Jobseeker’s diary

Simon is out of town, taking a break. You know this whole vacation thing Westerners are obsessed with. Call me stingy but I consider vacations a waste of both time and money. I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks like that though as many people especially here in Africa, (yes, even you reading this), don’t even want to take their leave. Several employees are “forced” to take leave because some fear they may be replaced or may not be paid for away time. We need to know that it is okay to kick off the shoes, lay back and have some fun at least once a year. Simon’s absence means this “half-employed” girl is out of work at the moment. Good thing is that the World Cup is here and it’s really helping me while the hours. There’re many venues screening matches for free so I don’t have to worry about paying. There’s one problem though. The look the “boys” give me. It makes me really uncomfortable, especially when they start asking if I really like football. I mean how dumb is that? You find me in front of a TV, eyes glued to the screen, jeering in frustration after Nigerian striker Yakubu, unmarked and with absolutely no excuse not to score, misses, and you ask if I like football. For all you male stereotypes, yes I like football and know more about it than the average guy so can you please let me enjoy without interrupting to ask the same question again and again? My love for football has also put me in trouble back at home. A couple of times, okay maybe more, I stayed out late. The last match of the day starts at 8.30p.m, meaning the game ends at 10.15p.m. I try to watch close to home (we don’t have a TV) so I can get home quickly after the match. You would think that because this is the World Cup, everyone would understand the hype about the game. Not Jane. The first time I went home late, she clearly wasn’t amused and asked if I’d got a man who was keeping me “busy”. Another stereotype right there. Whoever said a girl only stays out late to spend time with a man! I explained that I had been watching football and apologized for the late hour, promising not to do it again but I’m not sure I’ll keep that promise. That’s why I’m trying my best to be in Jane’s good books to sort of make up for that when it finally happens. I’m doing that not by buying food or electricity but by doing as many chores as I can. It’s the least I can do. Jane has always complained that the maid is lazy and has to be pushed to do even the smallest of chores. That gives me a chance to chip in. Problem is everything is communal here. When you want to clean the house, Neighbour one is using the mop. And if you want to do the dishes, the washer and at times soap, are being used by someone else and you have to wait. Even things like salt, knives, combs and slippers are shared! Jane says most of the things belong to her and she can’t comprehend why the rest can’t buy their own. She thinks the maid is largely to blame for giving out the items, since she’s the one who stays home when the rest of us leave. I think it’s the neighbours at fault. Anyone with a family should be able to provide at least the basics. Some things are simply not meant to be passed from house to house. nsophie77@yahoo.com To be continued…