How my life has changed working for the refugees...

in Team Ukraine2 years ago

Many things have changed recently in fact many things happened so far. Huge missiles attack in Ukraine, constant shelling, increased number of refugees, and so on. I wrote before that I work for refugees; I get paid but my entire job is now related to food preparation and distribution for refugees from different countries. I must say this is one of the toughest jobs I have ever experienced in life and dealing with so many questions and incidents are really stressful. I am also a refugee and I have been dealing with a lot lately when it comes to talking about mental health. But seeing the mentality of the people and what they are dealing with seems my problem is nothing compared to theirs.

I took this job thinking I will do something for the people and wanted to help them but the stress and pressure I have been taking are insane. I don't know how volunteers and organizations deal with refugee situations but for me, it's too much. Here in the Netherlands, when it comes to Hotel restaurant jobs that is dealing with refugees, people don't show interest. Because nobody wants to take extra stress that has to carry until bedtime with less salary or minimum wage.

Sometimes only 2-3 people (F&B attended) handle/ feed a minimum of 380 people (breakfast /lunch/dinner). Obviously, regular guests of the hotel are not included in this number which I have mentioned. Staff shortages and minimum wage often make this job more stressful and after returning to my room, I don't feel good at all.

I have a very soft corner for refugees because I know their pain, their anxiety, and their demand. But when I am at work, as an employee sometimes I had to be very strict which I personally don't like. But rules are rules and if I don't maintain them, mess creates and incidents happen. Trust me, what I have heard from the refugees is unbelievable and most of the time, those are slang words. Sometimes I think why I am even doing this job where people don't respect me at all.

I love to help people and that is the reason I am still doing this job.


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My daily life starts at 4.30 am, early morning. Well, it's not early morning exactly, it seems like midnight because the sun rises around 8.15 am or 8.30 am. But as I am a morning F&B attendee, I always have to start my work at 6.00 am or 5.30 am depending on the schedule. After waking up, I get ready for the day and take Gigi (my dog) out. I love to start my day with Gigi, even though the walk is not long but still I get a chance to spend time with her. She normally sleeps deep at that time but when I wake up she wakes up and when I leave for work, she falls asleep again.

Last month, I worked for 25 days and I had a mental broke down lately. In other words, I was completely burned out and decided that no matter what, this month I am not going to work that much but it was just a decision. The stress level and the pressure are the same.


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The current weather in the Netherlands is so depressing according to my opinion. Not only dark and gloomy days but also, it rains all the time. But if the sky is clear, I really enjoy the walk with Gigi and the sunrise. This photo is of the sunrise I have taken when I was on my smoking break during work. The sky and the moment were so magical. One can easily fall in love with this moment. Even morning people enjoy the sunrise while walking or running. Some Ukrainians go outside with their dogs and walk around while enjoying the sunrise.


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Finally autumn arrived and I have managed to take some photos. I know these photos are not giving the exact autumn vibes but the place where I live is like this. I still don't know where I will find the real autumn like Kharkiv, Ukraine.


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My life is full of stress now because not only does my job keeps me on my toe but also the situation in Ukraine, left nothing for me but uncertainty. I have no idea when I can go back. I have no clue when things will be normal. Some say stop thinking about Kharkiv, it's gone; it is your past now.

I don't know how to stay positive despite so many problems. It seems normal and stable. But I know what I am dealing with every day and my uncertain future; I often mentally break down.

Most of people are now enjoying their weekend but I have to go to the bed. I have an early shift tomorrow and I have to make sure that I can feed each and every refugee tomorrow.

Complaints don't matter as long as I decide to move forward. Thoughts can be shared but work is work...


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Thank you so much for reading...




Love

Priyan...



I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...



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The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @pedrobrito2004, @priyanarc ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.

I once read a recommendation that when you have concerns and problems, it can help to seek help from someone else. Doing that, on the one hand, gets us out of our situation and gives us a new perspective on our problems and, on the other hand, it has the emotional effect of feeling useful to someone and that helps us too, in some way.

I am at a distance and what I read is news of how everything is intensifying and how the prospects of quickly ending Putin's war of invasion against Ukraine are considered more and more distant. Putin seems very willing to keep what he has invaded and annex it in any way, he does not seem willing to give up and the more resistance is given to his desire for territory and resources, the more the danger increases that he will decide to raze everything. , with the old premise that 'if this isn't mine, then it won't be anyone's'.

