This morning I complained yet once more about my current job situation to my mother. As usual, she had a no-nonsense response. Then, she added that it is unbecoming for me to complain about work. My mother suggested that I should just quietly look for something else and move on without more gripes.
Even though I don't always see eye to eye with my mother, I finally see the wisdom in her advice. As one of the most independent, well-educated and worldly person in my life, my mother has a unique outlook on life. When I was younger, much of her advice went counter to my beliefs. For example, she suggested dating lots in college, but I was insistent to be attached to one boyfriend. My mother saw the importance of career development for women in their 20s, but I had my heart set on a marriage.
The most amazing lesson I continue to learn from my mother is her relationship with my father. It is surprising to see such an independent woman do so much for her husband; it is even more rare to see my father give so much to her. It is a testiment of my mother's will that her opinion is always heard by everyone in the family. Most times the rest of the family listen because her voice is backed by reason and intellect.
So, starting today, I will downplay the troubles at work. After all, my mother had to fight racism at work during the 60s in the East Coast, so my job is not bad at all.
