Building Resilience: Women Share Their Career Comeback Stories

When Esperanza Pacheco first took on the role of director at a public library, she felt confident. She is resourceful, efficient, proactive, and result-oriented, qualities that define strong leadership. Yet, even the best leaders can be undermined by a toxic work environment. 

The culture at the library was plagued by mistrust, discrimination, and a lack of psychological safety. In just a few years, the governing board had cycled through four different directors, with Esperanza becoming the latest casualty in their revolving door of leadership. Despite never receiving formal feedback, she was abruptly replaced. 

Grappling with unemployment, uncertainty, and the trauma of being pushed out of her role, Esperanza decided to take time off. The decision, however, was not an easy one. 

“I’m nervous because I don’t have clear next steps.” Esperanza said.

Many women have been where Esperanza is now: scared, uncertain, yet resiliently determined to rise again. Because, while stepping away from a career, whether by choice or circumstance, can feel like professional sabotage, it doesn’t have to be. 

This is something Jess Williams knows all too well. After 12 years in finance, she was ready to leave. The mental strain of her job had started to manifest physically, and upon being hospitalized due to stress-induced hypertension, she put in her two weeks’ notice and quit.

At first, Jess felt relief. A good friend, who was a hiring manager at another company, had guaranteed her a role there.

“But then,” she recalled, “COVID hit.”

Her onboarding was canceled and never rescheduled. Initially, Jess panicked.

“But then, I realized there wasn’t much I could do. The whole world was shut down.”

With her newfound free time, she leaned into the things she loved, like crafting. She felt more content and even noticed her health beginning to improve. After nearly a year out of work, she was able to reenter the workforce.

“I never stopped applying for jobs, but I was always honest during interviews,” she said. “I wanted more of a work-life balance and was clear about that.” 

Her new job respects these boundaries. 

“I’m a lot happier,” she said.

Allison Mendoza experienced a similar situation. Her senior leadership role at a fashion brand was exciting but intense. After an involuntary, yet somewhat expected layoff, she too decided to take a break. 

Luckily, Allison anticipated the termination. 

“After many years of work, you start to see the writing on the wall,” she noted.

She was prepared mentally and financially for what was coming, having been intentional about saving in advance. Allison utilized the hiatus to recover from burnout. She traveled, rewatched her favorite movies, and allowed herself space to be inspired. She asked herself tough questions: Do I really want to go back to that intensity?

She decided she did, but on her own terms. 

There can be a stigma associated with gaps on a resume, therefore Allison kept herself active by volunteering, consulting, and staying up to date with social media branding. She tapped into her existing network, joined community groups, attended events, and met new people. That, she said, was the most valuable part.

“I love to hear other people’s stories,” Allison said. “It gives you a different perspective on what is possible”. 

For Allison, the possibilities included co-founding her own business: The Art of Fashion And Food. She credits her time off as the motivation behind this exciting new venture. 

Jess, Allison, and, soon enough, Esperanza, are living proof that taking a break does not mean the end. 

As Allison puts it, it’s all about shifting your mindset.

“See it as one more thing, in a list of many others, for you to overcome,” she said.

For Jess, a redefinition of success is essential.

“To me, success is being happy and healthy,” she said. “I was okay with leaving the workforce for a bit to accomplish that.”

“Write down some short-term goals and lean on your community” Allison said.