Torn apart....

I come across so many women - attempting to balance home and career. There's a feeling of failure, when one attempts to quit the corporate world. I've always wondered - where is this projection of failure coming from - from peer pressure, from society, from media?

Even in alumni groups, the discussion is towards people who have made it to the headlines. Its certainly laudable that they have made a difference. But why should that be the benchmark for others?

I also wonder if our education system hasn't taught us to apply our knowledge in other areas of life. I always feel I lack the application knowledge. Should I not be taking the soft-skills, technical skills, that I've learnt and make a difference to people around me - either family, or friends or even people who work for me at my home?

In the last 2 years or so without a job, I've had very interesting experiences. I am doing lots of small things - from being home when my kids arrive, by spending a bit of time with my parents, by doing some changes in the community I live. These are all not things that is bringing me money but giving me a feeling of living a fuller life. I tend to make a difference in things that I'm capable of and still have time to ponder about life, about things happening around me.
The feeling of having to make best of these moments is always there.

I also want to help others with my experiences, of being bold to explore life in its own terms. Of course, I also acknowledge the fact that without my husband being the bread winner, I don't have this choice. But having this choice, I want to make the best use of it.