Hello,
I am a 32-year-old. I have completed graduation in commerce and PGDBM from a private institute. Due to some reasons, I wasn't working for the last 4 years as I was raising my daughter. Wherever I went for interviews, I was asked, "Why didn't you work for the last 4 years?" Even if I answer, the interviewer gives an expression as if this gap is not valid. One of the interviewers told me to my face, "Which century are you living in? Nowadays, women are so career-oriented that they don't stop working regardless of any event taking place in their life. In your case, just because you got married and had a daughter, you stopped working. If I hire you and what if tomorrow you have another child, will you again leave the job and stop working?"
It was so hurtful, and my confidence really went down on hearing this. I was tired of giving interviews and getting rejected based on my career gap. Additionally, I was in urgent need of a job and money. So I thought BPO would entertain my gap and also provide good salary. I went for an interview at a BPO and was easily selected. The ambiance and atmosphere of this company are really great. It's a very organized MNC BPO. For the first time, I am feeling that I am working in a corporate setting. It's a totally different experience working in a big corporate environment. However, there is one thing I am unhappy about, and it's bothering me a lot. People here are much younger than me. Sometimes they comment on my age. Some of them are 12th pass and only 18. So I feel, am I at the wrong place, or am I over-educated for this position? I feel like I am too old to work here, and I can't relate to the people here.
But I have no option. I at least want to spend one year here. And I badly need money to fulfill mine and my daughter's needs. But I feel very inferior about my age and jealous of these young people that they got this opportunity at a very young age, while when I was their age, BPO wasn't so popular.
Do you think it is normal to work at a BPO at 32?
From India, Ahmedabad
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I am a 32-year-old. I have completed graduation in commerce and PGDBM from a private institute. Due to some reasons, I wasn't working for the last 4 years as I was raising my daughter. Wherever I went for interviews, I was asked, "Why didn't you work for the last 4 years?" Even if I answer, the interviewer gives an expression as if this gap is not valid. One of the interviewers told me to my face, "Which century are you living in? Nowadays, women are so career-oriented that they don't stop working regardless of any event taking place in their life. In your case, just because you got married and had a daughter, you stopped working. If I hire you and what if tomorrow you have another child, will you again leave the job and stop working?"
It was so hurtful, and my confidence really went down on hearing this. I was tired of giving interviews and getting rejected based on my career gap. Additionally, I was in urgent need of a job and money. So I thought BPO would entertain my gap and also provide good salary. I went for an interview at a BPO and was easily selected. The ambiance and atmosphere of this company are really great. It's a very organized MNC BPO. For the first time, I am feeling that I am working in a corporate setting. It's a totally different experience working in a big corporate environment. However, there is one thing I am unhappy about, and it's bothering me a lot. People here are much younger than me. Sometimes they comment on my age. Some of them are 12th pass and only 18. So I feel, am I at the wrong place, or am I over-educated for this position? I feel like I am too old to work here, and I can't relate to the people here.
But I have no option. I at least want to spend one year here. And I badly need money to fulfill mine and my daughter's needs. But I feel very inferior about my age and jealous of these young people that they got this opportunity at a very young age, while when I was their age, BPO wasn't so popular.
Do you think it is normal to work at a BPO at 32?
From India, Ahmedabad
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dear friend. life wont decide where we work, we only decide where we will work dont worry where you are working, but give importance to the place you work. its really worth.
From India, Bangalore
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9From India, Bangalore
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Dear Naiti,
What you are doing in life or should become is no one's headache. Even if they decide to make it so, poor them!
Any hiring manager doesn't decide whether you should work in the sector/role or not. For your information, the first interview that I attended to become an HR, I was told I would never become an HR because I don't have it in me! Yes, I was demoralized and heartbroken, just as you are. It's been more than 10 years now, I have earned my living and made a career, all thanks to HR!
There is something called 'fitment,' as you and I know it, that requires talent to be a right fit, so that the company needs to spend minimum time training the talent and make them productive at their earliest.
The learning curve is what you will understand far better than what I can explain, all thanks to your blessed motherhood.
Please identify the companies you would want to contribute your efforts to. That will share all that you need to include in your offerings to be hired by them.
Finally, to your point, i.e., working with people who have lesser education or age, here's one experience of mine that I wish to share. I worked for one of the largest German Publishing Firms. They would hire talent with a diploma, i.e., not 10+2+3 but 10+4. This batch of talent would work for Typesetting. Ph.D.s from Germany would team up with them for copy-editing and other tasks. Yes, they worked in the same team, had the same working space, and reported to the same reporting manager.
My point is, with your education and maturity, only you can add the value that others won't. Keep your search until you find the organization where you will be valued. We know you will make a great career. Proud of your spirit, wish you all the best!
