Working women in Patna on their way back home. Pictures by Ashok Sinha

Patna, March 7: Ambitious and emotional, the woman of the 21st century is a go-getter with a selfless commitment towards her family.

She is focussed to achieve success in her career but ready to sacrifice it all for the happiness of her family.

The state capital is home to many such women, who, though ambitious, have made compromises for their loved ones with a smile.

Rashi Sharan was a successful media professional in Delhi. The promise of a lucrative career in the electronic media was staring at her face, waiting to be grabbed.

“I had already gained an experience of two years in the industry and had a tempting job offer with a fat pay package from Mumbai. Nothing could stop me from doing well in the profession,” Rashi said.

What stopped her? “My parents were alone back home and needed care. My fiancée was also not very appreciative of my hectic schedule. So I had to quit and return to Patna,” she said.

Rashi was not forced to return to Patna but emotions did manoeuvre her directions. Today, she works in Patna with limited choices and scope.

Shikha Jha, an MBA, is another example of a woman who had to compromise on the crucial decisions of her life. The regret of an interrupted career is in her eyes even though she chose it voluntarily.

“I passed my MBA in first division. I was getting good job offers too. But my father was not keeping well and my brother had to look after his own career. I had to take a decision and take a job in Patna that paid much less and had negligible growth opportunity. I do not regret my decision to look after my parents but I also know that my career could have been a lot better,” said Shikha.

There is a tendency to think women are more emotional than practical in their decisions. However, the same practicality that dominates their professional actions takes a backseat when family steps in.

Priyanka was doing well in the marketing department of a leading insurance company. A healthy bank account and fat incentives were ensured. Promotion was in line too. Then came up the issue of her marriage.

“I knew post marriage my in-laws would not have appreciated my career in marketing as it involved long working hours and fieldwork. So I voluntarily moved to an organisation where I could do desk work, though at a lower package. However, this decision was necessary if I wanted to balance my career and family,” she said.

Ambitious yet family oriented. Competitive yet compromising — that is what makes the woman of today. And she indeed deserves applause for her qualities.