Mother’s Day often paints a picture of gentle nurturing, a comforting presence in the home. And while my mother embodied that warmth and care in abundance, her influence on my life extended far beyond the hearth. Though her own journey was centred within the home, her wisdom was a compass pointing me and my siblings towards a world she herself hadn’t directly navigated professionally. She, the ultimate storyteller of our family, wove narratives emphasizing the power of education, the security of financial independence, and the elusive yet essential art of work-life balance. Her words, though spoken within the four walls of our home, resonated with a foresight that guided my every step into the professional arena.
She taught me the importance of striving for a fulfilling career, not just as a means of sustenance, but to contribute to the world and stand on my own two feet. The concept of work-life balance, though perhaps not explicitly defined in today’s terms, was a constant thread in her advice – the importance of nurturing both personal and professional spheres.
I heeded her advice, perhaps with a fervour born from witnessing her unfulfilled potential in the traditional sense. Yet, the very path she encouraged – a dedicated career – presented its own set of intricate dances. The professional world, with its demands and passions, often feels like a separate universe from the nurturing sphere of motherhood. Striking a balance between raising children and contributing meaningfully to one’s work is a constant negotiation, a tightrope walk performed with love and determination. But here’s the revelation: this very “circus,” as I sometimes fondly call it, unveils an untapped reservoir of vitality and potential within us. It forces us to become incredibly efficient, fiercely protective of our time, and surprisingly adept at juggling multiple roles.
In my own career, the concept of a “break” remained largely theoretical. There were no sabbaticals, no extended leaves. Life, in its beautiful complexity, often presented itself as a simultaneous pursuit of professional growth, the demanding role of a working mother, and even the added layer of pursuing higher education. Yet, amidst this whirlwind, the responsibilities of motherhood never took a backseat.
My kitchen, each morning, transformed into a mini restaurant catering to the delightful diversity of my children’s breakfast preferences. Ensuring their studies were on track was a non-negotiable part of my routine. Looking back, I believe this constant juggling act inadvertently fostered a sense of self-sufficiency in my children at a young age. They witnessed firsthand the art of managing multiple responsibilities, perhaps instilling in them the confidence to navigate their own decisions with greater autonomy.
The lessons I wish to pass on to my children and all my students whom I deemed to be my children echo my mother’s foundational wisdom, amplified by my own experiences. I want my children to understand that ambition and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. They can build meaningful careers while nurturing their families. I want them to embrace the inevitable “mom-guilt” not as a sign of failure, but as a testament to their deep love and commitment.
Building a career while raising children requires strategic planning, unwavering dedication, and a healthy dose of flexibility. It also necessitates finding supportive employers and colleagues who understand the demands of parenthood. The support of a community – other women professionals, friends, family – is invaluable. Sharing experiences, offering practical advice, and simply knowing that you’re not alone in navigating these challenges can be incredibly empowering.
Despite external demands, the practice of “inner engineering” – cultivating inner peace, resilience, and mindfulness – becomes crucial. It’s about finding moments of quiet amidst the storm, nurturing our own well-being so that we can effectively nurture others and pursue our professional goals with clarity and strength. My own journey has highlighted the importance of self-care, not as a luxury, but as a fundamental requirement for sustained success and well-being in all aspects of life.
This Mother’s Day, I celebrate not only the woman who raised me, but also the countless mothers who navigate the intricate dance of career and family with grace and resilience. Their stories, often untold, are powerful testaments to the strength, adaptability, and unwavering love that defines motherhood in its modern, multifaceted reality. They are the living embodiment of balance, proving that with intention and unwavering spirit, we can indeed create a symphony where both professional ambition and the profound joys of motherhood resonate in perfect harmony.
About the Contributor
Dr. Reeba Korah holds a Ph.D in Information and Communication from Anna University, Chennai. She has a vast experience of over 3 decades in the field of engineering academics, administration and active research. Prof. Korah is an alumnus of Marathwada University, Maharashtra and Anna University, Chennai. Her technical expertise spans VLSI design, image and video processing and wireless sensor networks. Her current research interests are indigenous processor development, AI & IOT in agricultural and medical domains.
She has about 90 research publications to her credit in reputed international journals and conference proceedings. She has authored five books pertaining to electronics engineering. Dr. Korah served as a doctoral level research supervisor in Anna University and has produced twelve Ph.D. holders so far. She serves as a reviewer for reputed International Journals. Dr. Korah is the recipient of the Karnataka Government’s research funding to establish a Centre of Excellence in Electronic device modelling and VLSI Chip design. Winner of C.V.Raman Prize-2022 in recognition of outstanding professional and research achievements. Currently she serves as Professor and Dean at Alliance University, Bangalore.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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