Volunteering

When I was in my school-college days, I wanted to do some kind of social service. But I neither had the courage to do nor the circumstances allowed me.

Once I started to work, I used to contribute financially to some poor homes. And for the past few years have been contributing to Udavum Karangal. But deep within me I wanted to help in some other way also. Due to family restrictions I was never able to do so.
But now an opportunity is has come….

I must thank my indirect friend who introduced me to i-volunteer. Few months back i-volunteer Chennai group was formed. When going through the messages, I saw about volunteer need for “Maithri” towards helping visually challenged students. The work can be done at our home, in our leisure time. So immediately I got the alert and decided to give it a GO..! And hopefully, I will be able to take up more in future.

Click to join ivolunteerchennai

Home Maker?

When I tell that I am a Home maker, people raise their brows! And many have told me that I am out of senses to leave such a lucrative career.

If you ask me if the decision was worth; I will say YES A MILLION TIMES. I have the confidence that I can build it up all again, after sometime. But my son’s childhood is not going to wait; later I should not say that if only I had done that to him at the right time…!

But getting adjusted to the new way of life was bit difficult initially. Suddenly there was an emptiness created in my mind. I don’t have a hectic schedule to achieve, I don’t have a target, I don’t have to pull my hairs to solve the numerous software bugs! It is very depressing when you are not able to pursue your passion.

Another problem I found being at home is that, there are so many ways time can be wasted.

First & foremost is tendency to watch TV
Sleeping – afternoon nap
If on computer, never ending Browsing
Postponing the work

Then I decided that I should not waste away the few hours I get when Abhi goes to school. I started to develop my hobbies. Instead of scribbling my feelings and thoughts in books, I started to blog. I found there are many ways I can spent usefully, other than the above time wasters.

Fortunately I got few contract projects through known contacts that can be worked from home. That rejuvenated me and also opened a way for me to keep in touch with technology. Yes – a work-at-home MOM! I can do what I love as well as take care of my son! This is one good way to utilize ones own skills.

But in India this concept is still not popular and people hesitate to employ like that. But I am sure soon the scenario will change.

What was it being in the career?

Ummmm..Great !I have always enjoyed my work. My policy is "Whatever you do, do it with the passion". Take interest in the work, then definitely, it will be enjoyable. Then only, the work completed will have quality and perfection. Being in the software industry, I took quality to be part of my life.

I enjoyed meeting and talking to the various clients, mainly from outside India. I got many friends with whom I worked, who are all now in different places. Some of them become very close pals.

If one looks at the advantages of working :-

• The monthly paypacket makes woman think about financial independance (The catch is you have more money, but alas! less time to enjoy....)

• It definitely builds confidence in you


• You change into a matured person by the exposure in life


• There is no time to fuss about many things!


• Every human has a internal aspiration ,other than satisying his/her basic needs of food,clothing etc. Once the career is able to bring you closer to this, you get ultimate satisfaction.

But every coin has its other side too! especially so if you are a woman. Generally our society thinks that Man is the bread-winner and Woman is the home-maker.!

Many times I myself have felt the need for my presence at home. I feel by nature itself, a woman's mind is more tuned for care giving, nurturing etc. So if we dont satisfy our own feminine aspect, we will never get satisfied doing anything.

• Taking care of small children, children who need special attention, old/sick parents


• Due to the inherent feminine nature, woman still feel that home is her main responsibility. As long as this feeling is there deep inside, the stress builds up as we try to bring perfection to both home and career.

If the circumstances permits, definitely one should be in a career and do productive work. As for the reverse side, Care should be taken as not to spoil one's Physical and Mental health. So prioritize goals and plan accordingly. And always if situation demands, quitting from career does not stop anyone from taking alternate options, which gives you more personal time. World offers umpteen oppotunities, we only have to make the choice.