To say that I am naive of the type of characters who take advantage of the less fortunate would be an understatement. I am completely mindful of this type of behavior. I've witnessed people take advantage of my father, when he owned a professional photography business. My sister has an exceptional skill in childcare. Most children adore and highly respect her. For that reason, parents employ her.
Yet, I've seen grown adults coldly take advantage of that and attempt to not compensate her a fair wage for numerous hours of labor. NEWSFLASH: Kids are not easy work. If an individual provides exceptional care for your brats, please pay them good!!!
I too, have always worked the unofficial side of jobs, babysitting, animal care. I've owned two small businesses. I've made great profits because of customers who truly appreciate my labor and work ethics. However, I've also lost profits from those who take advantage of my labor and those who swindle me out of my fees. I've encountered some shady characters that I will never do business with again.
When I was a child, I learned what a day laborer is. The majority of day laborer's are illegal male immigrants from Mexico, looking for undocumented work. It is not a overestimation to say that society will often hire a day laborer to avoid paying higher wages or contract workers. Desperate for money, these men are eager to work hard, stand in scorching heat or cold to be chosen for a job. There's been instances where employers refuse to pay them. Why would they pay an illegal immigrant anyway? The word of an illegal immigrant versus a legitimate upstanding citizen?
This has always bothered me and caused me to be empathetic to the lower class. I mean, they're humans too, they become hungry and grow tired, right? They have bills and a vehicle that requires fuel, right? Contrary to popular belief, majority of day laborers work to provide for their families in Mexico, and send them money. True, drugs and alcohol could be an expenditure they buy. But why not if they worked for that money?
One of the worst insults, one could do toward me or someone I love, is take advantage of their hardwork. The other thing is adding unnecessary stress by causing one to ask for their due compensation, especially after their work is fully complete. The feelings of humiliation when this occurs, does not adequately describe the carried weight of that burden.
There's been times when I've felt guilty and embarrassed for having to ask someone to compensate me for my work. Why should I feel guilty for asking for what I worked hard for? The other party exhibits no hesitation by recruiting me for the jobs that they can't or won't do. Why must I feel like I'm wrong for asking for my due payment? I was raised in a home that taught me to always help those in need, and to work extra hard if you need something. I was taught in church that serving others and diligent work is honorable and humble in the sight of the Lord. But at what point do these good intentions border on being exploited by those with selfish reasons?
If you're reading this and you're guilty of this behavior. 1.) You may be horrified that I used the word "exploit", or 2.) You are contacting the last person you took advantage of and making payment arrangements. ;)
Perhaps I have failed by not communicating clearly that I expect to be paid for certain jobs. My sister often advises me to stop being so eager and willing to always invest in someone who has no intention to return that investment. Mainly, because they're not worth the damage to my mental well-being. As a recovering pushover and people pleaser, it is extremely hard to deny opportunities to prove myself. It may also be a pride issue within myself. I'll own that if it's relevant to an instance. Despite my ego, it is not wrong for me to expect to be paid for my work. I'm not for confrontation. If it's apparent that a certain individual becomes agitated or hostile when I ask for my payment, I will immediately relinquish the idea of being paid. How tragic is that?
I live for the day when people stop having double standards about equality and fair treatment, when we stop talking about being better, and start being better. Conservatives take advantage, liberals take advantage, Atheist take advantage, Christians take advantage, Friends take advantage as well as Family Members do too. Most non-profits take advantage of their volunteers too, I've witnessed it first hand. Exploiters don't discriminate. The ideology that "life's not fair" is just your average exploiters way of dismissing their exploitative behavior. If you don't want to pay, don't hire. Download the Pinterest App and "Do It Yourself".
I will admit that I have been beyond blessed and God has always provided my needs. I am not comparing myself to the lower class or immigrants from third world countries. I'm just bringing light to a very disturbing behavior. I refuse to take advantage of anyone who works hard for me. Don't mistake my youth for naivety, and please do not mistake my kindness for weakness.
-Neah
(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE IMAGES. I DO NOT RECEIVE ANY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MY ENTRIES. I WILL ADHERE TO ANY RIGHTS RESERVED OR REQUESTS OF REMOVAL BY OWNER. ALL IMAGES TAKEN FROM MULTIPLE SHARING SITES)
0 comments:
Post a Comment