LABOR DAY
Yesterday was Labor Day, so last weekend was labor day weekend in America. Just like any long weekend, it is one of the most awaited since it provides people a long time away from work. Americans have the "work hard, play hard" kind of mentally, so long weekends are usually anticipated by everyone.
However, instead of being excited, I was a bit sad. Sad because I wouldn’t be earning anything on that day. You see, I am paid by the hour. Hence, no work means no money. Not that i would want to work myself to death, but two days off is enough for me. Besides, I do not have anything planned so it would only make my weekend boring. Now I understand why hourly paid laborers don’t like holidays.
While working at my previous company back home, I oftentimes encounter comments from production workers about them being sad since it’s a holiday. Back then, I couldn’t quite empathize. More often than not, I would tell them to be happy about the welcome respite from a long week of hard labor. Now that I am on the same boat, I fully understand their plight.
Back in the Philippines, I never experienced being an hourly paid laborer. Having a degree from a reputable school, I never had a hard time finding employment. I was even privileged enough to choose any company I would want to work for since I was luckily accepted to some. I chose the one that was the most challenging and intellectually stimulating, who also gave the highest pay, with good benefits. However, things are different out here. People don’t know your school or your degree. Even if they do, they simply don’t care. It’s a dog eat dog kind of environment and you have to prove yourself in terms of work performance for you to succeed.
Well, I guess I just need to live with my new reality now and start proving myself.
