A Case study
Being an Army officer's wife is a life filled with pride, but also layered with countless challenges, especially when it comes to balancing personal ambitions with constant relocations and family responsibilities. My story is not just about enduring these challenges but transforming them into stepping stones toward a fulfilling career in education and leadership.
I always envisioned a life in academia. A meritorious student with a postgraduate degree in Psychology, I had once dreamt of pursuing a Ph.D. soon after completing my studies. However, life had other plans. In the late 1970s, I married an Indian Army officer and was soon introduced to a world that demanded adaptability, resilience, and selflessness.
Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle
Marrying into the Army meant embracing a nomadic lifestyle, one where packing and unpacking became routine, and just as I began to feel at home, it was time to move again. Remote postings and frequent transfers were part and parcel of Army life. My identity shifted from an ambitious young psychologist to a pillar of support for my family. I wore many hats—mother, homemaker, counsellor, and community volunteer.
Career opportunities in such locations were scarce. Yet, I chose not to let my aspirations fade. I immersed myself in creative pursuits like painting, stitching, and craftwork. I also began teaching beauty therapy, craft & stitching through the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). These activities not only helped me stay connected to my passions but also contributed meaningfully to the community of Army families around me.
Passion that Withstood the Test of Time
Despite the constraints, my love for psychology never waned. I found ways to stay intellectually active. I wrote insightful personality columns for the Deccan Chronicle in Vizag and contributed to local Hindi newspapers during our northern postings. I began teaching psychology to undergraduate students in smaller towns like Jhansi and Bareilly, wherever I could find an opportunity.
As we later settled in Pune for a few years, my opportunities widened. I worked at a de-addiction centre, offered counselling services, and even started a child guidance clinic, teaching defence officers and postgraduate students. Every small step was a big leap toward the dream I had once put on hold.
The Defining Moment
My perseverance bore fruit in 2003 when I finally earned my Ph.D. in Psychology from Pune University. What made the moment even more special was that I completed my doctorate alongside my daughter’s graduation and my son’s MBA—all from the same university. It was a symbolic and deeply emotional achievement for me, one that reaffirmed my belief in lifelong learning and the power of persistence.
This milestone was not just academic; it was a testament to my passion, dedication, and sincerity. It showed that despite years of relocation, career breaks, and family responsibilities, dreams could still be revived—and realized.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Our final posting brought us to Mumbai. With the family settled and children now grown, I decided to take a bold step at the age of 48 toward fulfilling another long-held aspiration: becoming a full-time professor. Starting afresh in a big city wasn’t easy, but I was ready. I joined a reputed management institute.
Within four years, I not only established myself as a faculty member at a reputed Management Institute but was appointed Director. The responsibility was immense, but so was the satisfaction. From managing student affairs and leading academic initiatives to counselling youth on career choices, I found my calling. I was no longer just someone who taught from books—I was mentoring, inspiring, and guiding the next generation.
My ambition to contribute meaningfully to the world of research and higher education led me to pursue the role of a PhD guide. I realized this goal through my association with Pacific University, where I have had the privilege of mentoring doctoral scholars. Under my guidance, several students have successfully completed their PhD degrees, marking a significant milestone not only in their academic journeys but also in my own career as a researcher and mentor.
Lessons from an Unconventional Journey
Throughout this experience several traits allowed me to remain focused and progressive. Passion kept me in tune with my true purpose. Commitment ensured I put forth my utmost effort in every role I took on, whether at home or in my profession. Furthermore, authenticity helped me gain the trust and admiration of my colleagues, students and members of the community.
What I have learned that each stage in life- regardless of how constraining it may appear – presents a chance for development. I could have decided to be inactive during our remote assignments, but that was not my choice. Rather, I opted to grow, adjust and prepare for the possibilities that were on the horizon. I chose to evolve, adapt, and prepare for the opportunities that lay ahead.
Balancing home and ambition are never easy. Raising children largely alone due to my husband’s frequent postings meant managing their education, emotional well-being, and development with minimal support. Yet, I see that phase as one of my biggest strengths today. It made me a better decision-maker, a more compassionate human being, and a stronger professional.
Reinventing Through Every Move
As a psychologist, I began contributing to various public and professional sectors. I served on interview panels for Public Sector Undertakings and Nationalised Banks, helping select future leaders with both competence and emotional intelligence. I also conducted corporate workshops and training sessions on workplace mental health, interpersonal skills, and stress management—topics that have become increasingly vital in today’s high-pressure work environments.
My voice reached even wider audiences through television programs focused on psychological wellness and career counselling. These engagements allowed me to address the mental health concerns of the broader public and offer guidance to individuals navigating both personal and professional crossroads.
Every opportunity—whether in a classroom, boardroom, or studio—became a chance to reaffirm a lifelong belief: that growth is always possible, regardless of age, place, or pace. And for that, I remain deeply grateful.
Moreover, my counselling background helped me understand students and colleagues better. I could sense when someone needed more than academic guidance—and offer support accordingly. These experiences have made my leadership style more empathetic, inclusive, and human-centred.
A Message to Women Everywhere
If my journey has taught me anything, it is that life’s interruptions are not roadblocks—they are redirections. Yes, the road was long. It was often winding and unpredictable. But each twist and turn taught me resilience, strengthened my resolve, and enriched my life.
To every woman reading this—especially those who feel constrained by circumstances—know this: your dreams are valid, and it’s never too late to pursue them. Whether you’re navigating relocations, raising a family, or returning to work after a hiatus, your story can still have the chapters you dreamt of writing.
The key lies in staying passionate, being sincere in your efforts, and never giving up on your ambitions. Even if you have to pause your journey, you can always restart it stronger.
Conclusion
From an aspiring psychologist who once paused her dreams for her family, to a professor and Director at a leading management institution in Mumbai, my life has come full circle. I am grateful for the experiences the Army life brought me—the discipline, the challenges, the community, and the strength.
Every transfer, every posting, every obstacle shaped who I am today. And as I stand here, reflecting on my journey, I am proud—not just of the titles I’ve earned, but of the woman I’ve become along the way.
At 68, I continue to work a full nine-hour day at my college, driven by the same passion and commitment that have defined my career. My interaction with young faculty and students keeps me in touch with emerging technologies and evolving pedagogical approaches. I remain eager to learn and adapt to the latest methods to ensure smooth and effective academic functioning. Staying mentally engaged at this stage of life is not only vital for professional relevance but also essential for maintaining cognitive and physical well-being.
My story is not extraordinary. It’s a story shared by countless women who silently balance their homes and hope. I just chose to write mine—with courage, commitment, and conviction.
About the Author
Dr. Seema Tatwawadi is the Principal of Russell Square International College. She is also a psychologist and a lifestyle management consultant, bringing together her expertise in education, mental health, and holistic well-being to guide and support students and professionals alike.