I’ve been working part-time for this lady, twice a week, four hours each day. Well, it turned out to be one wild ride of emotions and frustrations. You see, this woman I work for is a big shot, the wife of a well-known politician. Her life is a whirlwind of meetings, events, and political commitments, which means she’s always busy and sometimes forgetful.
It all started with some payment issues. At first, she’d simply forget to pay me. I tried to be understanding because, let’s face it, managing such a high-profile life can be overwhelming. But as the weeks went by, I had to start reminding her more often. Every time I timidly brought up the overdue payment, she’d snap at me with frustration and authority, saying stuff like, “I don’t owe my workers!” Her sharp tone really got under my skin, leaving me disheartened and confused.
The last reminder call was a real blow to my pride. In our previous argument, she had told me to call her if she ever forgot. So, on Friday, I gave her a call, but she didn’t pick up. Undeterred, I tried again on Monday, hoping she’d be in a better mood. Instead, she exploded with anger, claiming she always pays on the 27th. Her accusation hit hard because I had never bothered to keep track of the payment date. I simply relied on getting my salary when it was due.
The worst part wasn’t the late payment itself, but the disrespect. When she slammed the phone down, it felt like a personal attack on my dignity, not just my wages. Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about all the sacrifices my family made to put me through university. They scraped every penny together to give me an education, and here I was, chasing after a modest paycheck of just over 20,000 naira, plus another 2,000 naira for transportation.
I’m not cut out for conflicts. Words pierce my soul deeply, leaving lasting wounds. Since Monday, this incident has been weighing heavily on my mind. True to her word, she still hasn’t paid me, and it’s messing with my financial stability and peace of mind. In the midst of all this turmoil, I’ve been trying to focus on my small business, which my friend helped me set up. It’s a lifeline during slow business periods, allowing me to make ends meet without any luxuries or extras.
Amidst all my frustration, I can’t help but wonder if I’m somehow to blame for this situation. Should I have kept better track of payment dates? Was I too timid in standing up for my right to be paid on time? These thoughts keep swirling in my head as I try to reconcile my desire for professional respect with my need for financial stability.
My business, even though it’s a source of pride and independence, isn’t immune to the uncertainties of the economy. The extra income from my part-time job was supposed to help cushion those ups and downs, not add to my stress. But here I am, pouring out my heart in this moment of vulnerability, hoping to find solace in the understanding of others who have faced similar challenges.
Sorry for venting, but sometimes the weight of unspoken frustrations becomes too much to bear alone.
Victoria Ibiama
