Often women have to battle with the question “is it worth it” when they have to decide on whether to choose a career over family. Although the statement sounds regressive and so not 2022, the reality is women have to deal with this question, especially if they are married.
Is it worth it to sacrifice family time?
Is it worth it to sacrifice face time with kids?
Is it worth it to sacrifice feeding kids with your own hands and meal made with your hands?
Many such typical questions.
I am not going to argue why men aren’t asked such questions.
And as far as I know, most women don’t sacrifice any of these, they try hard and make it work on both sides, perhaps the parenting style they choose might not be approved by others.
Anyways what I believe should happen is we should add more, better questions to the litany of “is it worth it” questions to ask before quitting or deciding to leave the workforce forever.
Is it worth letting go of the knowledge you gained over years without putting it to good use?
Is it worth letting go of the experience you have amassed over years without being shared?
Is it worth it to drop the baton in the middle of a relay (the baton passed from all the women whose brave steps we continue to walk)?
Is it worth letting go of the chance to be a part of changes the world is yet to see?
Is it worth it to not be of service to someone who would need your service?
Is it worth it to not enjoy the respect and dignity having a job brings in?
Is it worth it not to have the independence of not overly relying on others?
Is it worth it not to have the luxury of splurging or giving away money for causes you believe in?
Is it worth it not to have the freedom to be a part of the world outside your home?
Is it worth it not to have the opportunity to have a say in things that might change the policies in the world?
Is it worth it to leave the world without examples for the next generation of women who could be your daughter and nieces?
Is it worth it to not be a part of the solution to many problems lingering in the world?
Is it worth it to not be a part of bringing someone else a smile who isn’t part of your immediate family?
Add these to the repertoire of “is it worth it” questions when you are about to take a quit now decision. Send it to your girlfriends who are struggling to make a decision. Each decision is personal, but it is important to weigh both sides of the argument. Perhaps these additional question would provide the much needed balance.
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