408. A Career-Life Balance of Her Own Design
Abhrekha Jain
She was well into a career in software engineering for a multinational company when her first child was born. Most women in India would have given up their careers, but Abhrekha valued both her motherhood and her job. Her decision would have far-reaching consequences.
Born in Rajasthan, India, Abhrekah Jain has been a software engineer for over a decade at one of the top multinational corporations in India. Abhrekah made the decision to be both an engineer and the mother of two young boys, while must women in her culture will stop working to raise their children. She was determined to find a work-life balance that was good for herself and her sons. Now she speaks with other women to help them find a work-life balance that is right for them.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
“I was born in Rajasthan, India to two wonderful parents. My mother was a teacher and my father was a colonel in the Indian army. Since childhood, even being a girl child in a traditional society, they gave me every possible opportunity to explore and let me choose whatever I wanted to be in life. They exposed me to sports like swimming, skating, horseback riding, basketball and to other extra-curricular activities such as classical music and painting.”
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
Five years into a career track in software engineering for a top multinational corporation, Abhrekha had her first child. Rather than drop her career, as most women in her culture would do, she chose to stay on the job but accept a less demanding position. She was determined to find a way to value her motherhood, give her child a good upbringing, and find a work-life balance. Now, she often speaks with other mothers, both inside and outside of her company, encouraging them to find a similar balance that will allow them to continue in their careers while also valuing their parenthood.
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“My success mantra is, ‘Never say No.’ I believe in taking life as it comes because life is all about learning. We stand to lose nothing by trying.”
Steps to Success from Abhrekha Jain
On Her Bookshelf
Gandhi: An Autobiography – The Story of My Experiments With Truth, by Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi, with Mahadev H. Desai, Translator.
Top Tools on Her Browser
YouTube.com: Abhrekha often recommends tutorials and how-to videos to help women explore a hobby, develop a skill or further their education.
Connecting With Abhrekha Jain
Email: abhrekha.jain@gmail.com
Twitter: @Abhrekha_J_S
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abhrekha
