Balancing Career and Marriage: How Should I Handle Family Expectations and Work Breaks?

Respected Seniors,

I have been working with my company for the past 2 and a half years. The manager and I have been working together for the past few years. I am an ambitious girl and aspire to build my career in HR. However, my parents-in-law are not in favor of me working. My partner assures me that we will be able to convince them a few months after our marriage. According to my company policy, we are entitled to 30 annual leaves. I am determined not to let my marriage interfere with my career aspirations, and I also look forward to marrying my partner. I am very content with my current office and wish to continue working here for a long time.

Am I entitled to take a 6-month break from my company? After that period, we plan to convince my parents-in-law. I aim to persuade them within 3 to 4 months.

Should I discuss this with my immediate manager or the HR Head?

Seniors, please advise me as I am facing a major dilemma. Both my career and my relationship are crucial to me.

I am in a difficult situation and seek your guidance.

Sana

I think that I could not have asked this question in this community because this community is not for these kinds of problems. But still, if anyone would like to suggest me on this topic, kindly revert back.

Sorry, seniors, if I have made a mistake.

Sana

Hi Sana,

How are you doing? Sana, don't take others' decisions in this issue! Aap ka dil ki awwaz suno! Analyze karo, decision lelo... H.R hai tu.... Mind these two things in life: stay away from Expectations and Attractions!

Kind Regards,
Pawan

Dear Sana,

You have more than one option to consider:

1) You can discuss with your in-laws in the presence of your partner and try to convince them before marriage.
2) Take a 30-day leave after marriage and try convincing them. If this doesn't work, then
3) Take a break for 6 months, convince them with the help of your partner, and join the company.
4) Otherwise, keep an open option for any other company to resume the job.

Whatever path you choose, talk openly with your partner and come to a decision together. You both are the right people to make the decision on the approach.

All the best for your job and love.

Regards,
S. Aravind.

Hi Arvind and Badlooser,

I'm not too much of an HR person and rarely venture out to give opinions in this forum. Somehow, couldn't stop myself this time. There is no denying the fact that yes, this is Sana's personal problem and that she would be the best judge as far as her personal life is concerned. Perhaps what she is truly trying to find in this forum is what her options are, should she decide to take a break for the above-mentioned span of time. She probably wants to understand how seriously this break would damage her options of resuming work in the same organization. Perhaps the seniors might want to help here.

In my opinion, the best way would be to speak to your HR and discuss your position. And if, post 6 months or whatever duration you plan to resume, there is a vacancy, then depending on your past performance and also company policies (as some organizations don't allow spouses in the same organization), they might be willing to recruit you back into the system. Seniors, please advise and do correct me if I am wrong.

Good luck, Sana, all the best.

Regards,
Aashima.P

Sana, it's your personal problem if you are involved with your manager, implying you might marry your manager, and then face problems. This is a personal matter, my friend. Please refrain from posting such personal issues here. It is a matter between you and your manager. If HR discovers this, both of you may lose your jobs. If your company does not allow spouses to work together, consult your friends regarding issues with your in-laws. As my friend, BAD LOSER, mentioned, we are not marriage counselors. :icon1: