Radar | Nov 23,2019
Dechassa Bulti: Medical Doctor
A general practitioner at Zewditu Memorial Hospital for six years, Dechassa is a Medical Director. He loves his job and manages his finances by cutting back on "luxury" items and focusing on what is deemed essential. He is married with two children whose holiday budget is usually dictated by the desires of his wife.
Average Monthly Net Income: 13,500 Br.
Holiday budget: 10,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Changing curtains and buying furniture cushions.
Surprising Expense of the Year: None. I choose to leave out what I cannot afford.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Half a day at work and the rest at home with family.
An education background for a medical doctor entails five and a half years of study and an internship year at a hospital. With around 200,000 health professionals nationwide, of which 10pc are doctors, the demand for professionals remains high. The average income of general practitioners hovers around 10,000 Br, while relatively higher income is observed at private hospitals. Despite being among the high-paying jobs in the developed world, physicians in Ethiopia suffer from low wages, pushing many to migrate out of the country.
Brook Asegid: Car Importer
The businessman has been importing auto spare parts in addition to vehicles for the last decade. He is not a big fan of holidays but finds the New Year particularly appealing. Brook has a fiancee and hopes to be married soon. He enjoys giving gifts to family and friends.
Average Monthly Net Income: Over 120,000 Br.
Holiday Budget: 40,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Buying sheep.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Fuel at 75 Br a litre.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Spending the day with extended family members.
Despite the ban on issuing letters of credit for car imports imposed by the Ministry of Finance, importers have utilised deferred letters and alternative means to meet the local demand. A parallel move to levy higher duties on older vehicles and remove them altogether for electric cars has shaken up automotive sales, with prices going through the roofs in the past three years and importers reaping expanding profits. Knowledge of the car market and access to foreign currency can see almost anyone step into the car import business.
Dawit Feyissa: Senior Co-Pilot
AThe soon-to-be captain has been a pilot for nearly six years. He spends most of his days in the skies and does not place unique significance on holidays. "My life is a holiday," he says, expressing deep gratitude for the profession he had dreamt about for years. He expects to marry in six months.
Average Monthly Net Income: Close to 200,000 Br
Holiday budget: Don't have a fixed amount.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Buying gifts.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Nothing that sticks out.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Spending time with his fiancee or at work.
The widely coveted profession thousands of feet up in the air requires a formal degree from a recognised institution and nearly two years of training to obtain a commercial pilot or multi-crew licence. After passing a comprehensive health check-up that sifts through height and lifestyle, pilots go through 920 hours of class, including 80 hours for general English and 120 hours for Aviation English course. While a childhood fantasy for many, the industry is highly exclusive, with a single national carrier, Ethiopian, dominating the market with a 147 operating fleet.
Abnet Hussien: Programmer
The 29-year-old lives alone around the Summit area. He is single and relishes the chance to visit family during holidays. He writes computer programs and has overseen the IT department at Prana Events for the past two years.
Average Monthly Net Income: Over 40,000 Br
Holiday budget: Around 6,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Pastry and alcoholic beverages.
Surprising Expense of the Year: A 5,000 Br rental increase.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Visiting family during the day and friends in the evening.
Despite the low adoption of technology in the country, an impetus towards digitisation under the current administration has made employment in the IT sector a lucrative job. A four-year degree in computer science or software engineering usually precedes employment in the industry, with courses offered across almost all state-owned universities in the country.
Birhanu Al-Adem: Co-owner of a Garage
The gregarious Birhanu refers to his eight employees as his children and opts to spend the holidays on group trips across the country. They have booked a flight to visit Harar this year. Customers prefer their garage around the Shola area for its quick service and friendly environment. Birhanu has worked as a mechanic for the past 13 years and loves getting to work with cars.
Average Monthly Net Income: North of 50,000 Br.
Holiday budget: It depends on the trip destination.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Travel costs.
Surprising Expense of the Year: "Everything".
Typical Holiday Celebration: A trip with his "children".
Although technical and vocational education training programs (TVET) in auto mechanic skills are offered nationwide, industry insiders believe experience makes a seasoned professional. Pays for entry-level jobs at a garage are around 2,000 Br, while owners usually cover daily expenses.
Hemien Kibrom: TikToker
Despite being a full-time student in China, Hemien has made a lucrative income from her social media following promoting products and services. The medical student has 329,000 followers and 5.8 million likes on TikTok, having joined the social media app three years ago. Hemien looks forward to most holidays, finds New Year particularly appealing, and hopes to spend on a sheep for her family this year.
Average Monthly Net Income: Ranges from 10,000-400,000 Br depending on promotion contracts.
Holiday Budget: 10,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Buying gifts.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Nothing in particular.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Family gathering at her parents' house.
