In the ongoing discussion about privilege, it’s essential to highlight the often-overlooked importance of domestic labor. It seems that some individuals, like a certain influencer whose name I won’t mention, have trivialized their housekeepers by referring to them merely as “the person who cleans my toilets.” This perspective underscores a broader issue: the inability to recognize the humanity behind domestic work.
Cleaning toilets, while perhaps seen as a menial task by some, is not something to be ashamed of. The real challenge lies in facing those who believe they are doing you a favor by compensating you for your labor, as if their wealth is my fortune. In reality, relying on people who are unaware of their privilege is far from fortunate; it can often feel like a sacrifice of self-respect.
I spent several years as a full-time house cleaner before transitioning to a stay-at-home parent. When my children started school, I returned to cleaning part-time for clients I genuinely enjoyed working with. Over the years, I have accumulated countless stories—some uplifting, and others, frankly, cringeworthy. Despite offering the same services and charging the same rates, the attitudes of my clients varied greatly.
I once juggled 25 households, with some clients treating me as if I were solely there to cater to their whims, rather than recognizing my work as a professional service. It wasn’t until I decided to let go of clients who imposed bizarre demands—like not wearing shoes in their homes or questioning my cleaning methods—that I began to curate a clientele that valued respect and gratitude. One client even dubbed me her “House Angel,” a title I still cherish.
As a business owner providing a service, I am aware of my role, yet when my work is reduced to simply cleaning, it dehumanizes me. It overlooks my aspirations of returning to school, writing a novel, and seeking stability.
In a now-deleted TikTok rant, the influencer claimed that most people wouldn’t make the sacrifices she did to succeed. However, many of us are working hard without the luxury of failure. Achieving success demands not only effort but often, an absence of discrimination—a privilege not afforded to everyone.
Minimizing the contributions of domestic workers negates the time and freedom clients have to pursue their own interests and self-care. By hiring help, you enable yourself to grow personally and professionally. So, when success is equated solely with personal hard work and wealth, it implies that my labor—and my definition of success—is somehow lesser.
For those who value the essential work that domestic employees do, remember that it’s more than just a task; it’s about mutual respect and the acknowledgment of shared humanity.
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In summary, recognizing the value of domestic work is crucial in fostering respect and acknowledgment of the hard work that goes into it. It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about the dignity and dreams of those who perform these essential tasks.