I live in a rural area. People are scarce and we are a growing community. Just these past years a lot of babbies were born but people's mind are still prejudiced about residents going back home and working as a farmer.
Being a farmer is difficult specially that we are in a remote area. The good thing however is, during these recent years, specially the time of our current president 2016-2022 with the Build-Build-Build project more roads are paved and that also lead to more people from the government willing to visit our farm lands. This also lead to easier transportation of goods.
A lot of people in my area specially the elderly and the early 90s generation are prejudice about farming. It is in their thinking that applying for a proffessional job and working for someone else is more noble and profitable. People envy those who worked in the city not knowing that life is more competitive and fast paced compared to the rural areas.
Recently, COVID hit my country and a lot of people lost thier job including us, the small workers. I've struggled to maintain my position but sadly the salary is slowly being cut until I become ill (needing for hospital surgery). I struggled budgeting 5000 peso. I budget this salary for food, electricity, internet, water and transportation every month for a whole year and the other half of my salary is still not being given to me so I resigned with my boss verbally promissing that they will pay. Another year has passed and the new normal is now being integrated into our society but there is still no call from them.
During these times I am working as a farmer, I realized that it is better to do this job and work my body rather than working for someone and making money for them and not getting the due pay. I see that the income can be half a million and even exceed a million per year with extra budget for rennovation, I understand that it is important for improvement but being an employer it should be clear to see that they should prioritize "people first".
Being a farmer, I can live a wholesome life, sleep on time, eat healthy food, and was able to earn and finally buy a phone. I still can't afford dentures though so I'm working and waiting for another harvest. My income is not great at the moment because of weather conditions but compared to working as a staff, working 6 days and still overtime on sundays, sometimes with mondays the only day off, spent most of the time having stressfull day and sleeping past 12:00 midnight. I believe that if I dedicate the time and effort I did in my job I can do better with farming.
I'm not the only one with a story and I've also heard some stories about uneducated man earning millions compared to an educated man. Since most farmers in my area are so. I believe I can make it too. I am a University Graduate, I never practiced my profession but applied for another since that is what my skills took me, maybe. If you are also a person who took a detour I say, it's okay. Our educational degree does not define what kind of job we should be doing. People can learn and be trained. Don't do only one job and try other things as well. I've read stories about people finding their passion (you know the job they are suitable with which make them earn a living) but I've never realized the meaning until now. I still don't get most of this phrase but I think I have touched the edge of it's essense at most. It's just we need the effort, oppurtunity and luck. Do the effort, grab the oppurtunity and some good luck.
Most Helpful Opinions