From Homemaker to Full-Stack Developer: Rekha’s Comeback Story
Meet Rekha Suresh, a mother of two from Bangalore who put her career on hold to raise her children. After a decade away from the workforce, she made a bold decision—to restart her career by diving into the world of software development.
Fast forward two years, Rekha now works as a full-stack developer at a rising fintech startup and mentors other women trying to enter the tech world.
The Breaking Point
Rekha had a background in electronics engineering but never had the chance to work in software. Life took over—marriage, kids, and family commitments kept her away from professional growth. But the tech world always fascinated her.
In 2022, after her younger child started school, she decided it was time for a change. She enrolled in a free online HTML course, unsure if she could catch up after a decade away from academics.
Re-Skilling from Scratch
Rekha started small. She used platforms like freeCodeCamp, Scrimba, and CS50x to learn the basics of web development. She created mini-projects, such as a weather app and an online recipe book.
After gaining confidence, she took a structured full-stack development bootcamp that included React, Node.js, MongoDB, and Git. She also joined women-centric tech communities like Women Who Code and SheCodes for support and networking.
Her First Job
Rekha built a personal portfolio, blogged her learning journey, and contributed to open-source. She applied to internships and freelance gigs—even offering to work on community projects for free to build her experience.
In 2024, she landed a full-time remote job as a full-stack developer at a fintech startup focused on digital payments in tier-2 cities.
Lessons from Rekha’s Journey
-
It's Never Too Late: You can re-enter the workforce with dedication and a plan.
-
Build Consistently: Small, daily efforts compound over time.
-
Leverage Support Networks: Online communities are a powerful source of help and motivation.
-
Learn Out Loud: Blogging and sharing your progress makes you visible to recruiters and peers.
-
Practical Projects > Theoretical Knowledge: Building apps helped Rekha understand real-world development.
Rekha’s Advice to Women Returning to Work
“Don’t underestimate yourself. The tech world is changing fast, but it’s also more accessible than ever. Start today, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.”