Can’t have it all!

This poem is inspired by an interview of Indra Nooyi (former CEO PepsiCo) who candidly reflects upon balancing personal and professional life.

If I told you I could do it all it would be an outrageous lie

To excel at my career and motherhood simultaneously, I would not dare try

Each day is a balancing act, trying to weigh

What is the most important goal for the day

Should I miss work or the school’s midday event

Knowing my child would be the one without a parent

Should I stay late to finish work or head for that game

Whatever I miss, I would only have myself to blame

On a business trip out of town when I go

Simultaneously a guilt trip I take, you know

I have a village on which I rely to keep things smooth

But I feel conflicted often, that is the truth

*

I have developed coping mechanisms that allow

Me to deal with the guilt somehow

I can neither give up work nor be absent

Each time my child requires a parent to be present

Sometimes I favor work, sometimes family

And remind myself to judge myself kindly

When I feel I’ve taken the wrong decision

I’m still doing the best I can in my position