The silent pressure of a maid in the midst of urban life
Domestic work has no clear boundaries in terms of time and emotions. The greatest pressure comes not only from the workload, but also from unspeakable spiritual emotions.
Ms. Pham Thi Mien (67 years old) - a domestic helper with 5 years of experience - currently works for a family in Giang Vo ward, Hanoi.
Every day, her job is to clean the house, cook and take care of an elderly woman nearly 95 years old. For Mrs. Mien, the biggest pressure when helping an elderly person is that she is often hot-tempered, irritable and blames her.
Many times I am sad and tired because I feel like I always have to be patient, unable to argue with the old woman," Ms. Mien said.
Not only Mrs. Mien, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (35 years old, from Ninh Binh) also went through a difficult time when working as a maid in Hanoi.
Ms. Hoa recounted that there were times when every action was scrutinized, from how savory and bland the cooked meal was to whether the care of young children was thoughtful or not.
I tried my best but just one small mistake and I was noticed. Many days I feel sorry for myself, only knowing how to cry alone in the room," Ms. Hoa shared.
Staying in the city is not only for money, but for humanity
However, overcoming difficulties, special relationships are formed, where domestic helpers do not only work for money, but for true feelings.
At the place where Mrs. Mien works, the old woman is old, her health is declining, her memory is no longer as sharp as before. Physical and mental changes cause her to often fall into a state of irritability, easily get angry, and many times cannot control her emotions.
One day she got confused, got angry, beat me and chased me away. At that time, I was very sad, very self-pitying, thinking I did my best but still didn't get sympathy. But then thinking she was old and weak, no longer in control of herself, I returned to take care of her," Mrs. Mien recounted.
The reason Mrs. Mien turned back was very simple: "I consider her as a relative. She is old, like a child, needs someone to be by her side.
Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, although feeling tired of taking care of young children, but because of her long-standing attachment, feelings arose, so even though it was hard, she stayed with the children.
Many days I am very tired, but seeing the young children running out to ask about me, giving me a glass of water or a piece of cake, I naturally feel happy and forget all fatigue. At times like that, I feel that my job is not only hired work, but also caring with sincere feelings," Ms. Hoa recounted.
Ms. Tran Thi Lan - the homeowner where Ms. Hoa works as a maid - shared: "My children consider Ms. Hoa as a family member. If they are missing her for a day, the children ask constantly, remember and cry.
Not only a maid, Ms. Hoa seems to have become part of the childhood memories of the children.
In a modern society, when the pace of life is increasingly hurried, understanding and respect for domestic helpers is not only a responsibility, but also a way to preserve human values in each family.
