Some time ago, I heard two stories that touched my mind. The first story, a female migrant worker (TKW) who had just set foot in Hong Kong, cried and asked to go home immediately. The reason? She missed her children and family so much, unable to bear the long distance. The second case, a TKW terminated her work contract in the middle of the road because she felt uncomfortable working at her employer’s house. Every corner of the employer’s house was filled with CCTV, making her feel like she was always being watched, without freedom of movement. This mental pressure made her uncomfortable and chose to go home earlier than expected.
Becoming a female migrant worker abroad does not require a bachelor’s degree or higher education. With a high school, junior high school, or even elementary school diploma, we can step into the world of domestic work in a foreign country. Indeed, there are some employers who want workers with higher education, especially so that their workers can speak English well and help teach the language to their children. However, this kind of requirement is relatively rare. Most only require basic skills and communication skills.
The two stories above made me realize, who had worked in Hong Kong for years as a migrant worker, that this job is indeed not easy. Every day is a new challenge, and it all comes down to our initial intentions and goals. In the world of work, especially abroad, everything must be endured through a long process and full of struggle.
I once experienced a situation that was almost similar to the story about CCTV. My employer’s house was filled with cameras in every corner, except the bathroom. Every movement, whether sleeping, working, or even praying, was always monitored. Of course, there was a feeling of discomfort. However, I realized that this feeling of discomfort could turn into a mental burden if we kept thinking about it. I calmed myself with one principle: as long as we work honestly, obey the rules, and do not break the law, why should we be afraid of CCTV? I always remember, there is a “CCTV” that is more sophisticated, more watchful than anything else in this world—Allah, the All-Seeing. He not only monitors our physical appearance, but also our deepest hearts.
The longing for our family back home, for our children, will of course come. It is a very human thing, and anyone who works far from their loved ones will definitely experience it. Not only those who work abroad, even those who work at home but far from their families feel the same way. After all, we are social creatures who need the presence of other people in our lives.
However, working abroad is not only about skills. Language skills, the ability to do household chores, and other skills are important, but more than that, mental preparation must also be done. Many workers are very skilled, but are not strong enough to face the dynamics of the employer’s family who are sometimes harsh, demanding, or even fussy. This is not only about physical strength, but also mental readiness to face pressure and difficult situations.
Working as a migrant worker abroad, for some people, can be likened to entering a military academy. Not everyone can survive. Those who are strong, who are mentally and physically tough, will “graduate.” However, those who easily give in to pressure are the ones who will “fall.” Therefore, straighten your intentions and set goals from the start. This is not just about money, but about how to face all challenges with determination and mental readiness.
In the end, working abroad is full of challenges. However, with straight intentions, thorough mental preparation, and sufficient skills, the journey as a migrant worker can be an experience full of meaning and learning. There are many things you can learn, not only about the world of work, but also about how to strengthen yourself to face various life obstacles.
So, if you are interested in becoming a migrant worker in Hong Kong, remember that this is not just about going abroad. This is about testing how strong your will and determination are in facing life away from your family, facing your employer with all his characteristics and habits, and remaining steadfast in maintaining your self-respect and integrity as a worker. []