2021 Women’s Day: Balancing Work, Social and Family Life – Edith Njit shares Experience

Edith Njit epouse Ngarka is a Medical Doctor and currently a trainee in Psychiatry, one of the women successfully managing her job alongside the responsibilities of motherhood and maintaining a social life.

The mother of three explains that having a work-life balance has always been a goal to her.

“The responsibility I have at work as a Medical Doctor and the role I have to play as a wife and a mother to my kids all make me feel overwhelmed sometimes but with time and experience, there are certain attitudes that I have adopted which keep me going,” she explains.

Firstly, Edith has learnt how to seek for help. “I am no superwoman and I just can’t handle all I have to handle and remain sane. I therefore delegate tasks and only do the things that absolutely require only me doing them. This helps me concentrate on other things,” she explains.

Another technique of hers is to do her chores in bulk. That is to say, bulk cooking and cleaning ahead of the next couple of weeks.

“Thirdly, I try not to be hard on myself and just relax when I can even if some things go wrong…I carry no guilt because I know I am trying my best. Taking out time for myself and giving myself special treats like going on vacations helps me recharge so that I can take care of my family and do the other things I have to do efficiently,” the young lady insists.

In addition to these, the Medical Doctor has some accolades for her husband whom she says has been supportive since they got married in 2014. “This has been a plus to me,” she states with a broad smile.

Ma Njits, as she is affectionately called by her mentees, says getting to ensure this balance was not easy.

“I couldn’t afford to hire helpers for the different errands in my home. I had to do many things myself and it was quite draining. Later on, however, things seemed to fall in place,” she explains.

Edith Njit Advises her Peers

To young women who have children and are pursuing a career, Edith Njit Ngarka insists, “Don’t give up on any of your dreams. You should get help in whatever way you can, be it from family or friends. Let them know what you are going through and how they could help.”

“You can always eat your cake and have it,” she says with a giggle.

Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi