Halu halu everyone! Today ill share a story about our filipina neighbor at Singapore. You know everyone that all my articles are based on my own experience. Its just that I have enounter a lots of people wherever I go. Its not easy to work abroad, if you only knew the real meaning of Domestic Helper.
So wayback 2013 when Im at Singapore for a work, I meet a lots of friends there such as filipina, indonesian, myanmar and indian helper. But most of our neighbors is filipina especially the next door is also a "BISAYA" like me. They are 2 actually, thats why were really closed until we finished our contract. Its Lyra and ate Narsing.
After few months, Lyra tell me about a certain filipina helper just 5 blocks from my employers house. Her name is Lalaine, her employer is very abusive. We know that we have unlimited works everyday. We need to cook,clean the whole house, do the laundry, fetch the kids at school and of course our part time cleaning at the house of our employers siblings/parents. But take note not all helpers can recieved extra money for that. So far I know the rules and rights of Domestic helper. Its against the rule that you will work or part time job with the other employers.
Lets go back to Lalaine. Lyra said she want to changed her employer but she dont know how to tell to her employers coz she cant speak fluent in English. So Lyra want to help her and she also dont know how. As a matter of fact its my 2nd employer and I tell them how I escaped my bad madam(my 1st employer). So heres our convo with Lyra..
Lyra: Jean we need to help her or else she will commit suicide for herself
Me: Oppsss! Why so quick decision.
Lyra: she cant stay longer their coz they always nagging and scolding Lalaine even she do her works.
Me: hey I see her scrubbing the floor at 11:30am under the sun and its too hot outside. I supposed to buy a wanton mee for my Shi Xin then I see her outside while im on the road using the mountain bike of Shi Sue. Im shocked Lyra you know, my eyes gets bigger!
Lyra: thats the reason she want to transfer to another employer. Shes very tired everyday plus nagging at her always. She's very stressed Jean.
Me: okay i'll make a draft in a piece of paper and let her memorized everything. Hope it can help.
A message for her employers..
Mam/ sir I want to go back to my agency so that I can apply a new employer. If you will not agree, ill do nothing everyday here in your house until I die without eating.
Few days later:
Its miracle we never see Lalaine outside the house of her employers especially in the morning. Were praying that Lalaine really do what im saying. The one who teach me how to escaped my old employer is our Chinese neighbor at Changi. Then my 2nd employer is living at Pasir Ris just near at the beach only.
House of my 2nd employer:
Authors thoughts:
Dont ever think that being a Domestic Helper is an easy work. We struggle everything, the adjustments, the foods and the environment. Were not like a millionaire as what you thinking. They are 2 options only we have. To survive or we die because not all lucky, to have good employer that can treat us as human being. Im just lucky with my 2nd employer and they treat me as a family also.
Be reminded also to the family in the Philippines, dont demand always to your mothers or sisters of domestic helper for a big money to buy the things that you want. You dont know the story behind of the helper if they buy also for themselves.
Thanks for reading and blessed Wednesday to all my read.cash fam. Keep safe always there.
December 15,2021
11:46am
Wednesday
Philiipines
The fighter mom,
Jeansapphire39
Congratulations on your new job! May this work not depress you and not tire you out.Patience, strength. And let you always have time for the most important things in life!)