Life’s Strains, Pursuit of Purpose and Varicose

My mom is a teacher. She handles more than 120 students per class, teaching 4-5 classes a day, each lasting 45 minutes. She avoids using a speaker-microphone and never sits during classes, even standing for 2 hours during chemistry practical sessions. When she comes home, she spends 2-3 hours standing to cook, which takes a toll on her body.

For the past 25+ years, she’s been teaching at the same school, walking the same route every day, teaching nearly the same chemistry theories annually. When I ask if she gets bored, she says every student is different, making each day unique. On the flip side, I, her son, struggle with stability, unsure if I’m chasing life or living it.

There’s ongoing tension between my parents and me regarding my life choices. They wish for stability if not outright success, which I haven’t achieved.

My mom works tirelessly, believing a teacher is always a teacher. I’ve witnessed her not only educating students but also acting as a mediator, helping resolve conflicts between kids and parents. Despite my love for her, I’m not one to blindly accept everything. I don’t label her the best teacher or cook, but I’ve struggled to balance criticism and understanding, leading me to dislike both people and the jobs I’ve had.

In our field, staying at a company for 2 years earns criticism, and many feel stagnant after just 1 year in the same role. While I agree, most of us change jobs for better pay, sometimes correlating to better work. However, perpetually doing this risks losing the essence of life—bringing value and meaning to the table.

I deeply admire individuals who prioritize their path, striving for a meaningful life over chasing elusive wealth or conventional success. Frankly, this pursuit is challenging. Take a moment to observe those around you: are they content with their lives? If so, why heed others’ opinions? If not, why not seek purpose and fulfilment?