Making a career comeback

Recent statistics show an increase in the number of women in paid employment in Malta. The greatest improvement has been in the younger age groups – women aged 35 and under are now more likely to return to work after having a baby, thanks to initiatives like childcare facilities and extended unpaid maternity leave.

It wasn’t that long ago that working mothers were the exception to the rule. As recently as a decade ago, the prevailing mentality was that women had to give up work to care for their children – the few mothers who wished to pursue their career had to rely on their parents or in-laws to care for the young ones. Thus it’s not surprising that women over the age of 35 are less well represented in the labour market. And yet, just because someone walks away from a career doesn’t mean they cannot make a career comeback.

Vania Tabone had been working for a local bank for four years when she became pregnant with her first daughter.

“I never envisaged anything other than being a full-time mum and neither did my husband Noel. I was thrilled to be having a baby but the day I left work broke my heart.”

The first daughter Kristina was followed by Shirley and Nicole – Vania devoted all her attention on her three girls.

“I almost hijacked their studies, spending hours planning their projects and helping them with their homework. Although I enjoyed their academic success, I derived no self-fulfilment from the children’s work.

“I occupied my mind fretting about the children, my husband and parents or planning the next spring-cleaning session. My confidence slumped – I dreaded speaking to strangers and felt guilty if I spent money on myself. Depressed and fed up, I was intrigued when I heard about a diploma course being offered at the University of Malta.

“The Diploma in Gender Studies and Development lasted two years, with three morning lectures a week. I could do it without disrupting my family life. Convinced that the course would give me personal satisfaction, I decided to go for it. The course content was immensely interesting and course coordinator Anna Borg was very encouraging. For two years I felt alive again – but once the course was over I was back home doing the same routine.

“Like me, my husband had always been traditional – however, when I mentioned the possibility of working part-time he was very encouraging and was instrumental in convincing me to take on the full-time role I have now.”

Vania had her heart set on returning to banking and started looking for a part-time post. But then, her friend suggested she apply for a clerical post at the University of Malta.

“When I was offered a clerical post at the Medical School Dental Department I nearly turned it down. How could I cope with family and work? My husband urged me to accept it and nowadays, I’m glad I took his advice.”

One year on Vania is reading for a Masters in Business Administration at the University.

“Nowadays, I spend my free time planning my assignments rather than obsessing about housework.

“Working full time would not be possible without my family’s support. Although they have had to step in to help with practical chores, I feel we have all benefitted from my return to work because I’ve become more confident. I feel bad knowing that my children don’t have as much of my time as they used to but I also believe that I’m setting a good example for them to follow.”

Shirley Camilleri has forged a successful career after spending 16 years at home.

“I didn’t have a career – rather, I had a series of jobs. Not too fond of school, I left secondary school without a school leaving certificate and no O levels. I worked as a waitress and a machine operator before joining the Dejma where I remained until I received a pay-off when the force was disbanded. By then I was married and I knew that my working days would come to an end when my husband and I had children.

“Sure enough, my two sons Luke and Jake were born within five years and I had my hands full caring for them. Living on one wage was a struggle and I worried that we wouldn’t be able to cope if our sons opted to study at university. My husband was already working extra hours and with my qualifications, the best job I could aspire to was a cleaner.

“I signed up for the Diploma in Gender Studies and Development after watching a segment about the course during a television talk show. The course was an interesting eye-opener – I did very well but my hopes of finding a clerical position were dashed – prospective employers couldn’t accept that I had a diploma but no O levels.”

Undaunted, Shirley signed up for adult education courses, obtaining her Matsec certificates in Maltese, English and Social Studies a year later.

After a year at the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary, she got her O levels certificates in Maths and Religion and A level certificates in English and Sociology. She is now reading for a BA in Management and Human Resources on a part-time basis at the University of Malta.

While registering for work, Shirley landed a full-time clerical position at the Employment and Training Corporation Head Office in Ħal Far.

“Since I don’t drive and live in Mellieħa, I was away from home for almost 12 hours a day. I persevered and within a year was promoted to Executive Employment Advisor in charge of the Valletta job centre.

“My initial motivation for working was purely financial but now I just enjoy it – if I won the lottery, I would still work here, though maybe on a part-time basis.

“Finding a career you’re passionate about is crucial. I get immense satisfaction from helping people improve their skills to be able to have a better standard of life through better employment. My work also gives me a sense of belonging, increased self-confidence and assertiveness.”