I am sure the title reminds you of the famous story by Charles Dickens. But it’s not what you are thinking; it is the story of my life. Well, it’s not even a story…. It is actually my life. A life of living across twin cities of Pune and Mumbai……..sounds crazy right???? Surprisingly, I am not the only one. Here is a telltale of a regular Mumbai-Pune traveler.
I wonder about it every Friday when I am on my way to Mumbai and every Monday morning when I have to get up early to take the bus back to Pune. And the same thoughts come to my mind the next Friday and Monday and then the following. I know these are not just my thoughts but the thoughts of every weekend traveler. There are so many familiar faces I see every weekend, travelling from Pune to Mumbai and vice-versa. I know some people who have been doing it for over 3 years now and are still running this mad affair. You must be wondering “why do people do it and how can they do it every weekend?”
Well, we do it not out of choice but circumstances…… “the tragedy of being employed.” It’s ironic to see that you will never get the kind of job you want and there are always options available for things you don’t want. With both the spouses working nowadays and to make matters worse “job” is not the main driving force here. It’s the type of work, future career growth, location and many such parameters that run your life. The matrix of these parameters, their variability and dependence is devastating at times. So the trick is to find a perfect job and location otherwise it’s obvious that you will be struck in the “job-location” matrix. Everyone talks about the work-life balance but I guess this job-location matrix is trickier. It’s beyond a regular human brain to imagine how exactly it feels. But feel free to ask any of the migratory us, and we will tell you how exactly it feels.
I just started this trend and I am already tired of living like this. Believe me, it’s not just tiring, it’s draining…… mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s very difficult to deal with the guilt of staying away from your loved one and live two lives. Two lives that actually make you go crazy. I literally am living out of a suitcase in two places, managing two houses, and dealing with work, responsibilities, career and personal commitments. And most of the time, I keep wondering where did I keep ‘this and that’ of things? Well, if this is called multi tasking then I am the ‘Queen of Multi-tasking’.
I know you guys will think and judge “us” that we all do it because we love our “freedom”. But think about it “is it really freedom?” Well I don’t think so. …………. I don’t think I am going through all this because I want freedom………
Yes, as it seems the easiest and logical solution would be to end this madness…………… Obviously I know that. But even that is not an easy option. I have worked so hard to get where I am. I love the urge to get up in the morning and look forward to a day full of challenges. I know we will survive this temporary phase and start living soon.
This blog is dedicated to all the Pune-Mumbai weekend travelers; I admire your courage and compassion to do all this. And a big ‘Thank you’ to all the spouses for understanding and making our lives wonderful, without your support we won’t have survived.
Cheers!!!
I wonder about it every Friday when I am on my way to Mumbai and every Monday morning when I have to get up early to take the bus back to Pune. And the same thoughts come to my mind the next Friday and Monday and then the following. I know these are not just my thoughts but the thoughts of every weekend traveler. There are so many familiar faces I see every weekend, travelling from Pune to Mumbai and vice-versa. I know some people who have been doing it for over 3 years now and are still running this mad affair. You must be wondering “why do people do it and how can they do it every weekend?”
Well, we do it not out of choice but circumstances…… “the tragedy of being employed.” It’s ironic to see that you will never get the kind of job you want and there are always options available for things you don’t want. With both the spouses working nowadays and to make matters worse “job” is not the main driving force here. It’s the type of work, future career growth, location and many such parameters that run your life. The matrix of these parameters, their variability and dependence is devastating at times. So the trick is to find a perfect job and location otherwise it’s obvious that you will be struck in the “job-location” matrix. Everyone talks about the work-life balance but I guess this job-location matrix is trickier. It’s beyond a regular human brain to imagine how exactly it feels. But feel free to ask any of the migratory us, and we will tell you how exactly it feels.
I just started this trend and I am already tired of living like this. Believe me, it’s not just tiring, it’s draining…… mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s very difficult to deal with the guilt of staying away from your loved one and live two lives. Two lives that actually make you go crazy. I literally am living out of a suitcase in two places, managing two houses, and dealing with work, responsibilities, career and personal commitments. And most of the time, I keep wondering where did I keep ‘this and that’ of things? Well, if this is called multi tasking then I am the ‘Queen of Multi-tasking’.
I know you guys will think and judge “us” that we all do it because we love our “freedom”. But think about it “is it really freedom?” Well I don’t think so. …………. I don’t think I am going through all this because I want freedom………
Yes, as it seems the easiest and logical solution would be to end this madness…………… Obviously I know that. But even that is not an easy option. I have worked so hard to get where I am. I love the urge to get up in the morning and look forward to a day full of challenges. I know we will survive this temporary phase and start living soon.
This blog is dedicated to all the Pune-Mumbai weekend travelers; I admire your courage and compassion to do all this. And a big ‘Thank you’ to all the spouses for understanding and making our lives wonderful, without your support we won’t have survived.
Cheers!!!
Hi DW,
ReplyDeleteEvery cloud has a silver lining! Things will fall in place, even if sometimes our best efforts only help us survive. I haven't done this with V but I know the feeling of being caught between two different planes. Take a deep breath and munch on a good piece of chocolate...
Lots of hugs to you,
BN