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Writer's pictureXinSai Magazine

Interview with 'XX'


XX is from DongGuan, a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong Province, China, and currently works as a janitor at a school in Hong Kong. She moved to Hong Kong in 1997 and has worked in this occupation for over 10 years, currently in her second year at this school. She has 2 children, one boy and one girl, who are both over 30 years old now. In her spare time, she likes to listen to music and enjoy traditional Hong Kong morning dim sum with her friends, many of whom are also janitors at the same school. As a mother and a working woman, she feels prideful towards her femininity.


[Translated from Cantonese]

 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about your work? Do you enjoy it? How do you feel about the treatment you receive from your employers?

A: My daily life consists of the following: 5:30am wake up, prepare breakfast and pack lunch, leave for work; 6:30am: arrive at work and unpack; 7am: start working til 4pm (with 1 hr lunch break in between). I love my work - although it is physically demanding and the conditions can get a little bit disgusting at times (when the students don’t tidy up after themselves!), I enjoy being around children and the income I receive is able to cover my living expenses.


Q: Would you say the treatment between men and women is equal in this field? How do you feel about it?

A: The male janitors at this school receive a slightly higher income (1000-2000 HKD more) compared to us although we work for the same number of hours. Although I do think it is a little bit unfair, I understand that they are working outdoors and perhaps have to perform tasks which are more physically demanding. In general, I’m satisfied with my treatment as a female in this occupation. In comparison to the last school that I worked at, this (current) school has a much fairer treatment towards female workers.


Q: How would you describe your connection with your children? Do you get to spend time with them often?

A: I miss them a lot. Personally, I see my children as more like friends. Unlike the typical Chinese ‘Tiger Mom’, I give them more freedom in their decisions, partially because they had to grow up independently since a young age as both my husband and I work. They are now working themselves too, one as a sales merchant, the other as a construction worker, and I could not be prouder of where they have come.


Q: Have you ever encountered an interesting experience in the school where you work? Do any of the students inspire you or remind you of your children?

A: I haven’t worked at this current school for a very long time, so I have yet to form any very intimate bonds with any of the students. However, I frequently have very nice conversations with some of them in the common room or girls bathroom, and many of them remind me of my children. That’s the main reason why I enjoy my work here.


Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I’m most proud of my two children. Not any of their achievements, just them in general.


Q:What is your dream job?

A: I never really had a dream job growing up. I was always a realist who liked to focus on the present and not dream about the future. I’m happy with my life right now, and I can’t really see myself doing anything else.


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