Learning to Value My Time Gave Me the Voice I Never Had Before By Jenny Veb Discar
A lot has changed for me since I first shared my story. I may now be able to work with a good salary, and I have so many more people in my life to interact with than before. Looking back on this past year, I learned to value my time and to give myself more confidence in expressing my rights as a domestic worker, two things I did not fully understand before I found this community.
What keeps me moving, even on the hardest days, is my kids. They give me the strength to keep going and to work hard for them, no matter what. The VODW community means so much to me because it makes me feel that I am not alone. Being a domestic worker in the UK can sometimes be challenging, and having a community where people understand your experiences, listen to you, and support you makes a big difference.
The people I have met through VODW have inspired me to become stronger, more confident, and more aware of my rights. Their stories, their courage, and their kindness have taught me that we should support one another and never be afraid to speak up for ourselves. What surprised me most about VODW was how people from so many different backgrounds and experiences come together like one family. I did not expect to find so much understanding, friendship, and solidarity. VODW has shown me that we are not just workers, we are people who deserve respect, dignity, and equal treatment.
I am most proud of my strength, my patience, and my dedication throughout my time as a domestic worker in the UK. Being away from my family and living in a different country has not always been easy, but I continued to work hard and fulfil my responsibilities, especially in caring for children.
To anyone just starting out, I would say, be strong, be patient, and never forget your worth. Always know your rights, keep your important documents safe, and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For me, rest means having enough time to sleep, relax, and take care of myself without feeling guilty. Respect means being listened to and valued, not just as a worker but as a human being. Dignity means having the freedom to make my own decisions, keeping my personal documents, and being able to stand up for my rights without fear. Being away from my family in the Philippines is never easy, but I remind myself that I am working hard to build a better future for them.
As November and December come closer, I am grateful for the strength, courage, and lessons I have gained this year, and especially for the VODW community, who have reminded me that I am not alone. My story is why I believe so strongly in what VODW continues to fight for, the right to renew the ODW visa, the right to change employer without restriction, the right to settlement, and the right to British citizenship, because keeping my documents safe and having the freedom to make my own decisions should never depend on luck.
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