From Finance Office to Foreign Home
A 39-year-old Filipina domestic worker, who has been in Singapore for four months, recently opened up on TikTok about her former life as a finance associate in the Philippines.
“I am currently working as a helper here in Singapore but I was once a finance associate in a logistics company in the Philippines.”
The TikTok clip by @/faith_escamilla00 has quietly racked up hundreds of thousands of views — not because of its flashiness, but because it’s painfully real. In the video, Faith is seen sweeping her employer’s home, her tone not self-pitying, but matter-of-fact.
“Many college graduates choose to become domestic workers abroad because of the very low wages and corruption in the Philippines,” she later replied to one commenter. “Even if you work hard, you still won’t be able to advance because of the poor governance of the government. Only politicians get rich, not people who work hard.”
Her words hit deep — not as a complaint, but as a quiet truth that millions in the region understand too well.
“There Is No Shame in Doing an Honest Job”
Support came pouring in from Singaporeans and Filipinos alike.
“There is no shame in doing an honest job that supports the family,” one commenter wrote. “Looking at how positive you are, I have no doubt that one day you will do better and get the job of your dreams! Fighting!”
Others echoed admiration and gratitude for helpers like Faith who leave their homes for the sake of loved ones.
“Not sure why people look down on helpers here in SG,” one local wrote. “My kakaks and aunties took good care of me when I was growing up… many have good qualifications yet choose to come out here to take a ‘lowly’ job where people may not respect them, just to give their families a better life. Respect to you, sis.”
Faith replied simply,
“Aw! Thank you so much Sis.”
“I Used to Be an Engineer… Now I’m Back in Singapore as One”
Her story also drew others to share their own journeys. One commenter wrote:
“Used to be an engineer back in my home country… and first come Singapore as a cleaner… but now I’m back as engineer in Singapore.”
Faith responded warmly.
It was a reminder that for many migrant workers, today’s “lowly” job is just another chapter, never the ‘end of the road.’
A Singaporean’s Reflection
One Singaporean offered a sobering reflection:
“Really puts things in perspective. Imagine one day Singapore’s economy and education become so bad that working as a housemaid in Europe is the only way to make enough money to remit back home… Damn!”
The comment resonated because it humanised what’s often overlooked — that behind every domestic worker is a skilled professional, a parent, or a dreamer, shaped by forces bigger than themselves.
Not “Just a Helper”
Under the ILO’s 2011 Domestic Workers Convention, domestic work is recognised as legitimate employment. It includes those who cook, clean, care for children or the elderly, and perform essential household tasks — often unseen, yet vital to society’s functioning.
Faith’s story reminds us that domestic workers are not “just helpers.” They are degree-holders, mothers, engineers, and dreamers.
And sometimes, the most powerful stories are told not through speeches — but through a quiet broom sweeping across a Singapore home.
Watch Faith’s video here:
@faith_escamilla00 all too well… #kunyanginsg #forthebetterfuture #fypage #fypシ゚
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
The Recipe for Respect: A Singaporean Family’s Feast Honors Their Helper as Kin
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