“Balance is not something you find. Balance is something you create.”
One of the biggest challenges that women continue to face is maintaining a steady work-life balance. Along with working full time, they must deal with their household responsibilities, while battling societal pressure.
Such a scenario can be quite stressful in demanding sectors such as manufacturing, wherein women have to constantly keep up with ever-evolving technologies to stay updated with their skillset.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the balance between personal and professional life has been all the more precarious. Women with professions are facing an especially tough time, as they must simultaneously deal with their familial and work-related responsibilities.
With this context in mind, hear from P. Srilatha, Associate CCS, ATS ELGi, on how young, professional women must balance the divide between personal and professional commitments, especially in tough times.
What encouraged you to choose the manufacturing industry to pursue your career aspirations?
My interest was always to keep learning! I guess that’s why, working in the manufacturing industry was a perfect opportunity for me to do so.
What ELGi values have stayed with you since you first joined?
I think, out of all the values, Integrity, Speed, Collaboration, and Cost Prudence connect with me the most.
What do you feel is most important to young working women professionals today?
If there’s one thing young working women professionals must do, it is to maintain the balance between their personal and professional lives.
This is why, I always tell young girls this – never let your personal life affect your professional life, or your professional life affect your personal life. To manage things effectively, you must be understanding and keep prioritizing.
What has been your biggest success during the Covid-19 lockdown phase?
It has got to be physical fitness! During the lockdown, I made it a point to walk 6 kms daily.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
To be more communicative.
Over the years, I’ve always strived to follow values and guidelines. This has made my life all the more meaningful.
However, there are times, when I find it difficult to express my thoughts and values to my loved ones. I’d really like to bridge that gap and be a better communicator.
Which woman or women inspire you and why?
Honestly speaking, I take my past experiences as my inspiration, as no one can live my life and have the same experiences that I did.
You see, an individual’s success depends a lot on compromises and sacrifices for one’s self and one’s family – this, according to me varies from person to person.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #ChoosetoChallenge mean for you in your work life?
From my own experiences, I believe that #ChooseToChallenge is a challenge to balance work-related commitments with household responsibilities.
What do you think is the biggest issue faced by women your age in terms of career?
While our minds are young, organizations often have a glass ceiling for women. They set an age limit, which completely disregards our skills, capabilities and efficiency.