5 min read
Many full‑time mothers choose to step away from the workplace to grow alongside their children—a journey that is never a pause, but a season of mutual nourishment. As they prepare to step forward again, how do they confront career gaps and self‑doubt, and transform the capabilities and insights accumulated through parenthood into momentum and strengths for re‑entering the workforce?
For many women, becoming a full‑time mother is an act of love and a life choice. It means embarking on another fruitful journey—devoting years to walking alongside their children through the wonders and small everyday moments of growing up. Mothers grow alongside their children, quietly accumulating their own reservoir of strengths, insights and resilience.
As children gradually grow up and become more independent, many mothers start to ask themselves, “Beyond being my child’s mother, what other possibilities might there be for me? How can I grow alongside my children and live a fuller version of myself?” Behind these thoughts often lie many concerns—years away from the workplace, eroded confidence in their own skills, self‑doubt, and ongoing family responsibilities. Wong Fung‑ping (Jackie) and Chan Hoi‑fong (Kathy) are two mothers who faced these challenges and found their own paths forward, discovering new directions for themselves while continuing to walk alongside their children.
As children gradually grow up and become more independent, many mothers start to ask themselves, “Beyond being my child’s mother, what other possibilities might there be for me? How can I grow alongside my children and live a fuller version of myself?” Behind these thoughts often lie many concerns—years away from the workplace, eroded confidence in their own skills, self‑doubt, and ongoing family responsibilities. Wong Fung‑ping (Jackie) and Chan Hoi‑fong (Kathy) are two mothers who faced these challenges and found their own paths forward, discovering new directions for themselves while continuing to walk alongside their children.
A cover letter 13 years in the making
Jackie spent 13 years as a full‑time mother. Over the years, she focused on accompanying her children, walking with them through every stage of their growth. It was a journey that brought her deep fulfilment.
As her children grew older, a thought began to take shape in Jackie’s mind, “Could I also do something for myself?” She hoped to start a new chapter in her career, bringing the wisdom of thirteen years of motherhood into a broader sphere of work.
Yet the career gap felt like an invisible wall. Jackie worried that her computer skills were long outdated, that her administrative knowledge could no longer keep pace with the times. She did not know where to begin writing a cover letter. “At that point, I did not even have the courage to browse a job search website,” she recalled. Her turning point came during a volunteer activity, where she learned about Jockey Club HERizon. Designed specifically for grassroots women aged 35 to 55 who have been away from the workforce for many years, the programme addresses the dual challenges faced by mid‑life women seeking employment. It offers one‑to‑one career counselling, communication skills training, practical job‑search courses and peer support.
Jackie signed up for a one‑month intensive training programme, during which she acquired latest computer design skills, learned how to write a cover letter, and gradually regained some confidence. Just as importantly, she met a group of women with similar life experiences. They supported one another both inside and outside the classroom, sharing ups and downs and building a strong peer network. This genuine sense of connection and mutual understanding became a crucial source of strength that helped Jackie overcome self‑doubt.
The real test came when Jackie began applying for jobs. When she saw an opening for a university research assistant, her first instinct was to retreat.
“Am I qualified enough? After being away from work for so many years, would anyone really hire me?” she wondered. Faced with that invisible wall, her mentor did not offer a ready‑made answer. Instead, they sat down together to sort through her strengths, her attention to detail and patience, as well as the interview techniques and communication skills she had acquired through the programme. More importantly, the mentor helped her see that what she already possessed was far greater than what any career gap might suggest. “That was the moment I realised I had more than I had imagined.”
With a sense of empowerment, Jackie sent out the cover letter for the first time in years, and this time, it led to a job offer. With a stable income, she was able to shoulder more responsibility for her family. Yet what she cherishes even more is discovering a different side of herself in her new role, realising that her capabilities can extend beyond her family, and into a wider world. Her commitment to continuous learning and enthusiasm for work have also made her a role model for her children. As her focus in life broadened and conversations at home grew richer, family relationships became closer and more harmonious. This step of starting afresh marked a pivotal turning point in Jackie’s life.
As her children grew older, a thought began to take shape in Jackie’s mind, “Could I also do something for myself?” She hoped to start a new chapter in her career, bringing the wisdom of thirteen years of motherhood into a broader sphere of work.
