You cannot make wise decisions by getting input only from those who are most likely to agree with you or similarly see the world. This approach causes insular thinking, and you’ll miss key input for your decision.
Understanding the basis for your defensiveness will allow you to gain control of your feelings and make a choice about how you want to respond.
Employers should no longer feel the need to poke their heads left and right, to make sure that tasks are completed according to company standards.
If you focus on the positives of what you learned rather than shying away from the gap, it shows employers that you are honest and ready to dive back into your career.
When professionals feel connected to their employers — and committed to their careers — their interactions with other people are more consistently positive and constructive.