Maids on Sundays

Maids hanging out on a Sunday afternoon.

I don't think I ever posted anything about the maids here in Hong Kong. Here in Hong Kong it is very common to have a live-in maid. Her job is usually to cook, clean, take care of the kids and dogs. She lives with the family and she works six days a week. It doesn't cost that much and many middle-class house holds have a maid. My in-laws have a maid. We don't. I don't want one either, although I really wouldn't mind to have someone coming in to clean our apartment once a week. 

When I first arrived to Hong Kong, (it's already been a year!), I saw all these girls (yes, just girls) hanging out in the parks on Sundays. So many! I was wondering what it was about, and only Sundays. It turns out it's the maids day off and since they cannot meet at someone's home they hang out in groups in parks, all year round, rain or shine, hot or cold. 

I'm not sure what I think about it. Although all people should have the same value, it feels like they are not regarded as equals, instead they are of less value, and that upsets me. I don't know if that is the case, it is just a feeling I have. I hope I'm wrong... 

Be careful what you wish for...

Be careful what you wish for... right?  

After not been working for about six months I was absolutely thrilled to finally have a job! The job was telemarketing, although my title was Audience Development Executive, I think... It was a crappy job for me, I don't have the mental strength to work with contacting people all day. Either way it did help me get in to the Hong Kong working life. I tell the girls in that department, I have the most utterly respect for them, and I do! They manage to stay alive and healthy while working with telemarketing. Those girls are good. But it was not for me, even my boss told me so haha. 

Anyway, I was lucky enough that another job opportunity opened up within the same company and the HR department thought that I would be a good match, and so far they sure are right. I am right now working as Assistant Editor for CFO Innovation, a website with only content relevant to CFOs, Finance Directors and other senior finance professionals. I know, finance has never been my strong suit, but it's new, and I can learn, right? Heck, I am learning already! So far I am mostly reading white papers and uploading them to our website. I read press releases, read newsletters, send out newsletters and trying to learn the finance language. Everything is new and it's fun! I am so grateful to have gotten this opportunity. Let's hope it works out well in the long run too:). 

Not only did I get a full time job, 

a) I'm still both writing stories and editing for Bulletinen, the Swedish magazine 

b) I am the Editor-in-Chief for SWEA, and we are working hard on getting somewhere with their yearly magazine

c) I am taking a course to become an RPM Instructor 

Dingding says Hi!

So yes, life is busy, just as I wished for of course, but in a good way so far! I like it better when the quiet moments become rare and I can actually take advantage of those precious breathing holes. 

Yep, life is picking up and perhaps Hong Kong will start to feel like home one day... We'll see.