What is one way you have grown this year?
It was the end of 2024, when I got a job in retention marketing after a long pause in my career. I had took a break from my PhD and moved abroad in 2023. Since then I was jobless.
After a long wait, a small marketing agency in India hired me. I was doing remote work. The agency was still new, but landing an opportunity like that felt like a big achievement. After a few stumbles and learning curves, I found my rhythm and started excelling in my role. My work was appreciated, and I was even promoted with almost a 50% salary hike. It felt like everything was finally falling into place.
Then came even bigger news in 2025: I was pregnant.
It was a wonderful and life changing phase for me. However, with the increased workload and the challenges of my first trimester, I found it difficult to keep up. I was constantly exhausted and tired. Since it was my first pregnancy, I wanted to focus on staying healthy and doing what was best for my baby.
After six months in my job, I made the difficult decision to quit. Many women might question that choice, but I chose what felt right for me and my child. I wanted to enter motherhood without unfinished commitments weighing on me.
Around the same time, I also made another significant decision. I formally exited my PhD program, which had been hanging in the balance for quite some time. My professor and panel members felt I was making a mistake because they believed my work was strong, and deep down, I knew they had a point. Still, I had my priorities clear. I completed my journey with an MS by Research degree and moved forward with confidence in my decision.
There was already so much happening in my life, but nothing compared to the magical moment when I finally held my baby boy in my arms. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had.
Today, he is seven months old, and every day with him feels like a new adventure. I do not think I have ever made as many changes in my life as I have for my son. Through motherhood, I have learned patience, adaptability, resilience, and a strength I never knew I had.
Thanks for reading!