With close to eight million people using at least one social media platform in the country, there has been a growing appetite for marketing jobs through social media platforms in the last few years. While many people across social media platforms have thousands of subscribers, only a few successfully monetise their content and follow into lucrative revenue streams. Despite lacking a proper regulatory framework for overseeing the industry, a growing segment of Generation Z eye the platform.
Fozia Jemal: House Helper
The 28-year-old provides cleaning and cooking services for four homes, alternating shifts three times a week. Her holidays entail excess expenditures despite enjoying the occasion. Fozia is originally from Dessie town but has worked in the capital for six years with her husband, a butcher.
Average Monthly Net Income: Close to 4,000 Br.
Holiday Budget: 2,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Clothing for her son.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Teff price at 90 Br a kilogram.
Typical Holiday Celebration: At home with her son.
Most homes in the capital rely on the assistance of a house helper for their cleaning and cooking needs. Requirements differ across each home, with most employers emphasising cleanliness and basic skills in housekeeping. Average salaries average around 3,000 Br depending on the size of the house and workload.
Beyene Getachew: Taxi Driver
Although he joined the fold of taxi-hailing car companies two years ago, Beyene has been in the transport business for the past 13 years. The father of two looks forward to spending the holiday at home while he dreads possible new furniture purchases during the New Year. He bought his 2000 model Vitz car for 350,000 Br two years ago after noticing the fortuitous income in joining the ride-hailing companies.
Average Monthly Net Income: Up to 50,000 Br
Holiday budget: 20,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: New clothing for children.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Teff price at 90 Br a kilogram.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Cooking with the family.
A spike in digital taxi-hailing companies has impelled a drastic shift in the market, overhauling the transport segment limited to mini-buses, public buses and small blue Russian cabs, a.k.a. Ladas. With over 40,000 registered drivers in ride-hailing companies, a renewed driver's license and access to an automobile are the requirements to enter the business while good customer service goes a long way in earning extra cash.
Henok Teferi: Barber
Moving from the Amhara Regional State, the 25-year-old barber has worked at Mame's Barber Shop around the Jemo area for the past two years. He observed that holidays in the capital are much more expensive than in his hometown, Bahir Dar. Henok is single and shares a one-bedroom flat with one of his friends.
Average Monthly Net Income: Close to 10,000 Br plus tips.
Holiday budget: 2,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Meals at restaurants.
Surprising Expense of the Year: A pair of trousers for 1,500 Br.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Visiting lively spots in the city with friends.
While many people engaged in the craft without much experience, training as a barber requires six months. As most men rely on one barber for their hair needs, a courteous attitude and attention to customer preferences are essential to thrive in the field. One would have to travel extensively to find service for less than 200 Br, while charges differ depending on location and quality of service.
Haftom Mesfin: Broker
The 34-year-old has been an intermediary for property transactions around the Mekanisa area for over a decade. His holiday expenditure has grown since having a son two years ago, but he enjoys the festivity more intensely. Despite getting an undergraduate degree in management, Haftom does not think he can function well working 9:00am to 5:00pm jobs.
Average Monthly Net Income: Up to 70,000 Br.
Holiday Budget: 20,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Buying sheep and alcoholic beverages.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Milk powder price at 2,500 Br.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Visiting inlaws and having a few drinks
While the word "Delala", the Amharic term for an intermediary, has an unsavoury connotation, thousands in the capital engage in the tax-free profession. The growth in real estate developments that pay commissions of two per cent has attractive incentives for people looking to make large sums without working for a boss figure.
Mehari Solomon:Security Personnel
He has worked as security personnel around the Jemo Michael area for the past year, keeping an eye on a row of 10 homes night and day. He usually spends holidays on watch ever since he started his current job where the 10 community households chip in 300 Br monthly for Mehari, whom his brother recommended.
Average Monthly Net Income: Close to 9,000 Br plus tips.
Holiday Budget: 3,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Sending money for his family in Kombolcha town, the Amhara Regional State.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Bread for six Birr a loaf.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Watch for cars parked in the neighbourhood.
Security jobs that may entail possible confrontations with high-risk scenarios usually require a background in the military or exposure to handling a firearm. While the average payment for security personnel is around 5,000 Br, a lucky folk looking after several properties at once could earn two or three-fold this amount.
Formessa Dubale: Banker
A banker at the Cooperative Bank of Oromia for the past five years, Formesa enjoys his job to the fullest. Holidays allow him to spend uninterrupted leisure time with his daughter and wife. The father of one prudently plans out his expenses during holidays to avoid getting carried away with spending. "We all dream of unlimited funds, but it just ain't so," he said.
Average Monthly Net Income: Between 15,000-17,000 Br depending on overtime payment
Holiday budget: 3,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Spending on food items.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Teff price at 90 Br a kilogram.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Feasts with the family and visiting inlaws.
An entry-level position at a bank requires a degree in economics, accounting or related fields with little or no prior experience. A place at a bank is a much sought-after job anticipating the low-interest credit facilities provided to employees. Long careers at banks result in constant payment upgrades and career growth opportunities.