From India, Mumbai
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What you are doing in life or should become is no one's headache. Even if they decide to make it so, poor them!
Any hiring manager doesn't decide whether you should work in the sector/role or not. For your information, the first interview that I attended to become an HR, I was told I would never become an HR because I don't have it in me! Yes, I was demoralized and heartbroken, just as you are. It's been more than 10 years now, I have earned my living and made a career, all thanks to HR!
There is something called 'fitment,' as you and I know it, that requires talent to be a right fit, so that the company needs to spend minimum time training the talent and make them productive at their earliest.
The learning curve is what you will understand far better than what I can explain, all thanks to your blessed motherhood.
Please identify the companies you would want to contribute your efforts to. That will share all that you need to include in your offerings to be hired by them.
Finally, to your point, i.e., working with people who have lesser education or age, here's one experience of mine that I wish to share. I worked for one of the largest German Publishing Firms. They would hire talent with a diploma, i.e., not 10+2+3 but 10+4. This batch of talent would work for Typesetting. Ph.D.s from Germany would team up with them for copy-editing and other tasks. Yes, they worked in the same team, had the same working space, and reported to the same reporting manager.
My point is, with your education and maturity, only you can add the value that others won't. Keep your search until you find the organization where you will be valued. We know you will make a great career. Proud of your spirit, wish you all the best!
From India, Mumbai
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Hello Niati,
It's never too late for anything in life! At the management level, what matters is your output for the organization. If the management is happy with your work, never let any other undue assumption affect your work temperament. If you happen to visit other BPOs in Mumbai, Pune, or Bangalore, you may be surprised to see retired/senior citizens (both male & female) working happily in BPOs.
People in our society have a tendency to worry more for others rather than worrying about their own problems, and there is no way one can change them. So, it would be better to let such talks pass through Ignore mode and remain unperceptive about it.
Best of luck and keep it up.
From India, Rajkot
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It's never too late for anything in life! At the management level, what matters is your output for the organization. If the management is happy with your work, never let any other undue assumption affect your work temperament. If you happen to visit other BPOs in Mumbai, Pune, or Bangalore, you may be surprised to see retired/senior citizens (both male & female) working happily in BPOs.
People in our society have a tendency to worry more for others rather than worrying about their own problems, and there is no way one can change them. So, it would be better to let such talks pass through Ignore mode and remain unperceptive about it.
Best of luck and keep it up.
From India, Rajkot
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Dear Niati,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you benefited from the response.
I would like to add, with reference to your first point, that society in general, and HR as a reflection of it to some extent, are not appreciative of individual differences. Nor can they understand that an individual may have their own priorities in terms of how they would lead their own life.
Taking a break of a few years is perfectly legitimate and, in fact, desirable. During one's active life, one can use this time in a way that suits them – whether for self-renewal, attending to family responsibilities, pursuing a hobby, or vocation, etc. Questioning such breaks or casting aspersions on the motives or attitudes of a person is not proper.
Regarding the second issue, it is again a matter of being different. You should emphasize to your young colleagues that they should start accepting diversity and have more tolerance towards people who are different from them. This will broaden their outlook on life, make them more resilient, and inculcate a positive attitude. Avoid correcting their attitude by sermonizing or criticizing them; instead, be with them and participate in interactions.
Lastly, do not let this discourage you, affect your motivation, or drive you into your shell. You are performing your assigned job well, and that should give you the confidence and strength to face the world. After a few years, you will look back with pride on how you successfully overcame all the obstacles in your path.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you benefited from the response.
I would like to add, with reference to your first point, that society in general, and HR as a reflection of it to some extent, are not appreciative of individual differences. Nor can they understand that an individual may have their own priorities in terms of how they would lead their own life.
Taking a break of a few years is perfectly legitimate and, in fact, desirable. During one's active life, one can use this time in a way that suits them – whether for self-renewal, attending to family responsibilities, pursuing a hobby, or vocation, etc. Questioning such breaks or casting aspersions on the motives or attitudes of a person is not proper.
Regarding the second issue, it is again a matter of being different. You should emphasize to your young colleagues that they should start accepting diversity and have more tolerance towards people who are different from them. This will broaden their outlook on life, make them more resilient, and inculcate a positive attitude. Avoid correcting their attitude by sermonizing or criticizing them; instead, be with them and participate in interactions.
Lastly, do not let this discourage you, affect your motivation, or drive you into your shell. You are performing your assigned job well, and that should give you the confidence and strength to face the world. After a few years, you will look back with pride on how you successfully overcame all the obstacles in your path.
Warm regards.
