Real-Life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves – Part 1

This article is part of a series highlighting real-life stories of women who have made bold and inspiring career transitions. These women, who navigated new paths by choice or circumstance, showcase the resilience and courage it takes to reinvent oneself in today’s dynamic world.

Through their journeys, we aim to offer inspiration, practical insights, and encouragement for others considering similar shifts.

In this piece, I share my journey—how I transitioned from a 25-year career in academics to creative writing, podcasting, and returning to pursue a PhD.

My Journey: From Academics to Creative Writing, Podcasting, and More

For over 25 years, I followed a career path that felt natural to me—academics. Teaching was in my family’s DNA, with both my mother and sister having been part of the teaching fraternity. When it came to choosing my path, teaching seemed like a natural progression. As I followed this path, I discovered that I loved engaging with young minds, mentoring students, and building a community of learners.

But after my children became more independent and my husband moved abroad, I felt the urge to pursue something new. After considering several options, one of which included making more friends and more socialising, I continued to feel the void. I had a creative need that wasn’t being addressed. That is when I decided to give writing a shot at my elder son’s suggestion.

Also Read: Shalini Nadkarni’s Inspiring Career Journey and Professional Growth

I started writing short stories, and to share those stories, I started a blog, which I chose to name AboutHer as it was supposed to be about her. These stories were about the women around me, drawn from real-life experiences, aimed to address the challenges women face in their everyday lives. The response to my relief and delight was overwhelmingly positive, which gave me the courage to expand AboutHer into a broader platform for women’s voices, interests, and ideas.

Challenges Faced Along the Way

This journey wasn’t without its share of challenges. Putting my thoughts and emotions out into the world was initially intimidating. Each story I wrote revealed a tiny part of me, and while many readers appreciated the honesty, others were quick to criticise. Some questioned why I had taken up this new direction and doubted my ability to last. There were moments when negative feedback left me frustrated and disappointed.

However, I reminded myself that AboutHer was my space—a space where I could be true to myself. It gave me the freedom and empowerment that I hadn’t experienced before. And so I trudged on!

Then there was the hurdle of technology. I was far from tech-savvy and felt overwhelmed by the demands of managing a website. But, as they say, “God helps those who help themselves.” My nephew Rahul stepped in, guided me through the technical aspects and helped me understand the digital side of things. Today, I have a team (Pawas and Kiran), and while I may not be an expert, I’m much more comfortable with technology than when I first started.

Another significant challenge was and still is- the financial aspect of running AboutHer. Apart from the initial investment, setting up and maintaining the website requires ongoing funding, as does funding for content promotion. Thankfully, I was and am still teaching, which helps sustain the magazine financially.

Embracing Podcasting

Podcasting came next, thanks to a push from my friend Anjna, who saw potential in my conversations with women from diverse backgrounds. Her encouragement inspired me to take the leap into podcasting and launch The AboutHer Show. Today, I love every aspect of it, and the positive feedback has added to my confidence and reinforced my belief in AboutHer. The podcast has opened new doors, enabling me to amplify women’s stories in ways I never imagined.

Also Read: 10 Career Options for Women After a Break

Today, the platform has grown and is called AboutHer Women. It has two arms: AboutHer Mag, an e-magazine for women, and The AboutHer Show, a podcast.

Returning to Academics After 30 Years

As AboutHer grew, so did my desire to deepen my understanding of gender diversity—a key theme that emerged from the stories shared on the platform. This led me to return to academia almost 30 years later to pursue a doctorate in gender diversity, specifically in corporate governance in the insurance sector. This new academic pursuit feels like a natural offshoot of my work with AboutHer.

In addition to my academic work, I am now writing columns, moderating book discussions, and preparing to publish my first book. Each of these ventures represents another chapter in my ongoing journey of reinvention.

Lessons Learned

Though exciting and challenging, this journey has been an eye-opener in many ways. I’ve learned several valuable lessons:

1. Have an open mind and a desire to learn: Growth comes from embracing new challenges and learning from them. Learning can never stop.
2. Never let age be a barrier: Remember that it is never too late to pursue something new and meaningful. Age is just a number, and you cannot let it hold you back.
3. Find your tribe: Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. These people will have your back and be there through thick and thin.
4. Take risks: The greatest rewards often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Never hold yourself back. You can do anything you set your mind to. It’s all in the head.
5. Stay informed: Constant research and keeping up with trends are essential in any industry. You must know what’s happening around you, who your competitors are, and what they are doing.

My transition from academia to creative writing, podcasting, and beyond has been incredibly fulfilling. I hope my story and those of the women featured in this series inspire others to explore their potential and take bold steps toward reinvention.