My Life as Domestic Helper in Hongkong

"Migration is  the Oldest Action against Poverty."

Many Filipinos moved away from home due to economic reasons and the high rate of  unemployment . And the only way to improve our  lot in life is—by moving to a country where living conditions are much better.

Hongkong is one of the many countries, a favorite destination of Overseas Filipino Workers. It has a high demand of domestic workers and I am one of them. I started working in this diverse and democratic city, way back December 2009. It wasn't my dream but Life has its twist and turns, I need to stand on my own feet in providing the material needs of my own family. Besides that, my five siblings were attending schools, so its part of the plan to allay the financial burden of my mother who was then a martyr and the  only breadwinner of the Family. With that etched in my mind, my life journey begins.

Well, the challenges of moving and working here in Hk was not easy at all. Why? Because the journey itself evokes loneliness and frustrations as I struggle to adapt to their strange language and cultures, habits of working, living and eating. These peculiarities cause  resentment in my work relationship to my first employers who were Chinese.  Prejudice, False Accusations and Lack of Sleep was a constant fight in my workplace as domestic helper, it is emotionally degrading and physically exhausting. Eventually though, my two years contract with them ended,  and consequently, gives me a new breath of fresh air, a freedom to choose either to go home or to look for a new employer.

 Encouragement from friends and relatives influences me to stay and take chances for a new employer. Fortunately, a new emigrant to Hk was looking for domestic helper, and a close  friend referred me to them. I got interviewed  and immediately offered the job with a monthly salary of 6000hkd. That's where I take a new perspective about Hongkong domestic work, t'was not always rosy as people relates, it is defined with hardship of physical labor due to long working hours and has uncertainties of possible termination or repatriation. But beyond it all, are endearing people from all walks of life.

The New Australian  Family whom I worked for 7 years helps me to embrace my menial work with enthusiasm and Self Respect. We had a good relationship specially with their two gorgeous kids. They were very independent and well mannered. Most of the time, I play with them at the parks and the clubhouse. Never did I have a hard time with them. Of course, tantrums flares up sometimes, however, they knew how to behave when told to stop. Just A firm authoritative voice would shudder them to behave.

But sadly, they need to let me go due to financial problems. So, I had to bid them goodbyes  and Farewell on June 2018.It  was the most heart breaking experience I ever had, still in great disbelief when i step outside their house. But time heals my broken self. In spite of that, I gather myself after almost two months’ vacation with my family, and started work with   a new employer on October 2018 , a mixed nationality of Asian and Western. Definitely,  a new adjustment and a new situation to deal with. And until now,  I am still trying my best to fit in  whilst, staying with them for a year. In addition to that, a wave of uncertainty crept in and  they are insinuating to leave Hk anytime this year. If that happens then need to figure out how to start all over again. For the meantime, i am awaiting  their final decision to start my search for a new family, a new  employer to start a new contract again.

 Working away from home can be rewarding materially but can be devastating when setbacks arise. Whatever it takes life needs to have a goal for sooner or later, our country of origin will always be a home we call our own. A home that our delicate heart longed to find  its resting place in love and in peace. A home that domestic work is done as a TEAMWORK not just by the domestic helper.

It will take a few years of Endurance  for my heart’s desire to be realized. Nonetheless, I  keep trusting knowing it is within my power to make things right. A right that someday, I will hug my kids and husby and be with them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

After all, they are the main reason i sacrifice being away for this past 10years. My aforementioned, five siblings are now successful in their chosen field. Two teachers, One policeman, one InfoTech and one police graduate still waiting for job vacancy or quota.

Anyways, A successful dream starts from a Right Disposition. Dream with Perseverance and Plan with Determination for the end results are great blessings!!!  Have a beautiful 2020 everyone. Love lots Pangyaos😘😘😘