‘I was confused what has happened here…’: Chunky Panday opens up about marrying Bhavana during career slump

“In fact, I took Bhavana for half a honeymoon to Bangladesh because I had to complete a film at that time, and I feel even Ananya was conceived in Bangladesh,” he said. Panday also revealed that he returned to Mumbai to pursue work after Bhavana reminded him that staying relevant as a Bollywood hero required him to be active in the industry. He described how he “went from office to office, looking for opportunities.”

Tying the knot during a period of uncertainty can come with its own set of challenges and rewards. So, is there a right way to go about it?

Impact on an individual’s mental health and decision-making abilities

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Marriage during a career slump can act as a double-edged sword. On one hand, you feel the support and comfort of your partner, but on the other hand, there is the internal pressure to regain stability and be able to provide for the family.”

Career slumps often cloud judgement, she adds, making it difficult to make life-altering decisions such as marriage. For some, it feels like a stabilising force, but for others, it may add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Tying the knot during a period of uncertainty can come with its own set of challenges and rewards. (Source: Freepik)

Some common pros and cons of getting married during uncertain professional times

According to Khangarot, here are some pros and cons of this decision:

Pros:

• Reinforced identity: Marriage provides a sense of identity outside of work, reducing the stigma and shame associated with professional struggles.
• Shared responsibility: Working as a team can strengthen the relationship and foster a sense of partnership.
• Emotional stability: A supportive partner can act as a grounding force, offering encouragement and perspective during tough times.

Cons:

• Financial strain: A new member in the household adds to financial responsibilities and can be daunting for someone already struggling financially.
• Compounded pressure: Marriage adds to the existing pressure of career growth and stability.

How can couples effectively support each other when one or both partners are experiencing career challenges?

Khangarot says, “Career slumps can affect self-esteem and relationships. Maintaining open dialogue and practising empathy helps to avoid judgement and criticism. Acknowledging even minor achievements can help reinforce motivation and dedication.”

Specific strategies that can help individuals balance the demands of marriage with rebuilding a struggling career

Here are some steps suggested by Khangarot:

Regular check-ins: Assessing how professional changes are impacting household dynamics and determining what needs to be adjusted can help meet the demands of both career and family life.

Time management: It can be difficult to separate work thoughts from daily life, so it’s important to set specific times for work-related tasks while also scheduling time for self-care and family activities.

Financial planning: Establishing a budget or blueprint for household expenses and understanding future financial needs can help plan for unexpected situations and reduce anxiety levels.