Former Private Tutor Becomes a Caregiver in a Dutch Nursing Home: Now Earning Euros and Experiencing Culture Shock

Cerita Mantan Guru Les Privat Jadi Pembantu di Panti Jompo Belanda: Sekarang Bergaji Euro dan Alami Gegar Budaya

Former Private Tutor Becomes a Caregiver at a Nursing Home in the Netherlands: Now Earning Euros and Experiencing Cultural Shock

Dream - Becoming a female migrant worker (TKW) abroad may be the dream of many Indonesian women who want to improve their economy. Unfortunately, that intention sometimes fades when hearing news of many Indonesian TKWs receiving unpleasant treatment from their employers. Even some cases mention TKWs being abused by their employers to the point that they return to Indonesia with just a name left. However, that doesn't make TikToker named Icha step out of her comfort zone and work as a TKW abroad.

Through the TikTok account @vejudea, a woman named Veronica, who is originally from the Netherlands, shares her life as a cleaner in a nursing home.

Former Private Tutor Becomes a Caregiver in a Dutch Nursing Home: Now Earning Euros and Experiencing Culture Shock

Icha's job in the Netherlands is not glamorous because she is only a caregiver at the Domus Magnus nursing home in Hilversum, the Netherlands. However, that is not what makes Icha feel comfortable and content working at the nursing home.

"Although just a janitor, Icha admits that no one belittles her profession. She was truly surprised and experienced culture shock when working in the Netherlands. 'Culture shock because here, humans are highly valued,' Icha wrote in the video."

Therefore, this married woman does not feel inferior even though she holds a broom or mop. "Even though it's just cleaning, no one belittles me. So, it's very comfortable to work and I never feel ashamed or inferior," said Icha.

Icha said that her daily job is to clean the nursing home which is occupied by the elite.

Besides sweeping and mopping, Icha's other task is to clean the bed that actually already looks clean and tidy. "Cleaning my grandparents' room that is already very clean. Sometimes I'm confused about what to clean," she said.

Cannot Get Special Treatment, Instead Work is Assisted

Icha then told that during her work at the nursing home, she did not receive any special treatment. Instead, she was assisted in carrying out her tasks. Every result of her work was appreciated, and other employees were also friendly to her.

"In a day, Icha admitted to taking 3 breaks. Because of that, Icha feels like her work is just a game."

Jika dulu di Indonesia jadi guru les privat digaji rupiah. Sekarang jadi pembantu gajinya malah Euro.

"If in the past in Indonesia being a private tutor was paid in rupiah. Now, being a maid, the salary is in euros."

Although that doesn't mean Icha didn't encounter any obstacles while working in the Netherlands. Icha admits that language is a hindrance because she is still not fluent in speaking Dutch.

The story of a former tutor turned servant in the Netherlands has gone viral and received various comments from netizens. Most people are curious about how Icha managed to work in the Netherlands. Some are even interested in following Icha's footsteps.

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