Looming Labor Day
Workers in the country will jump for joy at the long weekend that is ahead, as Monday is declared a holiday to celebrate Labor Day. It is a day to give tribute to the people in the workforce who toil hard day and night to bring food to the table. However, it is also a day to realize the truth that our workers in the country are not paid enough. There will be workers protesting left and right, asking the government for what they deserve.
I have heard of stories of working conditions of employees which are very unjust such as factories having poor ventilation for their workers, low pay, long work hours and no overtime pay. It breaks my heart to know that Bachelor's Degree holders are forced to work for a job that they didn't sign up for, sometimes as domestic helpers because of the high pay that it gives abroad.
Being in the workforce is no easy feat. Back when I started my job, it was a hard time for me to give up time for my friends and family which I used to have all in my hands when I was still a student. My thinking diverted from focusing only on myself and my success to doing what the company needs best in order to reach its goals for a period of time. I feel that I am lucky enough to be in a good company that pays me well for what I love to do.
On Labor Day, job fairs will be held especially for fresh graduates who are still searching for a stable job. DOLE data will tell us that employees are on a mismatch, forcing applicants to be in jobs which are not in line with their degree programs. There has been a mix-up with the jobs that are in demand and the schools offering courses. A young student will be torn between following his or her passion or treading the path of what the world pays more. It will be an argument of having a stable income versus fulfillment of the self. How easy it would be if we can do both.
The problem of unemployment in the country has become perennial with government efforts forcing to solve it. The discussion on how to address this could go on for ages. As for me, I have always believed that hard work and determination will land you a job that you deserve. One that allows you not only to earn money but also to grow as an individual.
A lot of issues will cloud the employment sector especially as Labor Day approaches. This Monday, apart from the tribute that we will be giving to the workers, let us remind ourselves of the blessings of our jobs. It might not be perfect as we imagined it to be: irritable co-workers, hard to understand superiors, and the like, but it is something we must be thankful for.
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