We had lunch with a young couple from China. They are a burgeoning family of four. They face the challenge of the first generation of an immigrant family: finding jobs while raising two young children. To find a professional job, they might need to learn new skills, like going back to school if needed.
The young couple brought me back to the time when we were around their age and our children were small. Life was also full of challenges but we were young, surrounded with the precious children, and felt immensely hopeful and fulfilled.
I told the young couple that right now their main asset is TIME. Make full use of their time to acquire solid skills with needed certifications, build network wherever they can, open to all possibilities and opportunities, even unconventional ones like freelance and entrepreneurship.
While providing a loving and nourishing environment for their children, they need to maintain their physical and mental health amidst all the life stress. This is something we tend to neglect.
In navigating the complexities of job hunting and family life, it's essential for this burgeoning family to cherish every moment spent with their children. Don't forget to read with them, sing and dance with them.
Time passes very fast, and amidst the hustle and bustle of daily challenges, it's easy to overlook the joy and wonder that children bring to our lives. By embracing each precious moment together, we not only create lasting memories for us all but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and fulfillment that sustains us through life's challenges.