Yet the career gap felt like an invisible wall. Jackie worried that her computer skills were long outdated, that her administrative knowledge could no longer keep pace with the times. She did not know where to begin writing a cover letter. “At that point, I did not even have the courage to browse a job search website,” she recalled. Her turning point came during a volunteer activity, where she learned about Jockey Club HERizon. Designed specifically for grassroots women aged 35 to 55 who have been away from the workforce for many years, the programme addresses the dual challenges faced by mid‑life women seeking employment. It offers one‑to‑one career counselling, communication skills training, practical job‑search courses and peer support.
Jackie signed up for a one‑month intensive training programme, during which she acquired latest computer design skills, learned how to write a cover letter, and gradually regained some confidence. Just as importantly, she met a group of women with similar life experiences. They supported one another both inside and outside the classroom, sharing ups and downs and building a strong peer network. This genuine sense of connection and mutual understanding became a crucial source of strength that helped Jackie overcome self‑doubt.
The real test came when Jackie began applying for jobs. When she saw an opening for a university research assistant, her first instinct was to retreat.
“Am I qualified enough? After being away from work for so many years, would anyone really hire me?” she wondered. Faced with that invisible wall, her mentor did not offer a ready‑made answer. Instead, they sat down together to sort through her strengths, her attention to detail and patience, as well as the interview techniques and communication skills she had acquired through the programme. More importantly, the mentor helped her see that what she already possessed was far greater than what any career gap might suggest. “That was the moment I realised I had more than I had imagined.”
With a sense of empowerment, Jackie sent out the cover letter for the first time in years, and this time, it led to a job offer. With a stable income, she was able to shoulder more responsibility for her family. Yet what she cherishes even more is discovering a different side of herself in her new role, realising that her capabilities can extend beyond her family, and into a wider world. Her commitment to continuous learning and enthusiasm for work have also made her a role model for her children. As her focus in life broadened and conversations at home grew richer, family relationships became closer and more harmonious. This step of starting afresh marked a pivotal turning point in Jackie’s life.
Kathy: From “someone’s mum” to a self‑employed instructor, finding her own stage
Another mother, Kathy, is a full‑time caregiver to her son, who has special educational needs (SEN). For many years, her life revolved entirely around him.
“My son needs me by his side. Whenever he falls ill, I have to take time off from work to care for him,” she explained. “Under those circumstances, it’s really difficult to find a job that fits.” She has never regretted this decision. Accompanying her son as he made progress, step by step, has been her deepest source of fulfilment, and these years have also cultivated in her remarkable observation, patience and adaptability. Yet as she watched him gradually find his own rhythm, a new sense of motivation began to grow within her. She felt a desire to explore more possibilities, not only for her son, but also for herself.
“What would it be like,” she wondered, “if one day I could have a little more time to do something of my own?”
By chance, Kathy came across Jockey Club HERizon. She had always enjoyed drawing, but over the years had kept this passion quietly to herself. Encouraged by her mentor to start with what she loved, she picked up a paintbrush again and began learning at her own pace, starting with face painting. She later took the initiative to explore clown performance and mindfulness practices. These learning experiences did more than give her a moment of breathing space, they opened up unexpected career possibilities. After completing the employment‑readiness training for women, Kathy used the programme’s Dream Fund to enrol in an illustration instructor course. There, she learned how to create hand‑drawn art pieces that convey well‑wishes, which she began selling through social media platforms and at market stalls. Alongside creating a new source of income, she was also able to pass on hope and encouragement to others. Starting with a paintbrush and a market stall, Kathy began her journey into self‑employment. She soon realised that transforming an interest into a career was not as far‑fetched as she had once thought.
Today, Kathy works as a self‑employed practitioner who uses art and performance to connect children with the community. Drawing on the skills she has developed in face painting, clown performance and handicrafts, she serves as a craft instructor at schools and community centres and takes part in clown performances from time to time. Yet, caring for her son remains her greatest challenge. Here, the childcare services provided by the programme have become her strongest support. Social workers would regularly send her photos of her son happily playing, allowing her to focus on her work with peace of mind. Over time, she was even able to bring her son along to performances. Watching his mother perform as a clown on stage, her son would laugh with delight. When they got home, he would tug at her hand and say, “Mum, you were really great today!” No longer just someone being cared for, he has become his mother’s most loyal audience and supporter.
Smiling, Kathy said, “Now that I’ve regained my interests and confidence, I feel I have found a new sense of value.” Her story reflects the boundless possibilities of mid‑life women’s employment, reminding us that a full‑time mother’s experience is never a blank space, but a period of deep accumulation that holds the power to create new beginnings.
