In a compelling Facebook post, Ayu, a migrant worker from Indonesia, opens up about her challenging 17-year journey as a domestic helper in Singapore. Hailing from a broken family with no support, Ayu reflects on the arduous path she traversed, facing numerous obstacles from both employers and family back home.
19 hours of work every day
Ayu reveals that her daily grind involved working an astounding 19 hours a day, without proper rest and adequate meals. Remarkably, she managed to fulfill her work contract despite the demanding conditions. In a stark revelation, she discloses not having a phone to contact her family and going without a single day off for six years.
The migrant worker’s commitment to her job, even in the face of stress and the constant thoughts of her distant family, reflects the sacrifices many such individuals make to secure a better future for their loved ones. Ayu acknowledges the emotional toll, but emphasizes the need to persevere for the sake of providing a brighter future for her family.
Insulted by employers
Ayu details instances of insult and belittlement from employers, who disparaged her as stupid, stubborn, poor, and uneducated. However, in a surprising turn, Ayu shares that these criticisms fueled her determination. According to her, employers believed that with such challenges, she would develop her skills and knowledge.
In 2011, Ayu took a proactive step towards self-improvement by exploring opportunities to learn and develop during her precious off-days. Despite the first seven years without substantial savings, she faced additional setbacks when her ex-husband sold the house she bought with her savings and left her with nothing. The responsibility of supporting her kids and mother fell squarely on her shoulders.
Resilience in adversity
Undeterred, Ayu learned to manage finances and plan for the future. Over the next decade, she diligently worked to rebuild her life, save for her children’s future, and secure her retirement. Ayu’s story encapsulates a journey of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity.
Her closing message, encapsulated in the hashtag #Myquote, resonates with readers: “Don’t look at other people’s fields but maintain your roots to stand still. Everyone has different challenges.”
