My Journey from Full-Time Mom to Corporate Comeback

Eight years ago, at  32, I was riding high, as a senior marketing manager in one of Nairobi’s top advertising firms. My career was one of those that demanded constant upgrading—if you weren’t learning the latest digital tools or attending every industry seminar, you’d quickly be left behind. But I loved it! The adrenaline of meeting client deadlines, the satisfaction of seeing a successful campaign take off—ah, it was my thing!

Then came marriage. We had our first child, and after a long discussion with my husband, I made a decision that would change my life: I stepped back from my career to become a full-time mom. I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby with a stranger, especially after all the horror stories I had heard of nannies gone rogue.

My priority was raising my baby, and I’ve never regretted that choice for a second.

 But eight years, two children, and countless school runs later, I found myself longing for more. The kids were in school, and I wanted to reclaim my sense of identity—not just as "Mom," but as "Professional Me."

The Step-By-Step Comeback Plan

My husband, bless his entrepreneurial heart, thought this was the perfect time for me to start a business. “Babe, how about you open a boutique? You’re always talking about how stylish the moms at school are,” he said with enthusiasm. 

Now, I love a good handbag as much as the next person, but running a business wasn’t my dream. I tried to visualise it, I really did, but I knew in my heart it wasn’t for me. I was born for the corporate world. Plus, I missed the teamwork, the brainstorming sessions,  and—let's be honest—the steady paycheck.

So, I politely declined my husband’s suggestion. I knew I had to get back into the workforce. But how?

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The Reality Check

Getting back into the job market wasn’t as simple as I had hoped. I found myself repeatedly defending my 8-year gap, especially when hit with comments like, "You mean you left your managerial position to be a stay-at-home mom?" 

The judgement was real, and I had to remind myself of the strength and value in that decision.
Being a full-time mom isn’t a 'break'—it’s a job of its own, filled with challenges, learning, and patience. But convincing potential employers, especially those younger than you, was another story.

It was 2023, and let me tell you—the corporate scene had changed! In my time, we were juggling email marketing and billboards. Now, Gen Z was running the show with their TikToks and Reels, and they spoke a language I barely understood. Algorithms, influencers, "pivoting" in every sentence... what?!

I had two options: remain terrified, or buckle up and learn. 

So, I enrolled in a few online courses (hello YouTube tutorials) and brushed up on everything from digital marketing to leadership skills. The world had gone digital, and so had I. I spent hours each day while the kids were at school figuring out platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, and Canva. Let’s just say my learning curve was steep.

At one point, my youngest walked in, saw me struggling with a graphic, and said, “Mum, do you need help with that?” The irony!

 The Job Hunt

Armed with my updated skills, I revamped my CV, got a fresh LinkedIn profile, and started the job hunt. But getting back wasn’t as easy as I had imagined. Here I was, in my early 40s, going up against twenty-somethings who could turn their Instagram posts into art in minutes. I had experience, but they had energy and innovation.

In interviews, I would talk about my extensive knowledge of traditional marketing, only to get questions like, “How would you create viral content for Gen Z?” I had to think fast and learn the art of blending my old-school expertise with their fast-paced, social-media-driven approach. I joked once, “Well, I can’t dance on TikTok, but I can help you make sense of the data behind why that dance is going viral.” Cue laughter from the panel, and I think that humour helped break the ice.

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Landing the Job (Finally!)

After months of applications, interviews, and occasional existential crises (usually when staring at my kids’ tuition bills), I finally landed a marketing consultant role at a fast-growing tech company. They appreciated my blend of experience and willingness to learn new trends. It wasn’t the fancy title I had before, but it was a foot in the door, and that’s all I needed.

Let me tell you, working with Gen Z is like watching a reality show—chaotic, but full of surprises. I’ve learned to embrace their energy and outspokenness while showing them that there's more to marketing than just going viral. 

Sometimes, it’s about crafting a story that sticks.

The transition wasn’t all roses. The first week at work, I accidentally muted myself on a Zoom call (for 10 minutes) and thought the team was ignoring me. I texted my husband in a panic: “I think they hate me already!” He responded: “Check if you're muted, babe.”

Then there was the time I almost sent an email with the subject line “Fw: School Fees Reminder,” meant for the school, to the entire team. Oops! Multitasking as a mom is no joke.

But every day, I became more confident. I was catching up, slowly but surely. I realised that my years as a mom had given me a new superpower—patience, resilience, and the ability to handle anything life threw at me.

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Wrapping Up

So, here I am, back in the corporate world in my 40s. It’s not easy, but I’ve learned a few things along the way that I hope can help anyone else out there thinking about making their own comeback.

I came back after eight years, and if I can do it, so can you. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter how far you’ve strayed from the path. Whether you’re stepping back into the corporate world or starting a new venture, embrace your unique story.