The bombing of civilian areas by Putin's troops, the destruction of service infrastructure, which one supposes should rather try to conquer it, since his invading soldiers will also need these services, the sending of troops with dubious preparation and in some cases part of the Russian prison population... all that points to his becoming more willing to do anything. I read about attacks near a atomic plant, on the one hand, the analysts said that they would not do it intentionally, because it would be crazy and the damage would be such that they would not gain anything, rather they would lose that portion of territory that would be contaminated. of radiation... but, humans are not necessarily rational most of the time.

Commenting on working with the public, I have always considered that it is hard, but working with the public in matters of food is worse, if you add to that that the salary is very low, then everything looks like an occupation that very few people would want to take . You're right, it's nice to help people, but in those circumstances you always get one or another person who behaves like a lout, who mistreats and insults, without caring that you are helping their own people. Unfortunately, that is also a part of human behavior in crisis situations. There are some humans that make you want to kick them out.

I can only wish that your whole situation improves in the near future.

Stay !ALIVE
!LOLZ

nfortunately, that is also a part of human behavior in crisis situations. There are some humans that make you want to kick them out.

Exactly... You explained everything pretty well and you know what can happen when it is related to food. It's not about hunger or greediness, it's about the way people behave. The job is difficult and the wage is lower so people don't wanna take such kind of job though they try to help people from the distance.

The war seems last longer, the aggression is still there and I guess this will not going to end so soon. Already 200+ days passed so this is going to be a long time war and the whole world will suffer at some point.

@priyanarc! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @pedrobrito2004. (6/10)

The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want.

I admire your will to help out with the refugees, but I've been in that industry for 20 years and you are facing the dark side of this job.

For 20 years I had no weekends, holidays, often no vacation at all. I always worked nights. It is mentally and physically challenging and I left the industry due to what you described.

Poor pay, constant understaffing, long hours, no appreciation for the job.

I didn't want to be part of a system anymore that exploit people in the way they do. It took a toll on me, my social life and my future.

People don't see the stress behind working in a bar, restaurant, hotel etc. and what it does to you as a person.

Is your hotel room correlated to you working there? What if you would find another job and quit the f&b? Could you stay there?

Hugz to the both of you 🤗

I admire your will to help out with the refugees, but I've been in that industry for 20 years and you are facing the dark side of this job.

Yes, because instead of working behind the curtain, I thought to work on the front line and now I regret it... I never shared any photos of my work life because I feel like it's not a good idea to show them due to security reasons. The challenging part is dealing with people from different cultures and countries, especially when they start living under the same roof. I don't think it's a good idea but due to the housing problems in NL, this was the best choice.

For 20 years I had no weekends, holidays, often no vacation at all. I always worked nights. It is mentally and physically challenging and I left the industry due to what you described.

Then you definitely know the dark parts. I don't have anything for the refugees, I understand their pain but I also need to work. The unfortunate fact is, no respect.

Is your hotel room correlated to you working there? What if you would find another job and quit the f&b? Could you stay there?

Yes, it's related...

What if you would find another job and quit the f&b? Could you stay there?

I can but there are some terms and conditions :(

Heads of to you for doing so much for the refugees. We need more people like you, who actually take the step and help them. Your schedule seems very hectic. Hope you’re taking care of yourself as well as in these kind of situations your mental health can suffer a lot from hearing all these stories of the refugees. But i must say you’re doing a great work. Kudos to you. 👏

Heads of to you for doing so much for the refugees. We need more people like you, who actually take the step and help them.

Thanks but working in this sector is very stressful and hard to deal with the situation. For example, today we had an incident and we had to call the police. Everybody has a story including me and yes, mentally I suffer a lot...

Oh God that sounds scary please take care of yourself.

Thanks for sharing, writing, drawing, humming a song, it usually helps a little when we go through tough situations.

I can only wish from my heart, better things for you in the future. But I wish I could do more, actually. You've been through too many intense moments, and you don't deserve something like that.

I hope Gigi is okay. The affection that Gigi gives him is something invaluable, to get ahead. Take care.

Gigi is the one who makes me laugh, my job is very stressful and every day I decide to quit. But due to some terms and conditions, I'm kinda stuck...

Covid is about to take over the world again and in a much stronger way , i hope you will be fine . Struggling in Europe is no fun , the whole world looks like struggle , especially when i read your posts .
May God save us 🙏🏻

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Thanks...

Hello, I congratulate you for the important work you do. When you have doubts or feel discouraged, speak to God. Ask Him to give you strength, and do the work as if it were for him.

2/3 attendees for more than 350 people? That's huge. That sure sounds very stressful.
But you know what, there must be something good waiting for you. Just keep going, don't lose hope.
A big hug for you.