Choosing Between Family and Career

It’s ironic when you search for this in Google, the top searches are about women choosing between their families and careers. It’s funny that we live in such a world where women are the ones who have to make this decision. I recently had to make a decision, not as dire as choosing between my family and career, but close to it. I had to choose between spending time with my family and studying for my board exams. Obviously, one outweighs the other here. I am not saying that I had would always choose my career over my family, but at this point and time, I had to make a decision. I had to a make a sacrifice and see which was more important to me: getting ahead in my education or enjoying a vacation with my family. Although I knew what I had to for myself, my parents, on the other hand, didn’t quite understand what was going on. They didn’t seem to understand the importance of the situation and I don’t think they ever will. It’s hard when you don’t get the support that you expect from your loved ones. And, this is why I struggle in discovering who I want to be. I struggle because I have coddled my whole entire life and when I expected to grow up for some aspects of life and not others, I find myself in a weakening position. I have to come to realize that my expectations for the people are around me are set too high and the only person that get hurt is me. There’s no point in getting hurt over and over again. So, what should I do? I change my attitude! I change who I want to become and my expectations. Low expectations, lower risk, less likely to get hurt. The higher you set the bar, the higher you have to aim to get there every time. It’s just not worth it anymore. When you play with bricks, you bleed. I am done bleeding. My heart is at the lowest point that it can go and all it go from here is up (one can only hope). So, when you have to make the choice between your family and career, choose wisely. Also, maybe a pros and cons list may help. But, remember, whatever you choose, it’s your decision and not anyone’s. I personally let other’s expectations of me influence my decision. Don’t be that person!

Yours truly,

Discover. Free. Unwritten.