Maid says ‘I want to be the first Filipina helper who earns the most number of engineering diplomas and certificates in Singapore’
Filipina domestic helper in Singapore pursues higher studies
Summary
Jo, 35, moved to Singapore around two years ago after studying political science and working in a Philippine law firm for eight years.
She is now pursuing two engineering diplomas and three Building and Construction Authority-certified courses while working as a domestic helper.
Jo hopes to become a contract executive or quantity surveyor before eventually studying law at the University of London.
SINGAPORE: Jo spent eight years working in a law firm in the Philippines before moving to Singapore around two years ago. Now 35, she hopes to enter the construction industry while working as a domestic helper.
Her journey has taken several turns. She studied political science on a full scholarship but couldn't complete her degree after a medical condition affected her duties as a student assistant. Without enough money to continue, she left university.
She later worked in healthcare, a call centre and a law firm. Her legal work taught her to draft affidavits, prepare documents and attend court proceedings. Mothership shared her story on Oct 17.
Two engineering diplomas and a law degree
Jo initially hoped to work in Europe and spent about a year applying for jobs. After repeated rejections, she turned to Singapore and secured a position within two days of waiting for confirmation.
She now sees domestic work as a stepping stone towards her goals. She is pursuing two engineering diplomas, which she expects to finish in about two months.
She has also enrolled in three courses certified by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Alongside these studies, she has completed several courses offered by overseas universities.
Her long-term goal is to become a contract executive or quantity surveyor, roles connected to contracts and costs in construction. She also hopes to study law at the University of London.
Studying around domestic work
Balancing paid work and education takes planning. Jo studies during her days off and rest periods, and sometimes learns while carrying out her daily tasks.
She credits her supportive employers for giving her manageable working hours and time to pursue her courses. She also recognises that other domestic helpers may not have the same support.
Jo has sacrificed much, giving up time with friends, social events and rest to build her technical skills. She declined to disclose how much her studies cost.
Some people have questioned whether a domestic helper with limited resources can complete engineering courses. Jo has chosen to treat their doubts as motivation instead.
Turning personal loss into motivation
Her ambitions also carry a personal cost. Jo lost her father when she was 19 and her mother when she was 33.
When her mother died, Jo was working in healthcare in the Philippines and couldn't be there. The loss changed how she felt about healthcare, despite having cared for many patients.
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She believes her parents would have supported her choices if they were still alive. Their memory, along with the people who doubt her, gives her reasons to keep going.
Jo's story shows how education can open doors, even when life takes someone far from their original plans. Domestic work may pay her bills today, but she is using the time and support available to prepare for another career.
Her path won't be easy, and qualifications alone can't guarantee a new job. Still, each course brings her closer to her goal. And the best next step is to keep learning while making the most of the opportunities already within reach.