From India, Delhi
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Hi,
I am too young to answer this question. In this society, people may comment on you whether you are young or old, but it only depends on us whether to take it or not. Remember, it is your bread and butter. Don't listen to their words and feel jealousy; just concentrate on working. Things and conditions are not the same for everyone. Have patience and work there until you feel fine, and start looking for another job if needed.
Yes, it's true you took a gap for four years. It means you have to start again. Nowadays, companies are not even considering a break of six months. These things will happen to you; just have patience and faith in God. You will definitely get a good job, or if you are comfortable, acquire some skills and start a business.
GOD BLESS YOU.
From India, Pune
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I am too young to answer this question. In this society, people may comment on you whether you are young or old, but it only depends on us whether to take it or not. Remember, it is your bread and butter. Don't listen to their words and feel jealousy; just concentrate on working. Things and conditions are not the same for everyone. Have patience and work there until you feel fine, and start looking for another job if needed.
Yes, it's true you took a gap for four years. It means you have to start again. Nowadays, companies are not even considering a break of six months. These things will happen to you; just have patience and faith in God. You will definitely get a good job, or if you are comfortable, acquire some skills and start a business.
GOD BLESS YOU.
From India, Pune
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Hi Naiti,
There is a very old saying that "man proposes, God disposes." It means we cannot have everything in life, but life offers us amazing opportunities, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. You are blessed with a daughter, so being a mother is a beautiful experience, and seeing her grow up, trust me, there is nothing more valuable than that. You are one of the few lucky people who did not have the burden of a job and parenthood together, so you should not feel bad about the four years you had to sacrifice for bringing up your daughter.
Now that you have started working after a gap of four years, you should be happy with yourself. Don't bother yourself about such things as they won't do any good for you. Be focused on your job, gain experience, and try to get promoted to a senior level.
From India, Jaipur
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There is a very old saying that "man proposes, God disposes." It means we cannot have everything in life, but life offers us amazing opportunities, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. You are blessed with a daughter, so being a mother is a beautiful experience, and seeing her grow up, trust me, there is nothing more valuable than that. You are one of the few lucky people who did not have the burden of a job and parenthood together, so you should not feel bad about the four years you had to sacrifice for bringing up your daughter.
Now that you have started working after a gap of four years, you should be happy with yourself. Don't bother yourself about such things as they won't do any good for you. Be focused on your job, gain experience, and try to get promoted to a senior level.
From India, Jaipur
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Dear friend,
That is life. Don't get put off; you have a long way to go. In today's world, you can start any time, but have determination and fortitude. Don't get deterred by what your colleagues may say about you; laugh with them. Then they will be clean bowled. They are just testing what kind of a person you are and if you will buckle.
Best,
From India, Bengaluru
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That is life. Don't get put off; you have a long way to go. In today's world, you can start any time, but have determination and fortitude. Don't get deterred by what your colleagues may say about you; laugh with them. Then they will be clean bowled. They are just testing what kind of a person you are and if you will buckle.
Best,
From India, Bengaluru
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Dear Naiti,
There are two things:
a) A break in service effectively contributes to disqualification;
b) You have a job in the BPO. Please try to adjust there. Take the age and qualifications on your side and mingle with them as such, instead of trying for parity with them. As your colleagues consider you elder to them by age and qualifications, extend your support and guidance to them as and when required. This will make you acceptable to them and vice versa.
Do not think for a change.
S.K. Johri
From India, Delhi
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There are two things:
a) A break in service effectively contributes to disqualification;
b) You have a job in the BPO. Please try to adjust there. Take the age and qualifications on your side and mingle with them as such, instead of trying for parity with them. As your colleagues consider you elder to them by age and qualifications, extend your support and guidance to them as and when required. This will make you acceptable to them and vice versa.
Do not think for a change.
S.K. Johri
From India, Delhi
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Dear Niati,
Actually, I am neither senior nor that brilliant to give a comment on your question. Although some brilliant members of this site have already shared their precious views and comments, I will also share my views, which I believe in myself.
"A person can make a place beautiful, precious, and orthodox; a place can never make a person valuable."
Yes, a career gap has some adverse effects in today's competitive corporate world. However, if you have competencies that surpass others, then who cares about age?
So, believe, concentrate, and go ahead. All the best wishes for you.
From Bangladesh
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Actually, I am neither senior nor that brilliant to give a comment on your question. Although some brilliant members of this site have already shared their precious views and comments, I will also share my views, which I believe in myself.
"A person can make a place beautiful, precious, and orthodox; a place can never make a person valuable."
Yes, a career gap has some adverse effects in today's competitive corporate world. However, if you have competencies that surpass others, then who cares about age?
So, believe, concentrate, and go ahead. All the best wishes for you.
From Bangladesh
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