From Bandwidth Returnship to Full-Time Employee

The author, after taking a 10-year career break to raise her family, faced challenges in rejoining the workforce due to the stigma attached to being a stay at home parent and a decade-long employment gap. She discovered Returnships or Return to Work programs that some companies offer for mid-career individuals who have taken a career pause. Bandwidth, one such company, hired her as part of their pilot program. The company's Whole Person Promise approach towards employee wellbeing impressed the author. Despite challenges in learning an entirely new industry and adapting to new software platforms, she found success due to supportive co-workers. After two months, she was offered a permanent position at Bandwidth. She advises others returning to work after a career break to sharpen their skills and recognize their worth based on their life experiences. The author is now completing her first year with Bandwidth and looks forward to the company's expansion of its Returnship Program.