When she said the wage was only one dollar for an hour of manual labor, he could not help but feel a pang of sorrow. In many developed countries, janitors and cleaners drive to work in their own cars and are paid hundreds of dollars. By contrast, in Vietnam and other developing nations across Southeast Asia, the earnings of ordinary workers remain meager. It is disheartening to think that the same effort, the same drop of sweat, can be valued so differently. Naturally, this disparity stems from difficult economic and social conditions.
Even more troubling is the mindset of certain employers who lean heavily toward exploitation, offering wages far below the true worth of labor. There are companies, for instance, that advertise for tax accountants with salaries barely sufficient to rent a modest room, while demanding a long list of stringent requirements. Under such circumstances, only those with genuine passion, deep dedication, or unwavering love for their profession can endure and devote themselves in the long run.
Many graduates, and even those already in the workforce, are forced to shift into jobs unrelated to their training, or to set aside their dreams in order to make a living. Some, despite holding university degrees, choose to become factory workers because the pay is enough to get by.
Notably, many foreigners hold deep affection for Vietnam and its people, enchanted by the country’s breathtaking landscapes – often likened to paradise. Yet, when it comes to building a career here, many hesitate, for the simple reason that wages are far too low.
Even more worrisome is the practice of offering “deep discounts” as a way to compete for customers. For consumers, lower prices are an obvious advantage. But when prices are slashed to unreasonable levels, production costs must be cut, which inevitably reduces the value of workers’ labor. The result is precarious, difficult lives for their families. And when the effort expended is no longer met with fair reward, where is the motivation left to strive and move forward?
