Navigating Career Challenges: Age, Job Gaps, and Transitioning to BPO

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?

Dear friend,

Life won't decide where we work; we only decide where we will work. Don't worry about where you are working, but give importance to the place you work. It's really worth it.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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

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.

Dear Niati,

I would like to discuss a different aspect affecting your future. If you are currently working in a call center and aspire to have a successful future, that is commendable, and you will excel. However, if you are considering transitioning back to finance after working in a BPO, you may encounter challenges. If your goal is to return to the finance sector, consider starting at a lower level position within finance. This approach will help prevent any significant gaps in your professional experience from developing.

The person who interviewed you might have assumed that you were being dishonest because of your job situation or some other negative circumstance. Remember, age is not a determining factor. Even at 45, I would still choose to work alongside younger individuals, as they often bring fresh and innovative ideas that I would not have considered otherwise.

Best regards,
Manoj

Hi Niati,

Two different points that you have mentioned elicit different responses. The issue of being disqualified for a job gap is primarily of academic importance. What people may have conveyed to you during previous interviews is now irrelevant as you are currently in the process of interviewing. In reality, I might have similar thoughts, although I would not be foolish enough to vocalize them. More than anything else, we believe that it can be challenging for an individual to readjust to the work routine after a four-year hiatus at home. Moreover, in the event that the job no longer aligns with your preferences, you may opt to resign swiftly, resulting in me having to fill the position again, in addition to disrupting workflow.

Conversely, some companies have devised a strategy to leverage individuals in your situation, recognizing that they can acquire skilled resources at a reduced cost and mitigate the competition for competent and trained professionals. Take a look at the second job advertisements from the Tata Group, and you will comprehend my point.

You have made a wise decision by working for a BPO. Two factors played a significant role: they are accustomed to high attrition rates, so the departure of one more employee does not greatly concern them. They are eager to secure well-trained resources, particularly those with maturity. Hence, you were a valuable asset for them, leading to a mutually beneficial situation.

An additional advantage for you is that when you seek your next job, you will not be applying after a gap but rather after working for one or two years. The employment gap will hold less significance.

Regarding the question of age, why are you anxious? What significance does it hold if others are younger? Did your recruiting manager or reporting manager express any concerns regarding your age? If not, why are you troubled? Yes, you may not align well with younger colleagues in social settings such as parties, discos, movies, and pubs. However, is personal bonding necessary with them? Professional relationships do not hinge on off-site social interactions but are fostered through your work ethic, quality output, and level of engagement.

Moreover, being older and more experienced, you are likely to progress swiftly up the career ladder if your performance remains consistently commendable. Capitalize on this strength. It seems you appreciate the work culture and environment. Hence, there is no harm in planning for a long-term career here. Avoid rushing into a decision to depart or switch jobs. I believe the salary you receive here will be comparable to that of a conventional job.

Dear Niati,

You are going right, this job will not only build the foundation of your career but also rebuild your confidence. I experienced the same, but as time goes on, you will feel more comfortable. Your education, life experience, and maturity are your strong points. Share your knowledge with them; it will surely help you to get along with them. At this time, the most important thing is to gain experience and then explore other options with your courage, confidence, and job experience. I have learned one thing from life: everything is linked with one another. Maybe from here, you will find a path to success.

My best wishes with you.

Dear Naiti,

You are still very young. You'll realize this after a few more years. Concentrate on your work, stay confident, keep your head high, and don't care for immature little ones.

Regards, Ankita