View From Arada | Apr 27,2024
Jan 19 , 2024
By Kidist Yidnekachew
I was suddenly confronted with the reality of domestic tasks that had been conveniently taken care of before when my help had to leave for the countryside to visit her family.
While my husband does lend a helping hand, the workload appears insurmountable for two people. Our recent move to a new house has only added to the chaos, with clothes and belongings scattered around, waiting to find their place. Moving by itself was a demanding process, and cleaning the old space thoroughly was a challenge we could not fully meet as time slipped away faster than we anticipated. This experience led me to ponder the reliance we place on our household assistants.
Living with a housemaid has always made life seem more manageable. The dishes got done, the floors stayed spotless, and life seemed to function smoothly. The convenience of having a clean and organised home without personally attending to every chore is undoubtedly appealing.
With all that is going on in the fast-paced world, the temptation to delegate domestic responsibilities to a trustworthy housemaid is strong. However, this arrangement goes beyond convenience; it involves surrendering a part of our responsibility.
Having a housemaid feels liberating at first. Time once spent on household chores can now be directed towards personal projects, side hustles, or simply moments of leisure. Dishes pile up, not out of negligence, but because there is a belief that someone else will handle them eventually. However, this convenience transforms into a subtle dependence.
The apartment that was once our sanctuary becomes a stage set by someone else, and the detachment becomes palpable.
The most insidious consequence of relying on housemaids is the erosion of self-reliance. Chores are not merely tasks but opportunities to develop essential life skills. Folding laundry teaches patience and precision, cleaning spills sharpens problem-solving abilities, and maintaining a home instils a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Outsourcing these tasks means giving away a crucial part of personal growth.
Engaging in household chores, even the mundane ones, has therapeutic benefits. Cleaning becomes a form of release and a physical representation of facing life's challenges. It connects individuals with the present moment, offering a contrast to the constant chaos of the digital world. Delegating these tasks means missing out on these opportunities for self-reflection and reconnection.
While hiring housemaids is necessary for some, those with a choice should consider the hidden costs involved. The consequences extend beyond personal to societal impacts. I believe a culture that prioritises convenience can harbour entitlement, expecting a life without obstacles and quick solutions to problems. The fruits of such trees are impatience and a disconnect from the community.
Breaking free from the allure of convenience begins with a conscious shift in perspective. Instead of viewing house chores as burdens, we need to see them as opportunities for self-reliance, connection with the living space, and moments of mindfulness. Starting with small steps, like dusting a shelf or folding laundry, can lead to a sense of satisfaction and pride in taking care of our environment.
PUBLISHED ON
Jan 19,2024 [ VOL
24 , NO
1238]
View From Arada | Apr 27,2024
Commentaries | Dec 16,2023
Viewpoints | Apr 26,2019
News Analysis | May 06,2023
Commentaries | May 02,2024
Commentaries | Mar 16,2024
Radar | Nov 13,2021
Agenda | Mar 19,2022
Fortune News | Jul 17,2022
Featured |
Photo Gallery | 97458 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 89679 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 67408 Views | Aug 14,2021
Commentaries | 65844 Views | Oct 02,2021
Editorial | May 02,2024
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
May 2 , 2024
For successive generations of Ethiopia's tax authorities, the chore of tax collection...
Apr 27 , 2024
The Prosperity Party (PP) - Prosperitians - is charting a course through treacherous...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
Apr 13 , 2024
In the hushed corridors of the legislative house on Lorenzo Te'azaz Road (Arat Kilo)...
Apr 28 , 2024
A dire situation unfolds across public universities, where students face the harsh re...
Apr 28 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
A European business lobby in Ethiopia issued a scathing review of the tax system last...
Apr 28 , 2024
The Federal Supreme Court has recently ruled in the prolonged commercial dispute surr...
Apr 28 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Transport authorities placed blame on driving schools and vehicle inspection centres...