Episode 59: How to take a career break without ending your actuarial career with Linley Baker
“You'll probably have self-doubt. You compare yourself to the people who've been working constantly, and you'll think, ‘Well, I'm not them.’ What you need to remember is that you don't need to be them, you need to be your best you. You have something to offer, and you should be able to find a job if you've planned well.”
Linley Baker,
Actuary
After graduating with high honors from the Wharton School of Business, Linley pursued a successful actuarial career. She quit to raise her 6 children for 19 years in 4 countries. During this time she worked part-time as a college professor in China and the US, teaching China’s first actuarial college courses, and also earned a master of music degree in viola performance from Ball State University.
Linley returned to her profession and in 5 years was promoted to full vice president. She currently works as an actuary for Unum Group in Voluntary Benefits. Linley has volunteered with the Society of Actuaries’ Education and Examination Committee since 1990. She speaks 4 languages and is also an international best-selling author.
In this interview Linley shares:
Her experience taking a 19 year career break to raise her six children and successfully returning to her actuarial career,
How skills she learned raising a family helped her get promoted, and
Her suggested steps and advice for those wanting to take a career break.
Connect with Linley on LinkedIn.
Read Linley’s books:
Don’t Be Afraid to Do What You Really Want to Do – Reach All Your Life Dreams
Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds
Betrayed, Not Trashed (coming in 2025)
Listen now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
