Balancing career and family often sounds ideal but is challenging to achieve. Like many parents, I’ve found myself caught up in professional commitments, leaving little room for meaningful connections with my son.
Recently, my wife, an ophthalmologist, pointed out how our teenage son, Saket, misses my company. She shared a photo where he was staring at me while I was engrossed in my smartphone. This made me reflect on how quickly time has passed without realizing how much my son has grown.
Years ago, while pursuing our medical degrees, my wife and I left Saket with his grandparents. It was hard to be away, especially when he needed us most. After completing our studies, we returned home, but soon my career took me to Kolkata for further training. I brought my family along, but professional demands left me little time to watch my son grow.
Now, my work schedule is divided between a hospital in Jalandhar and a clinic in Pathankot, leaving Sundays consumed by plans to open my own hospital. It was only after my wife’s observation that I decided to make a change. I began waking up early to spend time with my son, taking him on morning walks where we shared stories and built a deeper bond.
To strengthen our relationship, I also set boundaries with technology, limiting screen time to focus on real connections. We started playing badminton in the evenings, shedding not only extra weight but also breaking down the barriers that often exist between fathers and sons in traditional households.
This renewed bond brought joy to my wife and made me realize the importance of being present. While our careers and desires may never truly end, the time with our children is fleeting. Now, I’m committed to cherishing these moments before the inevitable shift, when I’ll be the one longing for time with my busy, grown-up son.
