Overworked Maid in Singapore Shares Gripping Tale of Exhaustion: Wakes Up at 5:40 AM, Sleeps After Midnight!

In a shocking revelation, a domestic helper in Singapore has taken to social media to expose her relentless work routine, sparking conversations about the treatment of domestic workers in affluent households. The maid shared her story in the popular Facebook group 'Singapore Direct and Agency Hired Domestic Helpers' on October 22, reflecting a work-life imbalance that many find difficult to fathom.

According to her harrowing account, she rises at the crack of dawn, specifically at 5:40 AM, to prepare breakfast for her employers' three children, aged 5, 9, and 11. Her day is packed with responsibilities, from packing their lunches to assisting with their homework in both Chinese and English, all without a single break in between.

After dropping the kids off at school around 7 AM, her workload doesn’t lessen; instead, she resumes a full slate of household chores while also preparing breakfast for the adults at around 10 AM. Despite her efforts to rest while the family eats, she frequently gets interrupted by requests from her ma'am, leading to a severe lack of downtime.

“It feels like I’m always on call,” she lamented, expressing frustration over her employers' inability to allow her even brief moments of respite. The afternoons continue this relentless pace, featuring additional responsibilities when the children return from school at 2 PM. She not only guides their studies but also carries the weight of providing educational support that she feels should be handled by their parents.

As the clock strikes 4 PM, her culinary duties resume, with dinner prep taking her until 6 PM. Often, she finds herself waiting up to several hours for the family to eat, which can sometimes stretch to as late as 9 PM. After cleaning up the kitchen until 10:30 PM, she assists with nighttime routines before finally trying to get some rest. Yet, she often struggles to find sleep due to the active nature of the children, who remain awake until midnight or later.

Though she had initially renewed her contract under the promise of a balanced workload, she reported feeling disillusioned as her situation had not improved. "Now, I’m left wondering if I should look for another employer who respects boundaries," she reflected, turning to the online community for advice.

Comments poured in from fellow netizens, some advising her to communicate openly with her employers about her need for regular breaks. Others expressed sympathy for her plight, with several urging her to prioritize her mental and physical well-being by seeking new employment opportunities. "You’re not a robot. Your health and happiness matter," one commenter insisted.

This distressing narrative highlights the frequent exploitation faced by domestic workers and raises urgent questions about the ethical treatment of help in households. As these issues gain visibility, many are calling for stricter regulations and greater awareness regarding the rights of domestic helpers. Will this maid’s brave share ignite a change amidst the complacency many have for such positions? Only time will tell.

With an increasing number of stories surfacing about the mistreatment of domestic helpers, the Singaporean government must take a closer look at labor protections for these essential workers. Are these individuals not entitled to fair treatment and rest? This is a conversation that must continue.