South Africa is in the doldrums .... everyone's putting their hope in Cyril, our new acting president. As for me, after my last post about BUSY (being under someone's yoke), I've decided that this year has to be one of MAJOR change. I have worked hard my whole life ... to be honest I've always enjoyed working, and loved my jobs. I am thankful that I still have a job (well 2 jobs), as the unemployment rate in this country, according to the stats, is 26.7%. That is ridiculous! And a result of this unemployment rate is that employers are not shy to exploit workers, salaries are low, hours are long, and if you complain there is always someone else out there willing to take over your job.
We control our living expenses very carefully and there are no luxuries, no weekends away, no nights out at a restaurant, no new clothes, no new car ... and the sad thing is, we've allowed this to continue! My salary is as low as my boss can legally get away with, and my workload is tremendous. I practically run the school. My philosophy since day 1 of being an employee has been to give more than 100%. I jump in boots and all.
My 2nd job pays well for the amount of time I spend there. It's my brother's business and he is fair. The problem is that, even with both salaries, we cannot cover our expenses. As I said, there are no luxuries, we are conservative with utilities ... but we still can't keep our heads above water.
Even though I keep hearing not to expect too much from Steemit, to build friendships and be part of a community, I am putting my hope into this ... I want the freedom to earn while not having to be beholden to anyone or tied down to an office. I absolutely love the people I've met here so far, and am so excited to have been accepted into the community.
So, fellow Steemians, your encouragement and indulgence is so absolutely appreciated and I shall do my utmost to up the quality of my posts.
My experience, interests and imagination far exceed what I have put out there so far .... onward and upward! I refuse to be controlled by governments, employers, banks any longer ... I should have the freedom and finances to be at Anarcapulco!
123RF.com
Ants - Pixabay, Photo - my brother's verandah, Scarborough, Cape Town