Wirtschafts- und Wirtschaftsjournal

The gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Enabled by technology platforms and changing work preferences, this emerging labor market trend has profound implications for workers, businesses, and labor market regulations. In this article, we explore the rise of the gig economy and its implications on various stakeholders.

Immigration is a complex and widely debated topic that has significant economic implications for both receiving and sending countries. The movement of people across borders can have profound effects on labor markets, economic growth, and various sectors of the economy. In this article, we delve into the economics of immigration, examining its effects on labor markets and economic growth from a theoretical and empirical perspective.

Economic growth and development are two interrelated but distinct concepts in the field of economics. Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services in a country over a period of time. Development, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses not only economic growth but also improvements in human welfare, such as increased access to education, health care, and other social services.

Globalization has become a significant force shaping the world economy over the past few decades. While globalization has brought benefits such as increased economic growth and job creation, it has also raised concerns about the impact on national economies. This article will examine the impact of globalization on national economies by comparing the experiences of several countries.

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As the planet warms, we are seeing an increase in extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and a loss of biodiversity. These changes are not only detrimental to the environment but also have significant economic consequences. In this article, we will explore the economics of climate change and the costs and benefits of mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Objectives: To explore the experiences of women in the United States that have returned to the financial services workforce after an extended child-rearing leave and their descriptions of the transition back to the workforce, specifically regarding feelings of self-efficacy and identity and the influence of mentorship.

Study design/setting: This study utilized a qualitative descriptive research methodology to capture descriptions through semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data were gathered by means of extensive one-on-one interviews with women throughout the country and an extensive focus group discussion. All study participants were currently working in the financial services sector after a minimum one-year absence due to child-rearing.

Principal findings: The findings imply that multiple factors influence the experiences of women transitioning back into the workforce summarized by five primary themes: 1) challenges, pressure and feelings of identity and self-efficacy, 2) merging personal and professional identities, 3) reinventing professional competencies and self-efficacy, 4) organizational intent to provide connection, goal-setting and path development through mentorship and 5) the unique value of mothers in a historically male-dominated industry and the importance of mentorship to support them.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that women returning to the financial services industry after an extended child-rearing find mentorship beneficial by: differentiating and/or merging professional and personal identities, combating imposter syndrome, balancing pressure from both home and work, highlighting value despite resume gap and minimizing self-doubt, heightening sense of belongingness in a historically male-dominated industry and developing a strategic career and development path to meet desired professional goals.