“My son needs me by his side. Whenever he falls ill, I have to take time off from work to care for him,” she explained. “Under those circumstances, it’s really difficult to find a job that fits.” She has never regretted this decision. Accompanying her son as he made progress, step by step, has been her deepest source of fulfilment, and these years have also cultivated in her remarkable observation, patience and adaptability. Yet as she watched him gradually find his own rhythm, a new sense of motivation began to grow within her. She felt a desire to explore more possibilities, not only for her son, but also for herself.
“What would it be like,” she wondered, “if one day I could have a little more time to do something of my own?”
By chance, Kathy came across Jockey Club HERizon. She had always enjoyed drawing, but over the years had kept this passion quietly to herself. Encouraged by her mentor to start with what she loved, she picked up a paintbrush again and began learning at her own pace, starting with face painting. She later took the initiative to explore clown performance and mindfulness practices. These learning experiences did more than give her a moment of breathing space, they opened up unexpected career possibilities. After completing the employment‑readiness training for women, Kathy used the programme’s Dream Fund to enrol in an illustration instructor course. There, she learned how to create hand‑drawn art pieces that convey well‑wishes, which she began selling through social media platforms and at market stalls. Alongside creating a new source of income, she was also able to pass on hope and encouragement to others. Starting with a paintbrush and a market stall, Kathy began her journey into self‑employment. She soon realised that transforming an interest into a career was not as far‑fetched as she had once thought.
Today, Kathy works as a self‑employed practitioner who uses art and performance to connect children with the community. Drawing on the skills she has developed in face painting, clown performance and handicrafts, she serves as a craft instructor at schools and community centres and takes part in clown performances from time to time. Yet, caring for her son remains her greatest challenge. Here, the childcare services provided by the programme have become her strongest support. Social workers would regularly send her photos of her son happily playing, allowing her to focus on her work with peace of mind. Over time, she was even able to bring her son along to performances. Watching his mother perform as a clown on stage, her son would laugh with delight. When they got home, he would tug at her hand and say, “Mum, you were really great today!” No longer just someone being cared for, he has become his mother’s most loyal audience and supporter.
Smiling, Kathy said, “Now that I’ve regained my interests and confidence, I feel I have found a new sense of value.” Her story reflects the boundless possibilities of mid‑life women’s employment, reminding us that a full‑time mother’s experience is never a blank space, but a period of deep accumulation that holds the power to create new beginnings.
Full‑time mothers in transition— Building new chapters grounded in family
Jackie and Kathy have each embarked on new paths in life. Jackie is currently pursuing further studies in 3D printing, not only giving her more topics to share with her children, but also helping her keep her career development in step with changing times. Kathy, meanwhile, has transformed performance into a profession, finding a stage of her own.
Their journeys affirm a simple truth— when a mother is ready to open a new chapter in life, what she often needs is a small push and the right kind of support. Everything accumulated within the family becomes a foundation for a career, allowing mothers to discover new possibilities and shine in their own way.
Through these steps, their lives take on richer colours and a greater sense of completeness. Jockey Club HERizon hopes to support more women in finding their own direction in career development, enabling them to shine both within their families and in the wider community.
Their journeys affirm a simple truth— when a mother is ready to open a new chapter in life, what she often needs is a small push and the right kind of support. Everything accumulated within the family becomes a foundation for a career, allowing mothers to discover new possibilities and shine in their own way.
Through these steps, their lives take on richer colours and a greater sense of completeness. Jockey Club HERizon hopes to support more women in finding their own direction in career development, enabling them to shine both within their families and in the wider community.
Did you know?
Jockey Club HERizon is designed for women who are looking to return to the workforce. It supports participants in recognising the personal growth gained through their parenthood journey, and in transforming their experiences of accompanying their children into motivation for re‑entering the workplace and rediscovering their self‑worth.
In response to the employment challenges commonly faced by mid‑life women, the programme offers one‑stop support across training, placement and employment, including one‑to‑one career guidance. The aim is to equip participants with the resources and preparation they need to take their next career step.
To further support job readiness, the programme also offers a Dream Fund, providing a one‑off grant of HK$2,000 to participating women. The fund encourages women to pursue personal or professional development, and may be used to enrol in training courses or to purchase tools and software needed to put career goals into practice.
By providing both practical resources and emotional support, the programme helps participants explore diverse career pathways, empowering them to shine in both family and social settings, while also enabling them to become positive role models and life mentors for their children.
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5 min read
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