11 Jan 2026
The beginning of October 2025 was like any other month.
Same stand-ups, same tasks, same routine. I was working as usual, picking up tasks, staying available, and planning things ahead like always. Everything felt normal until one day it wasn’t.
That day, I came to know that my mother had a serious medical situation.
It was one of those moments where you immediately understand that this is not something you can ignore or delay. Hospital visits became frequent, decisions had to be made quickly, and it was clear that this phase would need immediate attention and long-term support. Life suddenly shifted gears.
At the same time, work was moving fast. As a team, we had major releases lined up, with real responsibilities and ownership expected from each of us. Initially, I had already picked up multiple tasks and was highly available, trying to keep everything running smoothly.
What I did not expect was the kind of support that followed.
Instead of adding pressure, my team showed understanding. Rather than stressing over deadlines, they encouraged me to take leave when needed and work from home with complete peace of mind. There was no guilt, no unnecessary follow-ups, and no feeling that I had to somehow manage everything on my own.
That support changed everything.
Because I was not constantly anxious about work, I could be fully present where my presence mattered the most. And with my mind free from constant pressure, I was still able to complete my work on time, without delays or last-minute rush.
No panic. No constant tension. Just trust.
Sometimes, balance is not about managing time. It is about being trusted with it.
I want to give a special mention to my manager Chandru, who supported me both personally and professionally during this phase. From genuinely checking in to helping manage work expectations, his support played a big role in keeping things stable when life felt uncertain.
I also want to thank my tech lead for stepping in whenever I needed work-related guidance and support. Knowing that things were covered on the technical side made it much easier to focus on my personal responsibilities without carrying extra worry.
This phase taught me something important.
Work-life balance is not about perfectly splitting hours between work and life. It is about having the freedom to prioritize life when it truly demands your attention without fear of professional consequences.
This was the first time I genuinely experienced work-life balance not as a concept, but as a lived reality. A culture where people are trusted. Where employees are treated as humans first. Where support is shown through actions, not just words.
I am deeply grateful to my organization CIEC for creating such an environment. This experience will stay with me for a long time and has shaped how I look at teamwork, leadership, and responsibility going forward.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I am to be part of a workplace where empathy and accountability coexist. Not every company gets this right. Mine did. And that made all the difference when life needed me elsewhere.
Sometimes, the biggest privilege at work is simply being understood.
If you are reading this from the other side of the screen, I hope you experience a workplace that supports you not only during achievements, but also during difficult phases. And if you are already part of such a team, I hope you recognize how valuable that really is.
Maybe over time, more companies will understand that great work culture is not built only on productivity, but on empathy and trust too. Let us hope for that together.
That is all for this blab-corner.
See you in the next one.