I’m being overworked

19 Dec, 2021 - 00:12 0 Views
I’m being overworked

The Sunday Mail

Residing with messy tenant

Hello Amai, I hope you are well. I am living at my in-laws’ house in Harare. We share the house with a female tenant who is about 26 years old.

She stays with her brother. They do not wash their dishes every day. They wash them only once a week on Sundays. This is causing an unbearable smell in the house. You can imagine how bad it gets in this weather.

It is even embarrassing to come home with visitors because whenever you open the main door, that unpleasant smell welcomes you.

I do not know how to tell her. She is educated and has a nice job, but she is untidy. I wonder how they sleep comfortably in that odorous room. Please help me, how do I tell her.

Response

Hello writer, I am very well and thanks for inquiring. Sharing living space with many people is difficult because they may not adhere to the same living standards and conditions as you. It is common courtesy to try to keep shared living space clean, avoid playing loud music and respect other people’s possessions when you are living in close proximity.

These unwritten rules may go over other people’s heads. What makes this especially tricky is that you are not the property owner. Try to get your in-laws to take action. They need to remind the tenants that in order to continue residing there, there are certain rules that must be adhered to. Dirty dishes invite ants, flies, and all sorts of problems.

I am sure once it is addressed, you will see a change. For two people who reside in one room, they sure are a strange duo. Small space should be easy to manage and maintain. Work on it. It is a good initiative.

***

I am being overworked

Amai makadii? I am a 24-year-old house cleaner and I work for a young couple that has been married for two years. I am a hard worker. My boss’ wife does not like to see me resting.

As soon as I finish whatever I will be doing, she sends me to go and help out at her mother’s place. Her mother’s place is a few houses down the road. I do not think this is a fair practice, it is draining me. I get super tired, and I do not like it. I am not paid for the extra work and they are taking me for granted.

Her mother complains about everything and shouts at me in front of her adult children. This kind of humiliation is taking a toll on me. Amai how best can I talk to my boss about this issue? I do not want to be rude, but I want to be paid for extra work and be allowed to rest when need to. I am not a machine.

Response

Hello writer and thanks for writing in. I am sorry you are going through all of this.

I think your boss takes advantage because most domestic workers do not have any written contracts. There is no clear job description of your tasks and role and so they end up throwing many things your way.

The first step would be to kindly approach her and tell her all these concerns. Judging from her character, I doubt this will go down well or get you the results you seek.

I would suggest you start looking for a new job. When you do find it, outline your expectations and your most preferable working conditions to your new employer so you are on the same page from the start. At times, the best way to solve a bad situation is to leave it behind.

***

I want quality time

with my husband

I am happily married and blessed with a toddler son. My husband never spends quality time with us. He believes in groups and I am the exact opposite.

I tried to discourage him from this because of the pandemic, but he does not listen. Every weekend there is a function hosted either by us or by one of his friends. When we gather, nobody masks up and this is very risky. This practice is affecting us a lot because we are not financially stable as well.

At times he even borrows money so he can host these events. Last week I boycotted a function because I had flue-like symptoms and he was so angry with me and we had a nasty verbal fight. Amai this is unhealthy for our relationship, how best can this be reduced or even stopped?

Response

Greetings dear writer. I am glad that you are happily married and trying to spend as much time with your family. Your husband’s disposition is not unique but it needs to be dialed back. In light of the pandemic and your financial situation.

My question is did you go for premarital counselling? I assume this trait did not just pop up once you got married. It is important to go for premarital counselling and ironing out some of these rough patches before you get married. I think you acted responsibly by avoiding the last event. You need to go for counselling with your husband.

A professional can help you map out a way forward. In relation to what you need to do to strike a balance. You can even get a pastor or older relatives you trust to assist. He needs to learn to focus on his family first.

This showmanship of hosting functions will continue to bury you in a hole financially. Act now before it is too late, I wish you all the best.

 

Feedback: [email protected], Whatsapp 0771414474

 

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