Front Seat to Back Seat - By Priya Darne

Written By: Priya Darne

Category: ESSAY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Priya Darne presents a deeply introspective piece titled "Front Seat to Back Seat," participating in the Essay category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This thoughtful narrative examines the emotional and mental transitions that accompany significant life changes, such as moving from a career-focused life to one centered around home and personal introspection.

About the Work

In "Front Seat to Back Seat," Priya Darne eloquently explores the internal dialogue that often follows major life shifts. The essay delves into themes of identity, independence, and self-worth, raising poignant questions about the choices we make and their lingering impact. The work is rich with introspective imagery, inviting readers to reflect on their own life journeys and the silent growth that occurs in moments of pause.

FRONT SEAT TO BACK SEAT

Original Submission by Priya Darne

Front Seat to Back Seat…………

Same Woman,New World…………

They say life is full of choices.

But they don’t say how loudly those choices sit in your mind afterwards.

From being in the “front seat” of financial independence to quietly moving to the “back seat” of home life, the shift is not just physical. It is emotional, mental, and sometimes even existential.

Once upon a routine, the day began with urgency. Laptop open. Meetings lined up. Deadlines breathing down your neck like an overenthusiastic boss. Colleagues, emails, and notifications - all demanding attention at the same time. A life measured in targets, coffee breaks, and “Can you share the update?”

And then suddenly… silence.

Now, the same hands that once typed fast replies sit quietly while the house empties out in the morning. The door closes. Footsteps fade. The house doesn’t ask for reports or updates anymore.It just… stays still.

And in that stillness begins a different kind of conversation - sometimes with neighbours or your circle of friends, for whom you were always too busy in the hustle and bustle of life.Most of the time, it is a conversation with yourself.

To be more precise, it is introspection. Most popularly termed as “Me Time.”

Meanwhile during these thoughts,a new chapter of the book waits for you to turn its first page. And that first page displays a series of questions:

“Did I do the right thing?”“Maybe I should have continued…”“Or maybe I should start something again…”

Or the classic thought that arrives uninvited and overstays its welcome:

“Am I stopping everything I built?” “Am I not valuing my educational qualification?’’

Because back-seat life is not just about leaving a job. It is about leaving behind a version of yourself that once thrived on urgency, identity, and independence.

Financial independence, too, changes its tone. Earlier, salary credits felt like celebration notifications - almost like the universe saying, “Well done, you survived another month!”Now, even if independence exists in some form, the feeling changes. Spending becomes cautious. Every swipe carries a small internal disclaimer:

“Use wisely. Nothing will be credited again like before.”Funny !!How freedom sometimes teaches caution instead of comfort.

But here’s the truth nobody puts in job descriptions or resignation letters - the “back seat” is not always a downgrade. Sometimes, it is a pause. Sometimes, it is a detour. And sometimes, it is life quietly asking:“Who are you when you are not rushing?”And the answer doesn’t come immediately.

For some, the reason for stepping back could be children. For others, it is parents or in-laws. For some, it may be health issues. For some, it is simply exhaustion from running too fast for too long. And for others, it is just the need to breathe without deadlines attached to every hour.

Yet, the question remains universal:“What next?”Should I start something? Study again? Restart my career? Or has everything I learned stopped counting now?

But life has a strange habit - it doesn’t delete your skills just because you paused them. It keeps them stored quietly, like old files on a laptop desktop named “Do Not Delete.”

The front seat and back seat are not permanent addresses. They are temporary positions in a moving vehicle called life. Sometimes you drive. Sometimes you observe. Sometimes you simply rest your eyes for a while.

And maybe the real question is not: “Did I do the right thing?”

But rather: “What do I want this next version of me to look like?”

Because even in silence, growth doesn’t stop. It simply changes its voice.Life may feel like it has shifted from a “front seat” to a “back seat,” but remember - even a 24-hour clock has pauses between moments, yet time never stops moving.

So, in your pause, don’t pause yourself.Just like you drink tea/coffee as a daily habit ,Invest a little time in yourself every day - even if it is just for your art, your hobby, your thoughts, or something that makes you feel alive again. Not everything needs to be productive; some things just need to be yours.

Do not pause your creativity just because life has paused your routine.

Keep drawing, writing, learning, and creating - even in small ways. Because clarity doesn’t come from stopping; it comes from gently continuing.Learn variety of dishes ,explore the cooking field ,sing,dance etc, basically spend time with yourself.

One day, without forcing it, you will realise:You didn’t lose your direction - you were simply gathering it in silence.Eventually, the very reason for taking a back seat will begin to show its results.

You didn’t step back from life.You simply chose a different seat to witness its journey.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their talent. It celebrates diverse voices and unique perspectives, fostering creativity and expression across various genres and themes.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Priya Darne for her compelling essay, "Front Seat to Back Seat," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers profound insights into the nature of personal growth and change, encouraging readers to embrace introspection and creativity.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.