While I'm glad that my efforts have been recognised and that I've been given this opportunity to expand my portfolio and take on more responsibilities, I'm mindful of the fact that I am now a mother to 3 growing children and hence am faced with an uphill task of juggling work and home duties. I believe all working mothers encounter the same dilemma of walking on a tight rope, trying to keep focused and delicately balancing between family and career.
When I first took on a managerial role back in 2001, I had no kids. It was easy to concentrate on getting things done because I didn't have to worry about rushing home to check on unfinished homework, breaking up kiddy squabbles or making sure there's breakfast for the kids etc. One of the key reasons why I left my previous workplace was that I was spending too much time in the office and not enough precious moments with my girls. (Wen was about 6 months old when I made the conscious decision to leave the job). I deliberately opted for a slower-pace and practically gave up my career to start from scratch as a lecturer without management responsibilities. And for 4 years, I enjoyed engaging with the youths and concentrated on teaching, imparting knowledge and experience to my students.
From tomorrow onwards, I'll be taking on the additional responsibility of managing a few colleagues and other administrative work. Granted, all this won't be new to me as I previously had about 30 full-time and 10 part-time lecturers under my charge. But it's been 4 years since I last helmed a team of professionals and I was getting used to the "freedom" of not managing people.
Things will definitely change. And I hope I'll be able to live up to expectations.
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