Family versus career

A lot has happen lately. Time moves so fast. Time for another child to go out to the university world. We went to an education fair today. There was a big crowd. We went straight away to a booth that belongs to my eldest son university. My second son is interested in animation but there was no foundation course for animation or multimedia. To do either of these two courses, my son has to go through the diploma program first for three years before continue to first degree level for another three or four years. So I ask the officer there another similar or close course. He suggested engineering in naval architecture and shipbuilding. My son was happy. At least it has something to do with designing. And he loves art. He applied for the science and engineering foundation study and straight away got an offer letter since he's qualified for it. That's settle then. No more university hunting.

My study leave is over and I'm back to work. I can choose between working in the ministry or go back to school. If I work in the ministry, I will have my own cubicle or room and working in air conditioned room. I will be treated like an officer. But I have to travel long hours and only gets home late in the evening. Less time with my family. On the other hand if I go back to school I will have to find an unoccupied small corner in an over crowded staff room that has space for just half of us. I have to do all kinds of work from keying marks to sweeping the class if it is untidy before the students get in. But I get to go home early and cook dinner for my family. And guide my kids with their homework. To work in the ministry is very tempting but I know deep down in my heart that my family have to come first. I did solat istikharah, a special prayer to ask Allah to guide me in making the right choice. The sign that I got is to go back to school. So got back to school I did. It was only after the fifth day that my heart finally accepted the fact that this is the best choice for me.

If I'm successful at my work place, that's one person success. But if I'm successful as a mother, I'm preparing to give my country five excellent future workers. Workers that can set good examples for others either professionally or in term of Islamic practices. Workers that never fail to perform their five daily prayers no matter how busy they are. Do I really have a choice? No. I have to choose my family first. May Allah bless my choice.

May Allah bless us all.