"Would you give up your career to start a family?" This is a very familiar question being asked of women during job interviews to gauge their commitment to the job. I will not lie, I have been asked the same question during my application into medical school. During that time, I was too busy trying to be a successful woman, so naturally, my answer was a big, fat, NO.
I went on to follow my dreams and worked hard to obtain the goals I have set for myself. I finished medical school, became the head of the Interns' union, got into the residency program of the biggest government hospital in the country, where I also became the chief resident, and then proceeded to train overseas for two sub-specialty programs of my chosen discipline. I had everything going for me. Until I decided that it was time to start a family.
When the boyfriend (now the hubby) and I decided to get married and start our own family, my career in the hospital had to take a backseat. Nobody forced me to do it. It was a voluntary decision on my part because I felt that I have already devoted my younger years into becoming a good doctor. It is now my responsibility to devote myself into becoming a good mother and wife. No, I did not quit my job to become a homemaker. Instead, I left the hospital to work in a 9 to 5 job so that I was as healthy as I possibly could during the entire pregnancy for my baby's sake. The hospital will still be there when I am ready to go back, but I cannot tell my baby to stop growing up until I am ready to see her grow.
Coming back to work was even harder after baby J came out. But, I also had to think about her future. So, back to work I went. I still went back to my office job, giving lectures and training across SEA.
Oftentimes, I get asked by fellow clinicians why I decided to leave the hospital, if I am ever going back to the hospital. I was even told one time that I am a very good doctor, to leave the practice will be a total waste. I just take it all in stride. Sometimes, I take the time to explain why I made the decision, other times, I just simply ignore the comments. I have never regretted this decision. To be able to spend a lot of time with baby J, watching her grow and start exploring the world is totally worth it. It is also a very nice perk that she is a very sweet, expressive child. She would just suddenly come up to me and give me a hug, or squeeze my face to express herself. She makes this world a very happy place just by being in it.
Giving up my career for my baby is just a small thing when I compare what other moms have to give up for their babies. And if I had to do everything all over again, I would still choose to do this. We owe it to our children to be the best parents we can be for them. After all, it was our choice to become parents. Our babies never had a say in the matter.
Now I ask you: "What are you willing to give up for your baby?"
I went on to follow my dreams and worked hard to obtain the goals I have set for myself. I finished medical school, became the head of the Interns' union, got into the residency program of the biggest government hospital in the country, where I also became the chief resident, and then proceeded to train overseas for two sub-specialty programs of my chosen discipline. I had everything going for me. Until I decided that it was time to start a family.
When the boyfriend (now the hubby) and I decided to get married and start our own family, my career in the hospital had to take a backseat. Nobody forced me to do it. It was a voluntary decision on my part because I felt that I have already devoted my younger years into becoming a good doctor. It is now my responsibility to devote myself into becoming a good mother and wife. No, I did not quit my job to become a homemaker. Instead, I left the hospital to work in a 9 to 5 job so that I was as healthy as I possibly could during the entire pregnancy for my baby's sake. The hospital will still be there when I am ready to go back, but I cannot tell my baby to stop growing up until I am ready to see her grow.
Coming back to work was even harder after baby J came out. But, I also had to think about her future. So, back to work I went. I still went back to my office job, giving lectures and training across SEA.
Oftentimes, I get asked by fellow clinicians why I decided to leave the hospital, if I am ever going back to the hospital. I was even told one time that I am a very good doctor, to leave the practice will be a total waste. I just take it all in stride. Sometimes, I take the time to explain why I made the decision, other times, I just simply ignore the comments. I have never regretted this decision. To be able to spend a lot of time with baby J, watching her grow and start exploring the world is totally worth it. It is also a very nice perk that she is a very sweet, expressive child. She would just suddenly come up to me and give me a hug, or squeeze my face to express herself. She makes this world a very happy place just by being in it.
Giving up my career for my baby is just a small thing when I compare what other moms have to give up for their babies. And if I had to do everything all over again, I would still choose to do this. We owe it to our children to be the best parents we can be for them. After all, it was our choice to become parents. Our babies never had a say in the matter.
Now I ask you: "What are you willing to give up for your baby?"
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