So I got to the salon pretty regularly ,sometimes to 2 different types,case I like certain services in certain places and some in another one.The services that I get done are probably least of the concern. So being a working mother and all that, I usually find time for this indulgence over the weekends only ( as is the case with most people,who appreciate grooming themselves).This basically also means that most weekends are busy days for the salons and the people working there.There's a fat chance that if you went without an appointment you'd probably not even manage to get your pampering session.
This weekend a similar incident happened ,but the underlying connotation of it shook me more than anything else. I walked into my regular place,without an appointment. The girl at the reception asked me,if I could come back after about 45 mins. My desperation for a pampering session was higher than my submission to waiting.So I agreed. I went out to a nearby coffee shop, had iced tea to kill time and wane some heat from myself ,thanks to the blazing afternoon sun. After the stipulated time,I returned to the salon. And after another 10 minutes of waiting,she put me on the girl who would be attending to me. Much to my delight an old favourite girl had returned after her extended maternity leave ( honestly,I had never expected she'd be back).So basically when I calculated, the girl's baby would be around 7 months now. Which if you ask me is not really old enough for a baby to be left at home.So she cuts my calculation mid-way ,to ask me what I want,how I'd want it,etc. Thats when I also realise,she had just finished one labour intensive service with another client,and she was immediately put on to another one,without so much as a loo break,I guess.( Remember busy weekends?) With a 7 month old baby boy ( I had asked later if it was a girl or a boy),I am sure its extremely tough at home, leave alone coming to work from 10.00 am to 7 pm ,that too work that is exhausting in it's own way ( I am sure those who visit salons would agree).Yet she continued kneading at my toughened shoulders with a smile and sincerity that even our highly paid CXOs would be able to find in themselves to have on a "rushed" Sunday afternoon. I know for a fact that she gets only a weekday off and the pay isnt always great or given on time.
So here's what I have to ask: She is a mother and a working woman too. But do you think she cares about Woman's Day or flexible working hours ( post the baby) or taking a longer break to spend time with her baby.
I didnt think so.
Cos she has to survive with the little skill that she has to make ends meet and care for herself and her family. And that's what matters to her. She really doesnt have a 'privileged' choice to opt to not work,post a baby.
I am sure there are so many women out there,in similar situations and we dont so much as give them a thought.
That confused ,tired looking saleswoman in the supermarket or mall, the maid (without whom life is unthinkable,the waitress at the restaurant,the barista at the coffee shop. They all have some reason which leaves them with no choice but to work ,even if life throws more lemons at them,than they can juggle.
So lets spare a thought, doff our hats and give our most gracious smiles and salutes to these brave women who cross our paths knowingly or unknowingly everyday of our lives.
This weekend a similar incident happened ,but the underlying connotation of it shook me more than anything else. I walked into my regular place,without an appointment. The girl at the reception asked me,if I could come back after about 45 mins. My desperation for a pampering session was higher than my submission to waiting.So I agreed. I went out to a nearby coffee shop, had iced tea to kill time and wane some heat from myself ,thanks to the blazing afternoon sun. After the stipulated time,I returned to the salon. And after another 10 minutes of waiting,she put me on the girl who would be attending to me. Much to my delight an old favourite girl had returned after her extended maternity leave ( honestly,I had never expected she'd be back).So basically when I calculated, the girl's baby would be around 7 months now. Which if you ask me is not really old enough for a baby to be left at home.So she cuts my calculation mid-way ,to ask me what I want,how I'd want it,etc. Thats when I also realise,she had just finished one labour intensive service with another client,and she was immediately put on to another one,without so much as a loo break,I guess.( Remember busy weekends?) With a 7 month old baby boy ( I had asked later if it was a girl or a boy),I am sure its extremely tough at home, leave alone coming to work from 10.00 am to 7 pm ,that too work that is exhausting in it's own way ( I am sure those who visit salons would agree).Yet she continued kneading at my toughened shoulders with a smile and sincerity that even our highly paid CXOs would be able to find in themselves to have on a "rushed" Sunday afternoon. I know for a fact that she gets only a weekday off and the pay isnt always great or given on time.
So here's what I have to ask: She is a mother and a working woman too. But do you think she cares about Woman's Day or flexible working hours ( post the baby) or taking a longer break to spend time with her baby.
I didnt think so.
Cos she has to survive with the little skill that she has to make ends meet and care for herself and her family. And that's what matters to her. She really doesnt have a 'privileged' choice to opt to not work,post a baby.
I am sure there are so many women out there,in similar situations and we dont so much as give them a thought.
That confused ,tired looking saleswoman in the supermarket or mall, the maid (without whom life is unthinkable,the waitress at the restaurant,the barista at the coffee shop. They all have some reason which leaves them with no choice but to work ,even if life throws more lemons at them,than they can juggle.
So lets spare a thought, doff our hats and give our most gracious smiles and salutes to these brave women who cross our paths knowingly or unknowingly everyday of our lives.
Comments
Post a Comment