How Covid-19 Affected My Life.

Pandemic. It surprised us in lot of ways. We were assuming and hoping that it did not reach us when the first outbreak happened in China. Soon after, the world infected. We were trying our best to survive. Many countries start to initiate ways to contain the virus.

The economies had a hard fall because of this. Almost everyone in my country lose their source of income. The biggest downfall I believe was for Tourism Industry, for which I am in it. I worked as Front Office Supervisor.

After two weeks period of the first lock-down, I was called to be on duty. My hotel was chosen as one of the quarantine hotel. Not all of my colleague were called to be on duty. I was surprised at first. However it may be after few consideration since I am still single and most of my colleague were married. Throughout the quarantine session, I worked with wonderful people. We were really want to survive and to make sure we get our next pay-check. The bad things happened after management decided to operate normally.

After 3 months of standing by in as a quarantine center staff (Front Liner), I do really in need of my short break since I was staying inside the hotel for 3 months. My head of department allow me to take my days off. I believe my days off will be replacement off day for my worked of standing by. Too bad for me, they used my annual leaves instead.

I thought I want to fight for my rights but it seems it was all planned. I am not sure if its just for me or my colleague in another department that also worked with me when we became Front Liner. What happened? Did I do something wrong during my duty as a Front Liner? I asked again about it but suddenly everyone keep silence.

After a month, about 50% of hotel's employees was given Unpaid Leave for 6 months without short notice. I understand that hotel-line is in critical situation at the moment but at least do it properly. Inform us in advance wouldn't hurt. At least we can be prepare.

Hotel with more than 500 rooms operated with just number of staffs. We received a lot of complaints regarding the rooms and bad services. We were tired. However, our management expect us to deliver the same service the same as before.

I understand the reason why we had to do this. We never expect this "pandemic" event will happened. We never expect our economies will fall as bad as it is now. But that doesn't change the fact that we are still human. I am still a human. I will still feel tired, emotional and fade-up. My management however, never asked me or any of my colleague if we are fine or not. They expect us to do as what they desire and used the term or belief "Do as what you are been ordered or you will lose your job". I was speechless.

I am surprised actually or maybe I shouldn't be. Then I realized, it was never good to be so attached with the company that you worked for. They can easily kick your out whenever they need to. It is simple as that. That is the truth. A truth that myself cannot avoid. At the beginning of my career, I was blinded with the word "responsibilities". I got attached with my work because of it. I always remind myself "If its not me, who will" . Until I, almost lose my family.

What happened to me recently actually open my eyes. After this, I will be selfish with my work but still able to doing it excellently. It may hurt few people. But I stand strong with my principle. I want to reconnect with my family. It is true that money is important. It is also true that money can come in many ways. I just don't have the courage to do it.

My story here might not be the heaviest burden for the people but it is for me. I learned a lot. I considered it to be a life-time experiences. I don't need to feel in rage to the management that did this to me. They may have their own reasons and for sure because of that they force themselves until that extent.

I hope a great future awaits me. At least I will do it right. If one day I became an employer, I will treat them as human being not as robot.