Between different Cultures

Are you a parent? Do you find it challenging to balance work and parenting? If you answered yes to these questions, know that you're not alone. I was right there a few years back. But I've made some changes that have really turned things around for me, and I can’t wait to share these tips that have helped me tackle this journey! After moving to a new city, I decided to move my kids to schools close to our home. This decision has been a game changer for me, saving precious minutes in commuting every day. Instead of wasting a ton of time stuck in traffic, it now takes us less than 5 minutes to get to school, which has lifted a big weight off our shoulders. I’m not saying everyone should switch their kids’ schools, but if long commutes are stressing you out, consider how being closer could make a difference in your daily life. Another thing that’s been a lifesaver is signing my kids up for after school programs at their school. This option provides me with ample time to pick them ...

I was on my three-month maternity leave when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the entire world, including my home country. My original plan was to enroll my daughter in daycare and return to work after my maternity leave ended. However, life has a way of changing plans. With the pandemic, many restrictions were imposed, including the closure of all schools and various social distancing policies at workplaces in my country.  It was ironic that the government shut down all schools but allowed traditional office settings where employees commuted daily, leaving parents without options.  As a mother, I hoped for a change in policies, but I dreaded the day my maternity leave would end and I would be called back to work—especially since I had no one to care for my children while I resumed my job. That day finally arrived, and with schools still closed, I was faced with the difficult decision to quit my job so I could be available for my kids. The fear of the pandemic itself was overwhe...

  Have you ever been truly lost in a new city or neighborhood for hours and unable to find your way back to your hotel or home? That was my experience when I first arrived in Guernsey. I'm guessing some of you might wonder how an adult could get lost in a city - haven't they heard of Google Maps? You're right, and your questions are valid, but let me share my side of the story before you judge.  I come from a country where it was almost second nature to approach strangers on the street for directions. All you need is a description of your destination, and often, the locals would respond with a friendly smile and clear, helpful guidance which has always worked for me. This practice is likely one of the reasons why I never felt the need to learn how to use Google Map. Even though my phone has the Google Map application, I never opened it for years, it was just another app among many - seemingly unimportant and, therefore, rarely used. With a culture that deepened helping othe...

 For the many who didn't know what day it is today, well today is International Women's Day (IWD). Yes, you've heard right - it's International Women's Day, a global day to celebrate the achievements of women and a call to the world to bridge the gender inequality gap. IWD means different things to many people and is marked in lots of different ways; some organise concerts, parties, speech day etc , others may give words of appreciation and gifts to the women in their life but I want to start this day with personal reflection and a story. About two years ago I was struggling with juggling work with motherhood because I lived a little distance away from my office and the heavy traffic I faced constantly on the road to get to work was putting a strain on my physical and mental health. I worked the typical 8am - 5pm job with no flexible working arrangements or the option to work from home. I went through about 6 - 7 hours traffic everyday to get to work and back home a...