To be frank, it was not my first choice. I wanted to graduate in English; unfortunately, I ended up listening to my parents rather than my heart. System Analysis was an escape from Economics and I ended up enjoying it quite a bit.
Why a teaching job rather than an IT job after finishing your Post-Grad in System Analysis?
I did join the industry as a trainee, but the claustrophobic office environment and very long work hours put me off. In school I was surrounded by eager, young kids. It was a whirlwind of activities; no two months were the same. To put it simply, I never regretted changing tracks.
What troubled you during your stable school job?
The last few years I had been feeling restless, and felt I was stagnating. I can’t do anything just for the sake of it, I needed a reason to continue. After nearly two years of dithering I put in my papers. I was asked to take a hiatus instead and since my daughter was appearing for her boards I thought it was a good idea to stay at home for some of the time. Fortunately or unfortunately those few months were not enough. During my break I discovered a life I never had.
Did you repent after resigning from your job? How has this decision impacted you?
Not even for a minute. Rather I was happy – I felt free, rejuvenated. And two weeks into my hiatus I wrote a note on Facebook, “Musings of an idle mind” and shared it with my friends. I was overwhelmed by the response I got. One of them was a well established blogger, Desh Kapoor, who asked me to contribute my write-ups for his forum Drishtikone.com. All the appreciation from complete strangers was gratifying. Nearly five months later I started my own blog A-musing.
I did not go back to my job. I felt I had finally found my calling in the lettered world.
Article comments
1 - S.R.Ayyangar
I like Purba's writing style. Her Satires, ideas and the way she puts her thoughts in to words are excellent.
2 - Vikram Karve
Purba Ray is a versatile blogger whose writings are insightful yet peppy. A nice interview.
3 - Vidya Sury
What a wonderful read! I had the pleasure of "meeting" Purba when I curiously arrived at her blog, A-Musing, whose name is similar to mine (Going A-Musing). Very glad I did - I've been enjoying reading her blog and her writing published elsewhere ever since.
4 - Prateek
A-Musing is a peppy blog; close to me. As a person I like humour and write humour hence a respect for someone who can put smile on faces is something I give a lot. Also I admire Purba Ma'am as a person. She's one heck-of-a-blogger.