When I met a friend after a gap of 15 years and exchanged life stories, she spoke about a classmate who decided not to have a family for the sake of Career Advancement. The question that raced through my mind is “Does getting married signify the end of professional life or can we walk the tightrope and make both co-exist’’? Despite all these years of waging war for equality and establishing a stance in the society, I strongly feel that there are fewer men set with the question of Career after marriage.
In a Country abundant with Culture and Family values, career tends to take a nosedive after marriage. Luckily in the past two decades, there is significant acceptance by the Extended families that career is important to Women as it is to a Man. Also, the concept of day care at work has made it easier to concentrate professionally without sacrificing our domestic responsibilities.
As a person who started to work soon after college, I have never felt my thirst to restart my career take a back seat because of family. It’s certainly not choosing one over the other, but to bring all together in the potpourri of life. Of course, it’s not an easy walk. There are always sacrifices on sleep or social visits, but these are the mandates for a better standard of living.
I have been fascinated by the account of Indra Nooyi. She goes on to narrate that when she went home with excitement to break the news of her being elected as the President of PepsiCo, her Mom interrupted and asked her to go and buy some milk. Upon hearing the news, her Mom advised “Let me explain something to you. You may be President of PepsiCo. But when you step into this house, you’re a wife and mother first. Nobody can take that place. So leave that crown in the garage.”
I do agree that the crown has be to be left behind, same is true when going to work – leave all your family matters behind. Wherever you are, give in your 100%. That way, apart from excelling in your work, you also gain the advantage of completing your tasks on time and heading on to take the next mantle. The compelling fact is that with adequate support from your Spouse and Extended family, combining the spheres of Career and Family is certainly doable.
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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