One of the most challenging experiences I faced was in the first year after my promotion when I was just beginning to advance in my career, and at the same time, my father was diagnosed with cancer. It felt as if the sky had fallen. I had to work hard to earn money while squeezing in time to accompany my father at the hospital. Some relatives did not understand, thinking I was being unfilial, and suggested I resign to fully care for my father. At that time, I felt on the verge of collapse. Quitting work would mean that all my previous efforts were wasted and that the family would lose a source of income.
Many relatives believed that leaving work to care for my father was the only way to be filial, and they could not understand my choice. Yet my father always considered my situation, not wanting me to give up the work I was striving for, and he comforted me. My emotions were extremely complex and filled with inner turmoil.
Eventually, I communicated with my department manager and adjusted my work schedule to gain more free time to be with my father at the hospital. Miraculously, the doctors informed us that my father's condition was gradually improving, and our family of three overcame the difficult period. However, to this day, I still feel guilty — unable to spend more time with my family in daily life, and struggling with choices between work and family when problems arise. Whenever I reflect, I feel that I may not have been sufficiently filial.
