How one woman’s health scare inspired her career comeback

A testament to the fighting spirit, Olivia Khor is currently PwC Malaysia’s General Counsel, but not before a career-break and a life-altering health scare.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we met Olivia, who discussed at length her appreciation and the need for the world to stop and marvel at the strength and resolute characteristics of women around the globe.

“Women can multi-task quite naturally and we often have a great attention to detail. We are also quite resilient and persevere to deliver despite the roadblocks we’re facing. Our intuition and sensitive nature often help us get ahead,” she said.

After the birth of her third child, Olivia decided it was high time for a career break and to become a stay-at-home mum for her three kids. However, just shortly after that, things took a turn for the worse when she was diagnosed with the Big “C”.

“After three to four months into my career break, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, it took me about six months to go through the cancer treatment and recovery. Looking back, I thought it was ironically the ‘perfect timing’ to be diagnosed as I was already planning to take a break from my legal career,” she said.

The cancer episode made her look at things differently. She started thinking about returning to the workplace.

“I’m not going to be poetic or cushion this but having financial security and the ability to provide and support my loved ones is the main reason why I decided to return to work.”

Olivia manages a home with 3 kids and doting husband before returning back to her career

“I came to realise that our lives can be cut short, and we must get ourselves ready financially to support our children and give them a secure future. I’m not going to be poetic or cushion this but having financial security and the ability to provide and support my loved ones is the main reason why I decided to return to work,” she said.
One of the things that gave her comfort and assurance in making the decision to return was TalentCorp’s Career Comeback programme.

Olivia said that the programme helped sow the seeds of ambition in the hearts of women who are contemplating the idea of returning to the workforce.

“During my early years as a lawyer, I used to admire the high-powered working women at the lift lobby of the same building of my then office. I used to tell myself ‘I want to be like them.’ If they can do it, so can I. This growth mindset and the need for constant self-improvement has stayed with me even during my career break.”

But coming back to the workforce after a break can be a challenge, and she notes that your skill can become rusty if you don’t use them after a while!

“But I always tell myself — just take a moment to acknowledge the fear, and then do the thing that scares you.”

Olivia used to admire the high-powered working women at the office lobby before eventually succeeding as one

“The fear of not being able to measure up can be crippling. But I always tell myself -- just take a moment to acknowledge the fear, and then do the thing that scares you.”

And the challenge lies not only in the office, but also at home! She shares her thoughts and tips for women looking to make a comeback.

“Establish a good support system, be it with your in-laws, relatives or domestic helpers. Come to terms with yourself that you can outsource the housework and entrust someone else to help raise your children.”

Having experienced so much in her career and personal life, we asked Olivia what advice she would she give to her 15-year old self, and this is what she has to say: “Recognise what you’re good at and the skills you’d like to acquire. Treat other people with respect and sincerity. Let your inner beauty shine through. Appearance is not everything. Be confident and kind because the world is not deficient of smart, rich or beautiful people, but it lacks good people.”

To learn more about the Career Comeback Programme visit https://www.talentcorp.com.my/initiatives/career-comeback-programme.

Tags: CAREER COMEBACK, CAREER COMEBACK, CAREER COMEBACK PROGRAMME, CAREER COMEBACK PROGRAMME, WOMEN AT WORK, WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP, WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE, WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE