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Stuck in the US: Should I Quit My Engineering Job to Return to My Ailing Mother in India?

Shekhar Kumar | Answer |Ask -Follow

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Dec 01, 2024

Shekhar Kumar is senior manager, talent acquisition, at the Shri Venkateshwara University in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh. He has 18 years of expertise in the search and placement of executive leadership talent across various industries.
He has also mentored middle and senior management professionals for leadership positions and guided them in career development.
Shekhar has a bachelor's degree in business management from Magadh University, Bihar, and a master's degree in human resource management from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 09, 2024Hindi

Hi, Shekhar I have thirty years of expertise as an engineering sales specialist, and I'm in perfect shape. I was sent to the US headquarters of a US-based company after working in India and the Middle East. I've worked for this company for twenty years. Although my work at the head office is very minuscule in comparison to what I did in India and the Middle East, the management values my knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. It appears that I have no prospect of growing. My subordinates have received promotions, while I have been disregarded for the past two years. My old aged parents and my entire family are in India. I requested to be sent back to India since there was no challenge for an individual. My mom's health is critical and I want to return for her. However, as you know, some friends and relatives say, I shouldn't make a decision in haste with emotions. At one side, I am appreciative of the support of my management when I was in India to look after my mother, I also feel that they should be little sensitive to my situation and allow me to return to my family without losing the job. If nothing works, I will have to return anyway and start a business. I don't have a blueprint for the business right now but I am inspired by the startups in India. I also have some unique ideas and with strong reputation among the customers in India & The Middle East, I can take some risk. What is your opinion, should I resign and return to India considering my family needs me here and there is no bigger reason that that?

Ans: Your situation is complex, and it’s admirable that you’re balancing your family’s needs with your career considerations. This is a pivotal decision that affects not only your professional life but also your emotional well-being. Your mother’s health and being there for your family during such a critical time are legitimate priorities. If you feel your presence in India is more important than continuing in a job where you lack challenges or growth opportunities, it’s natural to prioritize your family. While leaving a stable job is a big decision, your family’s needs and your personal fulfillment are crucial. I believe if your mother’s health requires immediate attention, being present for her and your family will bring emotional satisfaction that outweighs professional considerations and if your company cannot accommodate your request to return to India, resigning and focusing on starting a business could be a viable path. You have the expertise, reputation, and network to make it work. However, before making the leap, begin researching and outlining your business ideas now, even while still in your current role. This preparation will provide you with clarity and confidence should you decide to resign. Remember, this is a decision to make with careful thought, not haste. Focus on what aligns with your values and priorities to ensure you find peace and purpose in your choice.

Career

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Anu Krishna |1746 Answers |Ask -Follow

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2020

Question by S - Oct 06, 2020Hindi

Hi Anu, I am 42 yrs old male. I am a Public Health Professional and work in an International NGO on health issues based in Delhi. I have ageing parents (both suffering from cardiac illness, diabetes and hypertension) which are based in Mumbai, my immediate family (wife and two kids) stays with my parents as there is no one else to take care of them. My parents especially my father is adamant that he doesn’t want to leave his house and stay with me in Delhi. As a result my immediate family is also forced to stay in Mumbai taking care of my parents. My wife is very supportive, however as this situation is like this since last 4-5 years and we are staying in two different cities, it has now taking stall at emotionally and physically on both of us (me, my wife and my two kids). I am desperately searching for job in Mumbai, however in my sector there are not very good opportunities in Mumbai. I tried my hands in two there places for job, however to my misfortune things didnt work out. I am a mid-senior level professional and have reached this position after a lot of hard work, however the stress has started affecting my performance and overall reputation in the organization. Hence there is constant stress of performance, ability to deliver, overall situation has lowered my confidence level affecting my work further. Dissatisfied with my work, my supervisor has already started sidelining me. I am desperately started thinking of leaving the job, however financial condition doesn’t allow me to do that. With COVID-19 pandemic things has worsened, as I am stuck in Delhi even in lockdown, leaving my parents and my wife struggling in Mumbai amidst the lockdown. Even now cant visit them as stressed, whether i will carry risk of infection to my parents, wife and kids, Hence staying away, it’s been 8 months that have not met them. Not sure, how to handle this. One way I thought as looking out opportunities in Mumbai, even if at junior level, However i am trying for that, but not getting suitable opportunities. Not sure, how to handle the pressures from family (Parents don't want to shift, wife is not ready to stay away and has given time till March, there constant pressure of performance). Not sure, what to do.

Ans: Dear S, surely, this pandemic has put many at inconvenience in different ways for each of us across the planet.

What we can do is make the best of what is at this point in time. It indeed is hard to be away from family at a time like this.

I know parents in some families do find it hard adjusting to a new city at their age and having your wife care for them as logical as the decision was has begun to take a toll on the family as a whole.

It is an amazing feeling to come back home to a family after a hard day’s work where they wait with love, care and support.

Either a job in Mumbai or moving your family to Delhi are the options as it is evident that family and their love is important for you to have the security and stability.

Having said this, Lockdown 5.0 begins soon, I think fearlessly take a call, visit your family.

If you think you want to isolate yourself in the fear of COVID-10, do so…but more that all of this, do sit down as a family, COMMUNICATE, talk to your parents about how this is affecting you and obviously they care and love you enough to hear your side of the story.

And finally, do what needs to be done to make sure that your parents understand and are taken care of and your wife and children are with you as a family.

Happy decision making and be happy!

Relationship