The difference between my daughter who is a teacher and my son who is a market vendor

Feb 03, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I have two children, a boy and a girl. Growing up, they went to the same schools, had the same upbringing and the same opportunities. Those chose different paths. Today, my daughter is a school teacher in New Amsterdam and my son sells clothing at Stabroek market. I hope the job comparisons below encourage our young people to choose their career paths wisely.

My daughter has very good health coverage, my son has none.

My daughter is respected, my son is frown upon.

My daughter will have a pension and NIS, my son will have neither.

My daughter loves what she does, my son does not.

My daughter never has to pay any money to teach, my son pays a vendor fee to Stabroek Market.

My daughter works in air-condition rooms; my son sells in the hot sun.

My daughter gets raises, my son does not.

My daughter makes $100,000, my son makes half of that.

My daughter gets free vaccines, my son never had a vaccine.

My daughter gets nearly three months off every year, my son never gets a day off.

My daughter gets one month paid vacation; my son gets none.

My daughter gets union protection, my son does not.

My daughter gets travelling allowances, my son does not.

My son’s children call my daughter, Miss Angela. And my daughter’s children call my son, Clive.

Respectfully submitted,

Herbert Allen

Herbert Allen, market vendor, New Amsterdam, opportunities, Teacher

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