Yes, I really did!!!! I sent in my resignation to W two months ago and am now serving the notice period. This weekend, I would be an ex-W(ite). Why, you ask? I'm taking a baby break to be with my son. I plan to join work before an year's time is up, unless an offer for flexible hours comes knocking.
Yes, I have heard of day care and I have preferred not to let my son anywhere near it, for as long as we can. The husband has lent tremendous support, so have the rest of the family. Some friends have expressed disbelief, some are secretly happy :p, some have lent support and some others couldnt care less. I would say most are interested in knowing what happens to people like me who throw their jobs out the window one fine day. If you belong to the latter category, stay tuned to this blog. And also pray that I have something blog worthy to declare :)
There are a couple of things which made the decision to quit easy for me. One, my adorable son. Two, the joke that is my salary. Three, the fact that on my death bed, I'd be not a technical writer or a career woman, but a wife, a mom, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, (you get the drift right...). Four, I have believed that a person's work should speak for themself. That one's work must make them eligible for better things in terms of salary or promotion. But the software industry where I used to work thinks that is hogwash. Or atleast, here you need to beg for things to happen and watch them not happen anyways. I got tired of begging, the ego wouldn't allow to stoop to cheap politics that seem to work for others.
If you think I have it easy sitting at home, try handling a baby who is just about to learn walking and is turning into a mini destructive machine (and a cute one at that). Sitting at a desk and using your brain is easier than running behind an active baby of this generation and taking up responsibility to ensure he has a decently happy infant/toddlerhood. So the son beckons. And here's the mom obliging and hoping that God gives her no reason to regret yet another of her whimsical and atypical decisions.
What you can do if you have read until here, is to wish me luck! And stay in touch!
Thanks!
Edited -to - add: It is AMAZING to hear from so many friends on this post and to receive encouragement! Makes me feel better already and more confident about what I am doing!!! THANKS a lot...
13 comments:
A decision I really appreciate but cant take ;-)
I understand: Loyalty is cheap, You never get what you want unless you run behind it like crazy.
you quit a 9hr job, just to take up a 24/7 job...Happy MOM'ing ;-)
Best of luck, will keep in touch
Hey, that's great! I really appreciate your decision to take a break from your profession and give your precious time to your family. I must say this is no easy... I have been wanting to do something like this for long now :)... but then my hyper active daughter reminds me of the education and other stuff she can demand. And, lo, I'm back to work :(
Wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. And, remember I am always there, for whatever. All happy days ahead for you. Stay in touch.
It is said that 'charity begins at home'. I agree with you that what we do at work is more of a charity. You have chosen the right path and we are all with you!
Good luck :)
congratulations :)
apart from the nurturing part, i think you can use the time to cathch up on hobbies. photography..knitting.. more writing ..?
I am extremely proud of you & optimistically hope what we are doing is the best we can at this moment.
I personally know how tough it is to manage both home & work..lets atleast give the best to our Bubbles now.
-PM
Hey all the best.. I guess everything will work out fine..howz the baby doing?
Congratulations on leaving W (but not the job).
"..Some friends have expressed disbelief, some are secretly happy :p, ..."
Yeah, I'm happy now :P, there are enough documents in the world already, go out and write some code now!!
@Girish,
Thanks, will keep in touch!
@Dhana,
I wish you all the best too. Will stay in touch.Good times are ahead for all of us! :)
@Balu,
It is great to hear from you here. Thanks for your words!
@Vinay,
hey, thanks and yes! that's a positive way of looking at my break.. i really hope my son allows me the freedom to enjoy my own activities, really :)
@PM - Om Sai Ram! God help and bless us all!
@Ashwin - thanks a lot! It is really amazing how this post got so many comments, feels great to have encouraging friends around :D
hope your having a good time at work!
@Sriram - Grrr...running away from the sheer thought of code..yawn.
Hey Sameera, visited your blog through my linkedin updates email. Welcome to the club! I quit my job as a Technical Writer at Red Hat to take care of my daughter 2 years back! It is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling decisions i have ever taken. Will get back to work sometime (that is if i find one more satisfying than my current role as neha's mum alone)..Have a great time with your son!
Vinu --- I had no idea you had a baby! Woo hoo! Congratulations! So glad to hear from you.hope you are doing well :)
I totally understand what you mean - once we become parents, everything else pales in comparison :)
Hey Sameera! that's really good decision and I appreciate that. Your son really needs you at this time.
Good Luck!
Keep in touch
Good luck. I am sure this decision will probe you become an independent content consultant. I hope you haven't quit blogging. Awaiting your next blog.
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