{"id":6708,"date":"2026-03-03T11:51:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T11:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/?p=6708"},"modified":"2026-03-03T11:51:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T11:51:29","slug":"returner-success-story-gillian-hickey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/returner-success-story-gillian-hickey\/","title":{"rendered":"Returner Success Story: Gillian Hickey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-telecoms-to-leadership-gillian-hickey-s-18-year-return-to-corporate-life\">From Telecoms to Leadership: Gillian Hickey\u2019s 18-Year Return to Corporate Life<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy name is Gillian Hickey and I\u2019m happily married and a mom of six\u2026 and I still start with that when I introduce myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s not an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Gillian, being a mother of six isn\u2019t separate from her professional identity \u2014 it\u2019s central to it. It\u2019s her why. It\u2019s the reason she stepped away from a successful global career in telecoms. And it\u2019s the reason she chose to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her story is one that so many midlife professionals will recognise \u2014 the quiet, organic stepping away from work\u2026 and the powerful, deliberate decision to step back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Gillian-Hickey-My-Returner-Story.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-global-career-and-an-unexpected-pause\">A Global Career \u2014 And an Unexpected Pause<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before her career break, Gillian built an impressive path in telecoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She started as a technical trainer delivering software programmes internationally. From there, she moved into systems engineering \u2014 living and working in Stockholm, and later Italy. The roles were technical, customer-focused, and people-driven. They offered travel, challenge and opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-then-life-shifted\">Then life shifted.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>What began with the birth of her eldest daughter in 2004 slowly evolved into a full career pause. Her children arrived close together. Caring responsibilities deepened. At some point, she realised she had stepped away entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eighteen years passed outside corporate life, but not outside growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During those years, Gillian worked part-time. She volunteered extensively \u2014 school boards, committees, parents\u2019 associations, community groups. If her children joined something, she got involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And she\u2019s clear about something important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We often underestimate the value of what happens during a career break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stakeholder management. Negotiation. Leadership. Conflict resolution. Strategic thinking. Community engagement. These weren\u2019t lost years. They were skill-building years \u2014 just in a different arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-moment-that-changed-everything\">The Moment That Changed Everything<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A few years ago, things shifted again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her youngest turned eight. Her parents, whom she had also been caring for, moved into a nursing home. For the first time in years, Gillian wasn\u2019t needed in the same intense way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in that space, she asked a powerful question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-about-me\">What about me?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It was also the middle of COVID. Education had moved online. Opportunity became more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gillian began re-skilling \u2014 a certificate in digital marketing, communication courses, project management. She was curious. Intentional. Proactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And she was motivated by something deeply personal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She wanted to be a role model for her children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong advocate for women in STEM, she believes women can have it all \u2014 or at least as much of it as they want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-real-challenge-self-doubt\">The Real Challenge: Self-Doubt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When Gillian talks about returning, she doesn\u2019t pretend it was easy. The biggest barriers weren\u2019t external, they were internal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eighteen years is a long time in tech. The industry evolves at lightning speed. She worried her technical skills wouldn\u2019t measure up. She feared failure. She questioned whether she still belonged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet, she discovered something profound:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technology changes , but he people behind it don\u2019t change nearly as much.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Her ability to work with people, build trust, communicate clearly \u2014 those strengths were still there. Stronger, in fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She sought coaching to rebuild confidence. She leaned on mentors. She connected with others on the same journey. That decision to ask for support became a turning point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-power-of-a-supportive-programme\">The Power of a Supportive Programme<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gillian joined the Women Reboot Academy with her current employer \u2014 and describes it as transformative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t just about technical upskilling (though that mattered). It was about project-based learning. Hands-on experience. Structured re-entry, but most importantly, it was about community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being surrounded by other women navigating the same doubts and ambitions created something powerful: shared belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her employer didn\u2019t just offer a role. They offered development, mentorship and psychological safety. And that made all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-the-right-fit\">Finding the Right Fit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gillian began her return as a Business Analyst \u2014 challenging and rewarding, but not fully aligned with her strengths. She quickly realised something crucial: her real strength lay in people development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So she asked for a rotation, and she got it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, she leads her organisation\u2019s Senior Leadership Programme. She works in coaching and mentoring across the business, helping leaders grow \u2014 drawing directly from her own lived experience of vulnerability, resilience and reinvention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her journey wasn\u2019t accidental. It wasn\u2019t luck. It was driven by effort, growth mindset, curiosity and consistent learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-returning-gave-her\">What Returning Gave Her<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning to work significantly boosted Gillian\u2019s confidence. She now knows \u2014 without hesitation \u2014 that she brings value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lessons learned raising a family. The governance experience from school boards. The people management from volunteer work. The empathy. The perspective. They are not secondary skills, they are leadership skills. And they matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-her-advice-to-other-returners\">Her Advice to Other Returners<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Her message is simple. Direct. Honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Just do it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seek a supportive environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get coaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build a network<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be vulnerable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upskill continuously<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>And most importantly:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t be afraid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You don\u2019t have to know everything but you do have to be willing to learn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-message-to-employers\">A Message to Employers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gillian is clear about this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Returners bring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deep life experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong stakeholder skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perspective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commitment to impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers who offer flexibility, professional development, mentorship and structured return programmes don\u2019t just \u201chelp\u201d returners \u2014 they strengthen their organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-bigger-picture\">The Bigger Picture<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gillian\u2019s story isn\u2019t just about one woman returning to work. It\u2019s about redefining career breaks. It\u2019s about challenging outdated assumptions. It\u2019s about recognising that growth doesn\u2019t stop when paid employment pauses. And it\u2019s proof that midlife returners aren\u2019t starting over. They\u2019re starting from experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Back to Work Connect, we are committed to supporting midlife Returners not just with practical tools, but with the confidence and community needed to take that next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you\u2019re considering your own return-to-work journey \u2014 know this: you are not alone, and you are more ready than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sign up to our newsletter &amp; job alert today and never miss the ideal opportunity again ! Sign up&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.us20.list-manage.com\/subscribe?u=b14e986a20d3ea1877fdd1281&amp;id=9eeb0eca6f\">HERE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to take part in this survey you can do so via the link below. The survey is anonymous, only takes a couple of minutes, and your insights will directly shape resources and opportunities for future Returners. There are no right or wrong answers \u2014 we\u2019re simply interested in your perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your voice matters. Thank you for sharing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-click-here-back-to-work-survey\">Click here \ud83d\udc49<a href=\"https:\/\/us20.list-manage.com\/survey?u=b14e986a20d3ea1877fdd1281&amp;id=c32ae5e0ca\">Back To Work Survey<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From Telecoms to Leadership: Gillian Hickey\u2019s 18-Year Return to Corporate Life \u201cMy name is Gillian Hickey and I\u2019m&hellip;","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":6709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","filesize_raw":"","csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,536,512,515,5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6708","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-blog","8":"category-day-in-the-life","9":"category-getting-started","10":"category-lets-start-the-conversation","11":"category-supports","12":"cs-entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin 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