Yeneneh Chanyalew: Lecturer
The father of one has been working as a teacher for the past two decades and currently lectures at the Addis Abeba University's College of Architecture. Yeneneh does not have a particular affinity for any specific holiday but enjoys spending the day with family.
Average Monthly Net Income: Around 11,000 Br.
Holiday Budget: No fixed amount.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Meat.
Surprising Expense of the Year: School fee jamp by 20pc.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Feasting at home with the family.
While a position as a lecturer in higher education institutions is revered, high wages are not one of its identifying markers. A five-day strike by lecturers had transpired in November of last year in a bid to negotiate for better wages and improved benefits. While senior lecturers at universities usually have a graduate degree, some courses in specialised sectors are given by people with an undergraduate degree.
Helen Girma: Waitress
The 22-year-old woman has worked as a waitress at Tsehay's Bar & Restaurant for two years. Single, she usually spends holidays working, which brings a rise in the flow of customers, translating to more tips. She is reminded of her family in Oromia Regional State during the holiday.
Average Monthly Net Income: Close to 3,500 Br plus tips.
Holiday Budget: 1,500 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Clothes for family members.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Eggs for 13 Br a piece.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Serving customers.
Most waitresses and waiters in the capital's cafes and bars are paid somewhere between 1,000 Br and 3,000 Br as salary and are left relying on tips for their finances. While some high-end restaurants require a certificate in hospitality training, low-cost establishments hire people through recruiters with connections. Several studies have regarded the sector as exploitative, while the lack of formal contractual agreement ends up chipping away at the bargaining powers of employees.
Omer Hamza: Civil Engineer
The 30-year-old works as a rotating site engineer for a contractor but also dabbles in small businesses like a gaming zone he runs with a friend. Omer does not look forward to any particular holiday but feels a sense of renewal during the New Year.
Average Monthly Net Income: A little over 30,000 Br.
Holiday Budget: 4,000 Br.
A Considerable Portion of the Budget: Clothes and pastry.
Surprising Expense of the Year: Spending on a goat for 13,000 Br for the Eid holiday.
Typical Holiday Celebration: Visiting friends and family.
A job as a civil engineer requires a five-year degree, but competition for employment is high as thousands graduate each year from universities. Entry-level salaries differ for most construction companies, ranging between 8,000 Br and 10,000 Br. The ability to develop contacts and engage in private contracts largely determines whether one thrives in the career.
With the festive season in full swing, Ethiopians from diverse professional backgrounds are getting into the spirit, highlighting not just the country’s deep-rooted traditions but also the financial chasms brought on by a rapidly evolving economy.
At the heart of the Ethiopian festive season lies an age-old affinity for New Year celebrations, marked by joyous reunions, delectable feasts, and the exchange of gifts and goodwill. With an unyielding attachment to familial bonds, most urban Ethiopians find solace and joy in the embrace of their families, either nestled at home or traversing the city to visit relatives. Traditional celebrations, characterised by communal feasts and mutual visits, remain the cornerstone of holiday festivities.
However, how these celebrations are executed tells a tale of two vastly different economies coexisting within the same economic space. With reported monthly incomes varying from a humble 3,500 Br to a whopping 400,000 Br, the landscape of holiday expenditures paints a diverse picture. Where one might splurge on imported pastries, another might painstakingly budget for essential food items. The sheer diversity of spending habits, from buying a simple gift to splurging on luxury travel, underpins the evolving Ethiopian social and economic landscape.
The celebratory atmosphere, however, does not shield urban Ethiopians from the harsh realities of economic strain. The season brings with it a share of unexpected expenses, notably driven by the surging prices of essential commodities like Teff , the primary ingredient for Injera, a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Yet, amidst the financial uncertainty, a segment of the populace maintains a disciplined approach, selecting expenditures that align snugly with their budgetary constraints, thereby steering clear of unforeseen financial shocks. It is an apt metaphor for many Ethiopians' challenges – holding on to tradition amid modern-day economic pressures.
Career paths, it appears, also influence holiday spending. The digital age's newer professions, like TikTokers and influencers, present a fluctuating income and, thus, unpredictable holiday budgets. In contrast, more traditional careers, such as piloting, offer steadier incomes and potentially more predictable festivities. This holiday season in Ethiopia is more than just a reflection of age-old traditions; it is a window into the heart of a country grappling with modernity while honouring its past, all set against the backdrop of a dynamically shifting economy.
Where the vibrant hues of cultural fabrics intertwine with the modernity of urban life, the holiday season unfolds with both enthusiasm and careful fiscal calculation. As city dwellers from a rich tapestry of professional backgrounds usher in a time of feasting and family gatherings, our interviews paint a nuanced portrait of holiday spending habits that blend tradition with the changing economic tides.
PUBLISHED ON
Sep 10,2023 [ VOL
24 , NO
1219]
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