A Tale of a Working Mother

    Amidst the sleepless nights, the hustle of the morning chores, the doorbell ringing each time while trying to catch on some sleep, the important calls unattended, the constant crying of my baby, the never-ending laundry heap, I, the bewildered soul, found a new joy on seeing the prettiest smile saying, “Mom, Calm down! Don’t forget, you’re the best!” 
I know all those strong mothers reading this would completely agree to me when, you see your baby sleeping carelessly in your lap, knowing that there’s one angel sent from heaven to her, to take care of her needs before she even speaks it up.. Yes!! Motherhood is difficult, exhausting, demanding but nevertheless, it’s rewarding in its own special ways.. 

New moms have the incredible gift and curse of too much information. There are boundless apps, blogs, communities that try to teach you every little bit of this journey, from the bump to burp, from the time your child is in your womb till you have delivered and beyond. But, each mother is unique in its own special ways. Each mother is to be glorified for how they have managed endless nights and days in bringing up her child. Although, many career-oriented mothers, including myself, feel guilty of leaving behind their children in pursuit of aiming for their career. Under the pressure of responsibilities and family schedules, we somehow feel superimposed by the culture and norms of society and are overwhelmed to rethink if what we are doing is justifiable? 

With this level of pressure, no doubt only 15% of Indian women opt to continue their work, rest all opt-out or off-ramp their way back to their work life. 
Our disappointment in not keeping with the pace of work and home incurs greater disbelief that both couldn’t be handled harmoniously. This generation is GEN Z and unlike GEN X, they will not draw a clear line in the sand separating the two from each other.Because, with a revolution in technology, we are even able to keep up with the work irrespective of the time. So, flexible hours should be given for such working mother’s to keep up with their balance. Why are we judged when we respond to email late at night or leave from early than the other fellow workers if we have accomplished our task at par? Give us the liberty to utilize our flexible hours to outshine in our professional front because we are not just employees but also mothers!! 
The biggest issue for working mothers is the idea that they must be available around the clock both at home and in the office. 
And while most are up for the challenge, they will only be successful if employers and managers, husbands and in-laws, who shape policy and culture support them in all aspects of their life, at home and at work. 

I am constantly frustrated and frazzled, and — to be honest — angry that having children and a career is still such a heroic feat. 

Female employees who become working mothers are no less committed to their job. They want to be professional, get their work done, and spend a couple waking hours a day with their babies. Is that too much to ask? Here’s a big shout out to all the working women, juggling between career and family, remember you’re exceptional human beings. Keep up the spirit to see yourself blooming your child and career to an amazing level. And my message to the society and families is to support, respect, and love these creatures of Allah because more than anything, working mothers flourish in environments that support their growth and development both professionally and personally.

    A close friend of mine, who’s CA by profession and a working mother, managing her work and baby in the most applauding and responsible manner.
The sequel to the above topic will follow soon. It will discuss “embracing weight and a weight loss journey” of a working woman to get her confidence back!.Written by:Dr. Khadija Tapiya