Navigating the Big Day: A Working Mother's Tale

Dear LinkedIn community,

Today, I want to share a glimpse into a milestone that holds both professional significance and deeply personal emotions—a day that many working mothers, like myself, navigate with a mix of pride and heartfelt sentiment.

As an HR professional, consultant, and tutor, each day is a dynamic dance between corporate responsibilities and the joys of nurturing young minds. Yet, amidst this intricate routine, there's a chapter that stands out—the day my eldest, Kavin Nair, embarked on his journey into university life.

The Big Day, as we fondly call it, was not just about paperwork and university registrations. It was a culmination of dreams, sacrifices, and the bittersweet realization that my little boy was stepping into a world of his own.

You see, every parent experiences the anxiety and excitement of sending their child off to university. For a working mother, it's a unique blend of professional commitments and maternal emotions. In the days leading up to Kavin's big move, my role as an HR professional ensured meticulous planning and organization. However, behind the scenes, my heart echoed with the concerns of a mother—worries about his well-being, his roommates, and how he'd adapt to this new phase of life.

Kavin's departure marked not only his first steps into independence but also my initiation into the challenges of having a child away from home. The echoes of his childhood protests against daycare seemed like a distant memory. As a working mother, balancing career aspirations and the desire to provide the best for my children has been a constant tightrope walk.

I vividly recall those mornings when Kavin, at the tender age of five, resisted the routine of daycare. His cries, though heart-wrenching, were a testament to the delicate balance we strive to maintain as working mothers. The decision to let him embrace that phase, even when it brought tears, was a dedication to his holistic development.

Reflecting on the journey, I realize the sacrifices made silently—a declined career opportunity that required separation from my family, countless sleepless nights, and the constant struggle to be present for my children. There's an unspoken commitment that every working mother carries—a vow to prioritize her children even when it means saying no to professional heights.

As I drove Kavin to the university, I couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable young man he had become. A proud moment, indeed, but it also served as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time. My heart swelled with pride, but there was an undeniable ache, a longing for more moments to share and lessons to impart.

In sharing this personal chapter of my life, I hope to resonate with the countless working mothers who navigate similar journeys. Let's celebrate the victories, both professional and personal, and acknowledge the intricate tapestry that we weave as we wear our many hats.

Here's to every working mother embracing the challenges, cherishing the moments, and finding strength in the delicate balance of career and motherhood.

With gratitude,

Kavita Geeva