There's Just So Much To...
I have felt the scary part of life. The one that makes you pant and look over your shoulder like someone whose life is on the line, and I have also felt it! The part of life where everything feels real and beautiful and at this moment when I look back at the bad side of life, I find myself saying;
"There's just so much to life that makes it worth living."
The country we find ourselves in matters. I know for sure that no country is rosy because it is run by humans, but there are some countries that are better than the others. And, this is why people from lesser countries find ways to wander in and find themselves in a better country to live in.
Some call it greener pasture while most people from Nigeria call it "Japa," which means running away or finding a better place. And during this quest of finding greener pastures, there are people who have fallen into holes that aren't meant for them, and then, the bad side of life gets to them and makes them breathless.
...If their country were better, maybe these people wouldn't have to strive each day to find a way to just leave a place known as home to survive in a place they've never been to before. And, it works out for many, which is why everyone feels like they have a chance to take their family or selves out of the stinky poverty their country has stock them into.
Just think about it, for a person to leave a place they knew as home to a foreign land isn't just what anyone can do. It takes lots of seeing the reality of our world, determination, and courage to do so. A home is where all the goodies are meant to be, not in a place you've never been in. But many risk their lives every day to find a way out of the country.
Being a Nigerian as it specks. The country is built on corruption, and each year seems to be getting worse. It is unbelievable because each year is meant to be better. It is meant to be like a child... growing, but instead, it is depreciating, and it is not fair to anyone.
I had a call with a close friend today, and I could feel her anger as she spoke. I could feel the tiredness in her voice regarding the country and its work ethics. It is sad being a worker. You hustle hard only to come home at the end of the day with a token, not enough to even afford a peanut anymore.
...and your employers know what they are doing, and still do it. Some even make use of certain beliefs to tie your hands with words they think are Holy, and it isn't just right because that's a top-tier emotional damage that can kill.
Imagine being not paid well and your employers speak in ways to make you feel like they are doing you a favor. Lol. But the moment you decide to leave, their eyes just magically open, and they see your worth, so they plead and ask you to just name what you want.
I don't understand. What stopped them from giving you a raise beforehand? Nothing, I'd say. Asking someone to name their price when they want to leave your job and paying them what they say even if it is 6 times their salary is something I'd rather hope not to understand why you did it.
When you see scenarios like this and some unimaginable others, it makes you question yourself as the worker. If he/she could pay me that much, does it mean I was worth such from the start? So, have I been slaving for them all these years? What if I am more than what I asked for?
Series of questions pull you in and make you hurt. Unnecessary damage to the soul, and then they expect that person to be happy coming to work without pain in their hearts?
I once saw a tweet on X where a user said something like,
"If you are insulted where you work even if they pay you a million, quit the job immediately."
When I went to the comment section, it was buzzing. Some refer the guy to fowl (chicken), coconut head, things like insult is a normal thing and some other talks... and there I was with a faint, beautiful, sad smile on my face as a statement left my lips, "What a world."
I am a very proud person when it comes to some situations in life because I know my worth. I have been into lots of shit in life to give someone the right to look me in the eye and insult me while I bow with a statement, "I am sorry Sir/Ma." Nah! I won't take it. I won't let their words hang in the air because my sweet response will do a fine job.
Still yours truly,
Balikis.
Thanks for reading.
Peace be unto those who crave it and more to those who chase it away.
Hmm, I love my country so much, but everything is just taking a bad turn that I am contemplating the "Japa" slang if the opportunity presents itself but like you said no country is perfect, and because we are all in a bid to run away from this hardship many fall into a huge hole risking their life and it gets worst.
I have experienced such an employer and when I knew I played an important role in his establishment although I was the least of his workers, and I should be treated right because I deserve it the same way every older worker deserves it, I put it straight to him and I walked away.
The funny thing is, while everyone thought I was going to lose the job for speaking my mind to the boss, he called me the next day and this time, I made the condition at the end of the day, they said I had something doing with the boss. My voice not only relieved me but changed the setting of that establishment for the better, something that seemed to us the insiders and the outsiders.
I know my worth and if I am working in any establishment, I make sure to put in my best, not just because of the money but because I take things personally. I do things they way I feel I would want someone else to do for me.
Some of them have never be confronted by the way they act towards their employees, so they feel everything they are doing is right and they are doing us a favour, but they always forget that without their workers, their establishment is worthless but I won't blame them, the economy is bad, so everyone is trying to survive with whatever they can lay their hands on, so they feel like the penny they are giving us is enough to eradicate poverty and hardship many are facing.
You have spoken really well, Sis and I appreciate the truthfulness you bring about our nation and how we find getting out and moving to another place a better than home.
I am so proud of you, Sis. You should see the smile that took over my face as I read how you said your mind and how it changed a lot where you worked.
When people know their worth, they tend to be respected, and you have gained that. Well done!
...yes, the country is so poor to its citizens that we swallow the bread crumbs given to us because we have no other choice... but I do believe everyone has a choice. Just like what you did, knowing it may lead to you leaving the work.
Thank you, π. We just have to learn to know our worth and try not to accept what we are given (bread crumbs) instead of the actual bread all because of survival instinct, although that is what it has become so far so good but then, it is what it is.
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BEER.I am moved by your words today there are many countries where people want to emigrate to look for a better life. It is a coming and going that is already unbearable. The economic situation is what generates the abandonment of their land. But remember that you are from where you were born and where your roots are. Very interesting your reflection. Thank you.
Yes, the economic situation is what causes all these fuss. But, we must always remember our roots. Thanks for stopping by π.
Thanks π
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I hope things are better one day π Employees deserve a chance to work in a respectful environment.
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I hope so, too. Yes, you are right. Being an employee shouldn't be an insult.
Thank you so much.
Every country has their challenges but it's just something else here. Nothing is working and every day, it feels like the system is completely broken.
I don't blame people who want to leave by means, things aren't working and they need an alternative. Talking about Nigeria makes me sick and I hope this ends one day.
Sadly, people up there don't give a shit about us. We just have to pave the way for ourselves.
Nothing is working ooo and it is very crazy. Things just get worse every day, and there's nothing we can do except to find our way.
Thank you, @thekittygirl. I appreciate the kind gesture.
It is not easy to leave your country of origin to arrive in an unknown country where you may not be very well received for the first few months.
Yes, it isn't.