the pensions and savings team. It’s a completely new side of the business where I had minimal knowledge. The opportunity has allowed me to strengthen my transferable skills and gain new knowledge to open up future leadership roles.
The boost from this role has led me to ‘squiggle’ and stay at the Phoenix Group. In December 2023 I secured a role to work in group operations as a risk reporting and management information manager. As a 50+ older employee working flexibly, this opportunity has enabled me to grow and continuously invest in my future career.
Embracing the idea of a ‘squiggly career’ – rather than a traditional ‘climbing the ladder’ mentality ¬– has given me real fulfilment and enjoyment from working at Phoenix Group.
The chance to experiment has allowed me to add to my toolkit of skills and experience, which is good for me and for my employer!
What influenced your decision to take that career break?
I took my ten-year break to bring up my children. After graduating in business management in 1996, I was working in the City of London as a project manager with Baring Asset Management when I became pregnant with my first daughter.
Maternity leave gave me a chance to reflect on my own upbringing. Both my parents worked, and I spent a lot of time in childcare. I returned to work on a three-day week so that I could enjoy more time being a mum. When I was expecting my second daughter in 2004, my husband and I relocated to Warwickshire, and I decided to become a stay-at-home mother.
This also meant I was able to help my mum when my dad died of a heart attack. That was a re-evaluation of life for me. I thought life is too short and one has to think about what is important here and now. For me, it was being there for my girls in their early years and re-building my career later.
I thought life is too short and one has to think about what is important here and now. For me, it was being there for my girls in their early years and re-building my career later.
How did you go about returning to work?
When my second daughter started secondary school in 2016, I approached a dad at the school about opportunities for getting back into project management. He worked for Phoenix Group and helped get me an interview for a project support analyst role. It was a full-time job. I had taken evening classes in beauty therapy during my first maternity leave, and I did have a small business giving beauty treatments to local clients after we moved to Warwickshire. That helped me use my business knowledge but returning to work after such a long break was still very challenging.
What support did you get in navigating your return to work?
I was fully supported by my employer, Phoenix Group. They made me feel like I was still a valuable employee. That has allowed me to grow. I felt the need to prove myself again, but my manager and team were very supportive.
I wasn’t keen to work full time because of my responsibilities for my daughters and my mum. So, after my probation period I asked to do a four-day week. It was the best thing for me and my wellbeing. It meant I could pursue a career, and also enjoy a quality weekend. Flexible working wasn’t so much of a thing at Phoenix then and I felt super lucky, and I often tell colleagues it is always good to ask.
Embracing the idea of a ‘squiggly career’ – rather than a traditional ‘climbing the ladder’ mentality – has given me real fulfilment and enjoyment from working at Phoenix Group.
What have you learned that you could share with others thinking of a return?
Since re-starting my career I’ve become a big advocate of switching plans in life and older workers returning to work after a career break. Older employees come with a lot of advantages. Like myself their attitude to work is deeply entrenched. They will also have experience, and a lot of transferable skills, and are enthusiastic employees who are ready to learn.
