In marketing - how hard is it to return after a few years out?

[newbie83]

Hi mums

I have a 9month old baby girl and I am on the fence about going back to work, especially as I was made redundant when pregnant so I have no job to come back to. My husband works long hours which also makes me unsure.

I am considering part time but it certainly doesn't grow on trees...

MAIN question: i have heard that it is really hard to get back into marketing communications if you have had a few years off?

What are your views on this?

Thanks mums!

I don't think that's true at all really. The main issue you'll have is that some technologies and channels and trends of comms have moved on such that you might be at risk of being stuck on the older methods, but really, if you familiarise yourself with those and when you get back in to work ensure you're part of a wider than a project team then I think you'd be fine

What's stopping you / where did you hear that from?

It depends how easy you adapt and learn. If you work hard, you'll be fine.

@Queenmortificado - it has been mainly hearsay. Are you in marketing? What was your experience?

Yes i am, at senior level. I haven't got children though so haven't experienced this myself. Colleagues have come back from time off / we have recently recruited a lady who took a few years off with open arms and no problems with any of them

Queenmortificado - that is really great to hear. Do you think your company is the norm...ie are a lot of businesses this way?

I'm under the impression that it's actually quite hard for older women to make a career in marketing or at an advertising agency. Also, with all the AI and automated algorithms moving forward in big leaps, you obviously also need to think that over if there's really a chance of having a 30 year career in marketing? Even if you might have a career in it now, who knows what happens in five years time? I like to google and found this: www.forbes.com/sites/steveolenski/2016/12/20/what-are-the-marketing-jobs-of-the-future/#72964cf32bca "No matter what the future may hold, there's always going to be room in it for bright, focused professionals with a penchant for great ideas and flawless execution." In any case, if you're focusing on becoming a 'chat bot developer' it might be a bright future ahead. Chat bots seem to be one of the important tools in the future, can replace both customer services and be friends with the lonely elderly.