― Caleb Pradhan
In this time of economic recession, this can never be truer. But little do we understand what savings imply. Is it the plan B for a few years ahead? Or is it to afford the luxury of those in the family in demand? Or both?
As this can be defined in a multitude of ways, let’s be it person dependent. But for me, saving translates into being prepared for the future to back up the financial crisis. Although many of us fail to make saving a habit, how important it is can be perceived if we closely look at the neighbourhood. So, we all should try to adopt the habit of saving, eh? But for whom? Yours or the people dependent on you?
Whatever, it takes a toil to do that, and also, a bit of sacrifice. On a side note, you only live once— why be thrifty and sacrifice your dream for some I Do vows you committed once?
Sometimes we, family guys, wonder what’s the point of doing the hard part to keep the family well-fed when none can guarantee their loyalty when you are caught off-guard, i.e. economic breakdown.
Yes, we are the most emotional one as a nation, and you will preach in favour of some mental satisfaction that pushes you forward to go above and beyond to provide food at the table. But, just in case, you find out it was all lies sugar-coated to squeeze you out of your potential and now that you have less to offer, you are no longer the good dog in the house.
Just in case.
The other day I had the privilege to manage a seat in a crowded public bus on my way home. Completely exhausted after a marathon search for something I was after, the seat was a god's gift for the time being. Just when my body was melting down in the comforts, a distant gossip seized my attention. A conversation between two expatriates. Family guy, of course. They were talking about their hardship abroad and, now that they are back home, how life is treating them.
Both of them worked to their full potential to provide for their families. Good food, better clothes, iPhones (they emphasised)— luxury at its most. Not only for their wife and children but the whole family— parents, siblings, and even family of their in-laws. This takes a strong willingness to sacrifice oneself for the well-being of so many people simultaneously. And they were doing that with no exceptions year after year.
But when they came back home, they found nothing but despair in the face of their families. They thought their families had built an empire for them to enjoy, but in reality, there was nothing to boast about. Everything they earned was sent home in the hope that the family members would utilise it wisely. But they didn't and not even remorseful for that. Instead, they complain about why the money isn't flowing like before!
I heard one of them cursing himself for returning home. He was like a juicy grape when he returned home, as he mentioned, weighed around 93 kgs!! But now he is as skinny as a stray dog. Is this why they sacrificed all their luxury in life to provide for the family? Where is the love now they were showered with when they could provide?
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
Being a male dominant society, the males are subjected to earning the livelihood for the entire family. Although women work, it's not common in all families. They contribute to the family by keeping things organised. In my opinion, their job is equally important as their tireless effort sets things right for the next generation. But that doesn't mean the males are subjected to being a donkey and only seen through monetary value.
As they were sharing their struggle, I focused on myself. What if my family rejects me if I cannot provide? Just in case.
