India, Oct. 24 -- There is a mid-life career habit that has followed me home.

I nod half a second after every sentence begins. The nod says: "I know. I've been there. I know exactly where you're going with this."

My daughters say they find it infuriating. I have so far argued that age and experience have granted me discernment. I do know what they're going to say next!

I am ready to acknowledge that this simply isn't true.

This was borne home to me, when my elder daughter and I were discussing her career options recently. She is studying what I studied. I like to think I've kept abreast of developments in this field. I read about it constantly. So, when she described a direction she was drawn to, I responded with the nod. And proceede...