Yearn for Earning:

I was born in 1970’s in a large family. And those days joint family and among more than half a dozen siblings, I’m the last. Unfortunately, my father passed away at my age of two, my mother was house-wife, and my elder brothers one after the other were the only bread earners and shouldered responsibility till the last child settled, i.e. me. As I grew up in early years, I realized my brothers and sisters love and affection, how hard the days were with extreme poverty and the need for money was crucial.

 

At my 8^th standard, struggles in the family thought me that I should start earning after education and contribute my part to the family. Slowly, that became strong year by year During 1^st year of graduation, one day I expressed my interest to go for job, (my brothers though initially were hesitant as I’m the only girl in the family to go out for work) still they guided me that I should have technical skills to get job after graduation. Simultaneously, I completed graduation and master’s degree there on and got technical certifications and was placed as stenographer in a small Pvt firm during 1990’s. My dream for yearn to earn has come to reality. My happiness knows no bounds, and till today, my nieces and nephews get inspired with my strong desire to be an earning member of those days.

 

And it did not stop at this. When my brothers started looking for an alliance for me, I had strongly expressed my desire to continue working rather than leave job and be a homemaker, I insisted the family who accepts the working woman, is where I stand for myself.

 

As years pass by, I saw clearly — my journey wasn’t just about the income. It was about independence, self-worth, dignity, and the ability to inspire others, especially the young women in my family.

 

Today, I am proud to see not only my nieces but my daughter drawing strength from my story. They see that challenges can be stepping stones, that values and self-belief can coexist, and that the courage to dream is a legacy worth passing on.

 

 Moral of the Story:

True empowerment begins when you choose to rise, even when life gives you every reason to stay down.

            If you are inspired by this, please leave your thoughts in comments.

           --Devi BS