My Goal for This Year as a Domestic Worker By Ma. Cristina

My Goal for This Year as a Domestic Worker. As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a domestic worker, what I’ve achieved, the challenges I've faced, and the dreams I still hold close to my heart. Each new year offers a blank slate, a chance to set goals, and take steps toward bettering myself and my future. This year, I want to prioritize growth, both in my career and my personal life, taking small but meaningful steps to build the life I’ve always dreamed of.

One of my biggest goals is to invest in my personal growth and skillset. Domestic work requires dedication, organisation, and skill, but there are still ways I hope to expand my knowledge and abilities. This year, I want to attend training sessions or online classes to improve my skills in cooking, childcare, or housekeeping. Learning a new language or gaining computer skills could also open up new pathways for me, doors I hadn’t thought to explore before. Each new skill is an investment in myself that will make me more confident, capable, and prepared for new opportunities.

Another dream close to my heart is financial independence. This year, I want to take small but important steps to strengthen my finances. Whether it’s learning to budget more effectively, opening a savings account, or even starting a small business on the side, I hope to start building a more secure and stable future for myself and my family. Perhaps I’ll set small savings goals, weekly or monthly, and celebrate every milestone to stay motivated.

At the same time, I want to focus on my health and well-being. Being a domestic worker is physically and emotionally demanding, and I’ve learned that I cannot give the best care to others if I fail to care for myself. This year, I aim to prioritize self-care, finding time to rest, eat healthily, and if possible, exercise even in small ways. I want to remember that my mental health also matters, and seek out ways to nurture myself, whether by reading, journaling, meditating, or simply spending some quiet time doing things I enjoy.

Finally, I dream of embracing advocacy to ensure that my voice, and the voices of other domestic workers, are heard. We deserve to be seen, respected, and treated fairly. While I see progress happening in some places, I know there is still much work to be done. If I have the opportunity, I hope to encourage awareness about the rights and dignity of domestic workers through shared stories or by engaging with organizations that are championing these causes.

This year is a fresh start, a chance to shape my life in the way I dream of. Each small step I take, whether it’s learning a new skill, saving a little more, or finding moments of peace for myself, will bring me closer to the future I envision. I know it won’t always be easy, but with determination, patience, and support from those around me, I believe this will be another year of moving forward.

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