A social media post by Dr Priya Porwal has drawn attention for highlighting how job losses and motherhood can reshape a career trajectory rather than bring it to a halt.
In a post shared on Instagram, Porwal outlined how her first layoff coincided with a significant personal milestone, stating that she had just become a mother at the age of 35 after working for five years as an assistant professor at an engineering college. She stated that it took several months to recover from the setback, describing it as a period of personal and professional uncertainty.
Following this, she stepped away from her career to focus on raising her child and later attempted to return to the workforce. She stated that the process proved challenging, as she worked across multiple institutions as a visiting faculty member before securing another academic role that did not align with her expectations, leading to another setback.
Despite holding qualifications including an M.Tech, MBA and a doctorate, Porwal stated that stable opportunities remained limited. She added that the situation became more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disruptions across sectors further complicated her efforts to restart her career.
She subsequently chose to move away from traditional employment and began exploring independent work, eventually building a career in digital and affiliate marketing. Over time, this transition enabled her to establish a steady income and greater control over her professional schedule.
Porwal stated that her experience reflects a broader message for women navigating similar challenges, emphasising that motherhood does not mark the end of a career and that setbacks can lead to new opportunities.
The post has prompted responses from users who related to her journey, particularly the difficulty of rebuilding confidence and identity after repeated setbacks, with several highlighting the resilience required to restart a career while managing personal responsibilities.
First Published on April 4, 2026, 21:01:02 IST
