I took a 3-year career break. I felt guilty about being called 'just a housewife' — but now I'm embracing the detour.

Mangawa said she felt like she was worthless if she wasn't working.

Courtesy of Shruti Mangawa

• When Shruti Mangawa tried applying for jobs after taking a career break, she was often ghosted.
• She felt guilt about being unemployed, particularly when people said she was "just a housewife."
• Returning to work after her break taught Mangawa how to view success differently.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with 35-year-old Shruti Mangawa from New Mexico.