A number of people, including foreign domestic workers, came to Hong Kong with the hope that their lives and that of their family members will significantly improve. Beyond simply earning an income, many have larger dreams and bigger goals.

Something to Think About…

·      What about you? Why have you decided to come to Hong Kong? What are your goals and life plans? 

·      Is it to purchase a piece of land or to build a house back in your home country?

·      Is it to put yourself or loved one(s) through college and higher education?

·      Is it to eventually get a better job or start your own business?

·      Is it to find someone compatible and start a family?

No matter what your goals are, here are 3 essential tips that can help you achieve those goals.

1. Set and Write Down Your Goals

Setting goals gives you a sense of direction. It helps you focus on what you want to achieve and motivates you to keep moving towards where you want to be. Although goals may change over time, the habit of setting goals and following them up can be beneficial; not only to help you get closer to the finish line, but also to minimise distractions. 

It is always good to write down your goals. This helps you see them with greater clarity, and enables you to revisit and update them every now and then. You can easily track your progress and overcome the obstacles along the way too.  

While having long-term goals are great, breaking them down to shorter and smaller goals can make it a lot easier to achieve them.

Something to Think About…

·      If you want to build a house, here are some questions you need to ask yourself.

·      When would you like the house to be ready?

·      How much money would you need to build the house?

·      How much money do you need to save every month?

·      Are there skills you need to pick up on saving and budgeting?

·      Or if your goal is to start a family, these are some key questions to consider.

·      Would you have your child during or after your employment contract?

·      What will your child’s needs be? How would you best plan to fulfil those needs?

·      Who would look after your child if you plan to keep working in Hong Kong?

It is important to have goals that are realistic, specific and measurable, and consistent with your values. Once you have set your goals, you can start taking action!

2. Enrich Yourself

To achieve your goals or to develop good strategies in dealing with obstacles, you may need to enrich yourself. You can find relevant information online and offline. Books, skills training and other educational activities will provide you with knowledge and insights. 

You can borrow books from the Hong Kong Public Library. There are also many - free or with a low fee - courses available to foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong. Keep a lookout for opportunities and platforms to develop your talents and skills too.

Understanding your rights and protection is critical. Getting accurate information and knowing available community resources can help you overcome challenges as well as prevent crises that may arise while you are trying to achieve your goals.

Something to Think About…

When you understand maternity rights and common misconceptions related to pregnancy in Hong Kong, it can help you plan your pregnancy; and give you an idea of what to do if you experience an unplanned pregnancy.

3. Empower Others

Sharing your knowledge and skills with others is the best way to retain, practise and sharpen them. Empowering others can also motivate you to keep going!

It is amazing how by empowering others, many feel empowered; and feeling empowered can only make you more confident in taking control of your life, to achieve what you set out to achieve. 

Many organisations assisting foreign domestic workers can benefit from people who want to support and share their knowledge with fellow workers. By joining  “empower others” initiatives, you may  also make new friends and get immersed in communities that are supportive of you and your goals.

Christian Action, Equal Opportunity Commission, HELP for Domestic Workers, International Organization Migration, Mission for Migrant Workers and Consulates organise regular training and/or educational classes including free training on foreign domestic worker rights and protections. 

You can find the contact information of the above organisations in Pangyao's Help & Support section and on the PathFinders’ Resource Card.