Freedom to choose

It took a long time, and plenty of backup and words of encouragement but Ruwi was finally satisfied. She cut off the line and stepped back into the Editorial. She was now confronted by her mates.

"What kept you?," Sachi questioned with a concerned look as he noted a change in Ruwi's mood.

"That is one of my school friends. She used to work at this renowned electronic media company. We really envied her for her nice work environment.

Unfortunately, since it's all competition in getting to deliver the news on time, the office-hours were hectic. Once she married and had a kid, the job took a toll on her. She couldn't cope and made the decision of quitting.

But now she is frustrated. Her husband goes off to work and her kid is at school. She doesn't know what to do with herself. She told me she really regrets her decision," Ruwi explained.

Shaz who was frowning concentration and listening, butted in, "I don't see why she should regret her decision. She might be glad of spending more time on her child and be glad of bringing up a better citizen to the world."

"True. But some people manage to hang on to their work as well as look into their children's matters. Leaving work and dedicating time to raise children do not necessarily mean that you would be able to bring up a better child to this world. You can take maternity leave and be there for your child in the first six months but still manage to be there with them at their moment of need," Ruwi said.

Sachi added his opinion: "A friend of my mother left her job for the same reason. Now that her daughter is grown up, she wishes that she had balanced her personal and professional life better."

Checking the Features email Ruwi went on, "I don't think you should let emotions cloud your decisions. You should think before you leap."

"I agree that one should not take sudden decisions but who knows if all turns out for the best? May be she would come across better opportunities in the future. I don't think you should regret your decisions. You make a choice for a reason - even if it's hasty," Shaz noted.

"Disappointment and regret emerge because they tend to compare their plight with their colleagues. Less qualified and less experienced staffers have got comfortable positions and perks, so they feel they would have been in their place if they had hung on to the profession. Those still in the staff have raised intelligent and educated children too," Sachi expressed, checking for the Crossword Winner's picture. Ruwi lost no time in putting it in the 'Crossword Folder' for him. After all, teamwork is what puts a newspaper together!

"I don't think its fair to compare yourself with others. You are a different individual after all. You have your pluses and weaknesses - nobody's perfect! Personally, I have higher goals in life and means of achieving them. The day that another journalist writes about me will mean I made it", Shaz said.

"You could be right but isn't it better to be more patient?" Ruwi pondered.

"Decision-making is a serious issue. Sometimes it can be quick, other times it can be longer. In most cases, you cannot take back your words," Sachi enlightened as he gave way for a news sub who was making a run for the production to make sure that the copies were delivered on time.

"Or people can laugh behind your back. However, what you believe to be good can have negative implications depending on the reasons", added Ruwi, musing that her friend could have packed her bags for a better place.

Almost everyone knew and respected her previous company more than her second choice.

"It all comes down to destiny and wise decision making. Whatever choice you make, you have to be clever enough to make the best of things. It has its pros and cons.

"Life is all about choices we make and how the direction of our lives comes down to the choices we make," Shaz quoted from Catherine Pulsifer before noting that she had work to do.

She added "We have to look for the good we do in life and make the most of the bad decisions we make. After all, everything happens for the best and happens for a reason!"

Bidding good bye to her mates, she stuffed her books in her bag, and skidded out of the office to make it in time to her new destination.

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