Life is anything but easy for those who choose to build it on their own. It’s a Herculean task to create what feels like an entire empire single-handedly. At my age, many girls are already married, enjoying the comforts of life, having fun, and living off their parents' or husbands' financial support. But then there’s me—balancing a demanding 9-to-5 job, and often longer hours, alongside everything else life throws my way. Isn’t it chaotic? Absolutely. Yet, amidst the chaos, I see something remarkable: I have carved out my own existence.
Being a PhD researcher and creating my identity through sheer perseverance is, to me, far more fulfilling than simply relying on others for my comfort. Yes, it’s hard, and there are days when I want to quit, when exhaustion and doubt creep in. And then there are days when I’m happy, when I feel unstoppable. It’s a constant dilemma—a whirlwind of thoughts pulling me in different directions. But at the end of the day, I find myself returning to my work, my ambition, my dreams.
Pursuing this path wasn’t something imposed on me; it was my choice, my deepest desire to build a self-sufficient and meaningful career. Yet, society has a way of labeling women like me. I’ve often been called selfish for prioritizing my dreams over traditional expectations. People think women should stay at home, but why is it wrong for a woman to have ambitions? Why can’t she excel in her career while also managing her home, if she chooses to?
And while I strive to balance my ambitions with my responsibilities, I’ve come to realize something essential: every woman is working, whether she’s managing a kitchen or leading a team in an office. A homemaker dedicates her energy, time, and love to ensuring her family’s well-being—a job just as challenging and crucial as any corporate role. The value of her contributions often goes unnoticed, yet it is the foundation upon which families thrive. Her sacrifices, though unseen, are no less important than the accomplishments of a woman working outside the home.
We need to change the narrative. It’s not about pitting one role against the other but about acknowledging that every woman, regardless of where she works, deserves respect and appreciation. A woman in the kitchen contributes in ways that cannot be quantified, just as a woman in the workforce strives to make her mark in the world. Both are valid, both are valuable, and neither should feel inferior to the other.
Yes, there are days when it feels like an impossible balancing act—handling work and life all on my own. But then there are moments when it feels rewarding, even empowering. The judgment of others doesn’t make it easier. Society often overlooks the struggles of working women, assuming they’re in it solely for financial necessity. While that may be true for some, there are others—like me—who do it because it fulfills a deep-seated wish to create something meaningful, something that defines them beyond societal roles.
This journey isn’t easy, and the path is riddled with obstacles. But through it all, I remind myself that I am not just surviving—I am thriving in a way that feels authentic to who I am. And that, above all, is what keeps me going.
Add comment
Comments