How do you return to work after a 10-year career break—and rebuild your confidence, identity and sense of purpose? In this episode of The Aditi Govitrikar Show, Shilpa Bhagat opens up about stepping away from her banking career, becoming a mother through IVF and eventually finding the courage to start again.

Shilpa explains that her career break was not completely planned. After being bedridden during pregnancy and giving birth to twins, she spent years focusing on motherhood and supporting her son’s competitive chess journey. Although she valued those years, she also struggled with self-doubt, compared herself with former classmates and repeatedly wondered, “What am I worth?” and “When will I shine?”

The conversation explores why financial security is different from financial independence—and why a woman may still want meaningful work even when she does not need the money. Shilpa shares how she continued learning during her years at home, gained valuable business knowledge through conversations with her husband, participated in Mrs India World, trained in image consulting and eventually helped build Fitistan into a million-strong fitness community.

In this episode:

• How to return to work after a long career break
• Why motherhood can affect a woman’s identity and confidence
• The difference between financial security and financial independence
• Why confidence comes after taking action—not before it
• How to start small through volunteering, internships or upskilling
• What Shilpa learnt about business during her years at home
• How mothers can support their children without abandoning their own ambition
• Why a career gap does not mean your skills or potential have disappeared
• How Shilpa moved from banking and motherhood to entrepreneurship
• Practical advice for women who want to restart their careers

Whether you are returning to work after motherhood, struggling with a long career gap or wondering if it is too late to begin again, this conversation offers an honest look at fear, ambition, purpose and rebuilding your professional identity.

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