On February 23, 2023, I traveled by bus for the first time to attend a job interview. It was a new experience for me, and I was unsure about the process. As I boarded the bus, I looked around, searching for the place to scan my bus card. Noticing my hesitation, an Indian lady kindly guided me to the correct spot.
Curious to learn more about her, I struck up a conversation and asked for her name. She introduced herself as Deepthi. She told me she works as a maid for an Arabic family and has been in the UAE since 2022. As we talked, she shared insights into her daily life and the challenges of her job.
Deepthi explained that working as a maid is extremely demanding. She manages multiple responsibilities, including household chores, cooking, and looking after the children of her employer’s family. She wakes up early in the morning and begins her day by preparing breakfast for the family, ensuring that the children are ready for school, and organizing the household for the day ahead. Her duties continue throughout the day as she cleans, washes clothes, prepares meals, and ensures everything in the house runs smoothly. By the evening, she helps the children with their homework and prepares dinner before finally finding some time to rest late at night.
She emphasized that taking care of a household is a big responsibility that requires patience and dedication. Despite the difficulties, she continues her work to support her family back in India. Deepthi mentioned how much she misses her home and her family, especially during festivals and special occasions. However, she remains committed to her work because it provides a stable income that helps her loved ones back home.
As I listened to her story, I realized how challenging and exhausting a maid’s job can be. It requires hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. Domestic workers like Deepthi often work long hours with little time for themselves, yet they remain dedicated to their roles. My conversation with Deepthi gave me a newfound respect for domestic workers who dedicate their time and effort to supporting families while often being far from their own loved ones.
This encounter left a lasting impression on me, making me appreciate the work that many individuals like Deepthi do every day. It was a simple bus journey, but it gave me a deep insight into a life that often goes unnoticed. It also made me reflect on the privileges we often take for granted, such as the comfort of our homes and the support of our families. Meeting Deepthi was a humbling experience, and it reinforced the importance of acknowledging and respecting the efforts of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our lives easier.
