The ‘career woman’ avatars of Indian Women is a welcome phenomenon of the recent past, the last 20 years being witness to a greater economic participation of the country’s women as a result. However the career drivers of men and women worldwide are diametrically different, more so in India in a context of existence of stricter gender roles. While linearly progressing careers that bring greater financial security is a definite possibility for Indian men, for women the traditional gender roles of caregivers and nurturers very often influence their career aspirations and the consequent career paths they take. In a global study conducted by LinkedIn in 2013, 63% women defined professional success as having the right balance between work and personal life (Moyes, 2013).

For the purpose of this study, the significance that careers hold for women professionals were assessed comprehensively on the following five measures, namely: 1. Creation of self-identity 2. Achievement of intellectual satisfaction 3. Attainment of financial security 4. Satisfying social pressure and 5. Empowerment secured via careers. The impact that a woman’s career has on her family’s wellbeing, on her confidence levels and on the societal respect she receives were also examined. The study examined the social and economic impacts of a career, on a highly diverse sample of Indian Women Professionals (IWPs) aged between 20 and 50, engaged in functional areas as different as Human Resources to marketing.

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