May Buendia Palabrica is an inspiring leader who has transformed the way professionals perceive career breaks and transitions. As the AVP – Human Resources, APAC at Citi, she has not only navigated her own career challenges but also dedicated herself to guiding others through similar journeys. In her insightful LinkedIn post, May Buendia Palabrica shared her experience of returning to the workforce, debunking the common misconception that a career break equates to starting from scratch. Her words serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for those feeling uncertain about their professional worth after a hiatus.
May Buendia Palabrica initially thought that resuming her career meant accepting a lower position, reduced pay, and proving herself all over again. However, reflection and experience revealed a different truthone that many professionals need to embrace. She realized that she wasn’t starting over; instead, she was bringing years of valuable experience, enriched by the skills she gained during her break. She recognized the importance of negotiating for what she deserved rather than settling for less.
In her post, May Buendia Palabrica outlined three crucial lessons she learned through her journey:
Owning One’s Worth – A career break should be viewed as an asset rather than a setback. The experiences, skills, and perspectives gained during this period contribute to a professional’s overall growth.
Negotiating with Confidence – Understanding market salaries and advocating for fair compensation is essential. Professionals returning to the workforce should not hesitate to demand what they rightfully deserve.
Leveraging Networks – Job hunting doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Reaching out to former colleagues and connections can open doors to new opportunities.
These lessons resonate with countless individuals who hesitate to re-enter the workforce, fearing they have lost their edge. May Buendia Palabrica shatters this myth and empowers professionals to embrace their value.
One of the most striking aspects of May Buendia Palabrica’s approach is her ability to reframe career breaks as periods of growth. Many individuals returning to work fail to recognize that skills such as time management, adaptability, problem-solving, and leadershipoften honed outside traditional employmentare highly valuable. She encourages professionals to articulate these competencies confidently and integrate them into their resumes and interviews.
Another key takeaway from May Buendia Palabrica’s insights is the power of negotiation. Fear of rejection often leads returnees to accept lower pay or positions beneath their capabilities. However, she emphasizes the importance of research and preparation. By understanding industry standards and showcasing one’s experience, professionals can negotiate roles that align with their skills and expertise.
Networking is another pillar of May Buendia Palabrica’s strategy for career transitions. Many individuals hesitate to reconnect with old colleagues, assuming they have been forgotten or overlooked. However, she highlights the immense potential of professional networks. Former colleagues, mentors, and peers can provide valuable guidance, referrals, and even direct opportunities. In a world where relationships drive careers, she underscores the importance of staying connected and leveraging existing networks.
Beyond her own experiences, May Buendia Palabrica is an advocate for supporting professionalsespecially mothersreturning to work. She understands the unique challenges they face and actively shares her knowledge to help others navigate their transitions with confidence. Her message is clear: individuals should never sell themselves short. They should recognize their value, assert their worth, and step back into the workforce with the assurance that they bring meaningful contributions.
May Buendia Palabrica’s journey is not just a personal success story; it is a movement that inspires professionals worldwide. Her message resonates across industries and backgrounds, encouraging individuals to take control of their careers rather than allowing circumstances to dictate their paths. Her advocacy reminds us that career breaks are not professional endingsthey are simply pauses that can lead to even greater opportunities.
If you are returning to the workforce or considering a career transition, the lessons from May Buendia Palabrica’s experience offer a roadmap for success. Recognize your worth, negotiate with confidence, and lean on your network for support. Above all, remember that your value is not diminished by time away from the corporate worldit is enriched by the experiences you’ve gained along the way.
May Buendia Palabrica continues to champion professionals navigating career transitions, offering guidance and support to those in need. Through her leadership and advocacy, she has changed the conversation around career breaks, proving that returning to work is not about starting over but about moving forward with confidence and purpose.
