For years, one question followed me everywhere: “Beta, kaam kaisa chal raha hai?” At times, it felt repetitive. Sometimes it felt like pressure. But today, looking back, I realize that question carried love, concern, hope, and belief. This article is about why parents ask that question, what happens when they stop asking, and how that realization changed the way I look at success, family, and responsibility.
As entrepreneurs, professionals, and dreamers, we spend years trying to build something meaningful. We chase goals, take risks, and work long hours. But behind every achievement is often a family quietly cheering for us.
I am Muhammad Salman Khan, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder. I have built businesses across Pakistan, the UAE, and the United States. From starting with limited resources in Dubai to leading multiple ventures today, my journey has been filled with challenges, failures, lessons, and victories.
Yet among all the milestones, one emotional truth stands out.
One day, your parents will stop asking, “Beta kaam kaisa chal raha hai?”
And when that day comes, you’ll understand why that simple question meant so much.
Why Do Parents Always Ask About Work?
Every parent asks some version of the same question.
“Beta, kaam kaisa chal raha hai?”
As a young kid entering the professional world, I heard it often, sometimes from my dad, sometimes from my mom, and sometimes from relatives who genuinely cared about my future.
At first, I thought they were simply curious. Later, I realized the question was much deeper. It was their way to ask if I was okay. It was their way to understand whether life was moving in the right direction.
Many people think parents only care about results. In reality, they care about progress. They want to see their child moving forward, learning, and becoming capable of handling life’s challenges.
What Is Really Hidden Behind That Question?
The question sounds simple.
But behind it are many emotions.
When parents ask about work, they are often asking:
- Are you financially stable?
- Are you healthy?
- Are you happy?
- Are you moving closer to your dream?
- Do you need help?
They may not directly say these things, but the question carries all those meanings.
Every conversation around work is often a reflection of their concern. They want to give guidance when possible. They want to tell you that they are still standing beside you.
This is why the question matters more than we realize.
How I Used to Feel When My Parents Asked Me
I will be honest.
There were moments when I felt pressure.
As an entrepreneur, not every day is successful. Some months are great. Some months are difficult. Some projects succeed while others fail.
Whenever someone would ask about business, I felt responsible for having a positive answer.
I wanted to say that everything was growing.
I wanted to say that every challenge was under control.
I wanted to show confidence even when uncertainty existed.
Like many people, I sometimes felt like I had to prove myself.
But over time, I understood something important.
The question was never about judging me.
It was about supporting me.
Why Every Kid Wants to Prove Himself
Every kid reaches a stage where he wants recognition.
Whether it’s a son or a daughter, there is a natural desire to make the family proud.
We want our efforts to matter.
We want people to see our hard work.
We want to show that we can handle responsibility as adults.
This desire becomes even stronger when we choose entrepreneurship.
Unlike traditional jobs, business often comes with uncertainty. People question your choice. They wonder if your idea will work. They wonder if your career path is stable.
That pressure pushes many of us to work harder.
Not because we want applause.
Because we want the people who believed in us to feel proud.
What Changed as I Started to Grow My Businesses
When I launched my first venture in Dubai, resources were limited.
I had a vision but very little certainty.
There was no ideal roadmap.
There was no guarantee that success would happen.
Yet I kept moving.
Years later, I found myself leading ventures like Tech Drop Pvt Ltd. and Creative Creations. I was building teams, creating opportunities, and helping businesses solve real problems.
As the businesses continued to grow, I noticed something interesting.
The tone of the question started changing.
Instead of concern, I could hear confidence.
Instead of worry, I could hear trust.
My parents became more aware of the work I was doing.
The conversations became less about survival and more about impact.
When Parents Begin to Ask Less
This is where things become emotional.
As time passes, life situations shift.
Parents become older.
Their priorities change.
Their energy changes.
Their perspective changes.
One day, they begin asking less frequently.
Not because they don’t care.
Not because they’re losing interest.
But because they assume you’re settled.
They believe you’re handling things well.
Sometimes they don’t want to disturb you.
Sometimes they think you’re busy.
Sometimes they simply trust you enough not to ask every detail.
And that’s when many people begin to miss the question.
The Emotional Reality Most People Ignore
There is a psychological side to this that many people overlook.
According to psychology, a person’s identity continues to develop through relationships and experiences.
For years, parents have played an active role in shaping a child’s mindset.
They encourage learning.
They guide decisions.
They help confidence emerge.
They help children develop resilience.
Eventually, that active guidance becomes quieter.
The child becomes independent.
The child starts making choices alone.
The child learns to fit into the real world.
This transition is healthy and necessary.
But it can also feel emotional.
The voice that once checked every step begins stepping back.
And suddenly, silence feels different.
What Every Parent Wants More Than Money
Most parents don’t really want luxury.
They don’t need expensive gifts.
They don’t expect perfection.
What they really want is peace of mind.
They want to know their children are safe.
They want to know their children are happy.
They want to know their children can face challenges confidently.
When a parent asks a question about work, the goal is rarely financial.
The goal is emotional reassurance.
The real answer they’re looking for is:
“I’m doing okay.”
That’s enough for most parents.
How Success Changed My Relationship With Family
As my businesses expanded, I started viewing success differently.
Success wasn’t only revenue.
Success wasn’t only about scaling companies.
Success wasn’t only about building ecosystems.
Success became the ability to create stability for the people I love.
It became the ability to give opportunities to others.
It became the ability to support communities.
It became the ability to honor the sacrifices my family made.
Today, when I mentor entrepreneurs, I often remind them that business achievements are important.
But relationships are equally important.
One day, the meetings, targets, and projects will change.
Family memories remain.
What Should We Do Before It’s Too Late?
The biggest lesson I have learned is simple.
Don’t wait.
Don’t wait until your parents stop checking on you.
Don’t wait until life becomes too busy.
Don’t wait until opportunities disappear.
Have the conversation today.
Call them.
Visit them.
Share your struggles.
Share your wins.
Let them know what you’re building.
Let them know why it matters.
If they ask, “Beta, kaam kaisa chal raha hai?” don’t treat it as an interruption.
Treat it as love.
Because one day, you may find yourself wishing you could hear that question again.
Final Thoughts
As entrepreneurs and professionals, we often focus on growth, goals, and achievements. We spend years chasing success and building our future. Yet some of life’s most meaningful moments come from simple conversations with the people who believe in us the most.
Looking back on my journey, from starting with limited resources in Dubai to building businesses across multiple countries, I realize that every milestone was made more meaningful because my family cared enough to ask about it. Their questions were never about pressure. They were about love, trust, and hope.
So if your parents still ask, “Beta kaam kaisa chal raha hai?”, appreciate it. Answer with patience. Share your journey. Make them part of your story. Because success feels far more rewarding when the people who raised you can witness it and feel proud of the person you’ve become.