Hoffman, 40, a former senior vice president of a financial company, had what she describes as “one of those extreme jobs.” “I loved working,” she says. But her career path reached a crossroad when her second child was born, and she left her job in February 2007. Hoffman is one of many people who have left the work force to take a break, but she has a position as consultant. she has described this type of career detour（绕路）—— which is more common for women than for men —— as “off-ramping.” Typically it occurs when the balancing act of parenting and work becomes too tough.
A study by the center found that more than 90 percent of women who off-ramp want to on-ramp back into the work force eventually. But making the transition back to work is rarely easy, and it is even harder in this economic climate of layoffs and hiring freezes.
Considering some of the obstacles faced by on-rampers, a three-day program called “Greater Returns: Restarting Your Career” was held at Columbia University. The goal of the three days was to have them walk away with a big shot of confidence.”
According to one school of thought women looking to make a comeback might even have an advantage in the current economy, especially if they are looking for part-time or consultant positions that do not offer benefits. And a majority of on-rampers are women with extensive working experiences that could give them a slight advantage over less-experienced competition.
“You absolutely cannot be defensive about why you off-ramped,” Ms Hoffman says, “defensive” would have put her into a hard situation if the Greater Returns program had not taught her how to describe the years she spent at home. “I now feel confident talking to an employer and saying, ‘Yes, I have been out of the work force, but here is where I can make significant contributions.’”
1. What is the best title for the passage?
A. Off-ramp: it is common
B. Off-ramp: it is easy
C. Off-ramp to on-ramp: it can be a hard journey
D. Off-ramp to on-ramp: it depends on confidence
2. According to the passage, Greater Returns .
A. is intended to relieve the pressure of the jobless women
B. has all the jobless women restart their career
C. is to last all the year around for the jobless women
D. will build up the confidence of those in search of jobs
3. The main reason for the women’s off-ramping is that .
A. they have to suffer the sexual discrimination
B. they reach a crossroad of career
C. they have to parent their children
D. they have great work pressure
4. Which job is easier to get for a woman off-ramper?
A. Regular workers. B. Casual workers.
C. Company managers. D. Band clerks.
5. From what Ms. Hoffman says in the last paragraph, we can conclude .
A. she didn't get advice from the Greater Returns program
B. she was defensive about her off-ramping
C. she didn’t get the job because she lied about her experience
D. she is on-ramp partly due to her straightforward manner
