Hello. I am a 35 year old widow. I have completed B.E and worked in TCS for 2 yrs. After marriage I had a ten long yrs of career break. Due to unexpected demise of my husband, I am strangled with my 6 yr old daughter. I don't know how to look for a job. I am not interested in software jobs. Please guide me. How to proceed. I want to live a respectable life.

Ans: Hi!!

It is very sad that you lost your life partner at such a young age. I know it is going to be tough for sometime. What I do know is that, because you are an Engineer, you have work experience with TCS, it is not going to be as tough as it seems and it will take sometime but you will be earning and living a respectable life!! Take informed decisions and start taking one step at a time towards your goal of a respectable life.

I am a little troubled that you said, "I am strangled with a 6 yr old daughter". You gave birth to her, she is your responsibility, she is totally dependent on you. You do have your daughter as your mate on this journey of life. Children are always a blessing, don't believe anyone who says otherwise. Cherish her and love her. Let the bond between the mother and daughter grow to be beautiful one. After the death of a spouse, people around have this tendency to say things that has an effect on you, just trust yourself, you are 35 yrs old, believe in yourself. You are mother and motherhood gives you a lot of strength, tap into it and move ahead in life for the sake of the little one.

Now to look into building your career, earning money and living a respectable life, here are some options to look into..

1. check with TCS if you can go back, lots of these big companies love it if their previous employees come back to work with them. Look around for a senior, a friend who can suggest the courses you can do now, to get back into the job market
2. you said you don't want to get into software, how about HR or teaching?
3. take a hard look at all your strengths and weaknesses, what you would like to do, get skilled in that area and start looking for the jobs in that area
4. create a goal card, let this always be in front of you. Have goals for every area of your life

Take care of your mental, emotional and physical health!! Look for people you uplift you and give you strength. Stay away from negative people.

Loads of prayers and blessings to both you and your daughter!!