22-Year-Old Woman Quits Office Clerk Job To Become A Caretaker At An Old Folks Home
Najwa believes she was fated to work as a caregiver.
By May Vin Ang — 11 May 2023, 02:43 PM
In an unconventional and noble move, a young woman in Kuala Lumpur quit her regular job as an office clerk to work as a caregiver at an old folks home
Najwa Natasya Mat Ramli believes she was fated to work as a caregiver and often shares on TikTok about her work at the Nurul Jannah old folks home in Ampang.
"I believe not everyone is chosen or given the opportunity to work in a job like this, which means that God has carefully arranged my fate here," the 22-year-old told Harian Metro in an interview recently.
Before this, she worked as a clerk in a factory, but decided to return to the old folks home, where she used to work part-time from 2018 to 2019.
She shared online that she once felt helpless in her career as she did not further her studies like many others, but she is now proud of herself for making her own way
"I gave up before because I didn't study far like other people, but with my parents' prayers, I'm able to be proud of myself in another way," she wrote in a video that has garnered over 500,000 views.
Najwa also told the Malay daily that she knew that caring for senior citizens would be demanding, and required both physical and mental strength, but she is persevering.
"There were a few friends who did not support my decision and were not sure if I could face the workload because it is not easy. However, I went ahead because I am confident in my abilities," she said.
She also elaborated on the challenges that she faces daily on the job
She said, as she is petite, it is difficult for her to lift residents out of their beds on her own, especially if they have bed sores. However, she has mostly gotten used to it, but is still careful when moving them to eat, be cleaned, and bathe.
She added that there are also residents who get aggressive or hostile.
"There was this one time when I was tending to a resident, and somehow, I ended up having faeces thrown in my face. I did not get angry and just laughed it off as I want to avoid fighting with them, because I know how sensitive their hearts are," she said.
"What I can do is be patient. Every day I pray to Allah to give me the strength to take care of the residents at the home and for my daily tasks to go smoothly, because all I want is to earn an honest living," she added.
As she is currently pursuing a course in elderly care, she hopes to one day run an old folks home of her own.
