"You're Too Good To Work In A Factory"

Fresh out of Film School with a Diploma in hand at the end of 2016 it was time to look for a job, and just like many people predicted – I didn’t get one.

So there I am, depressed to say the least working hard at my Part Time job at JayJays Manukau (shout out to my Jays gals, miss you) when my Aunty Tai walks in talking about the new job she has for me at her workplace. I smiled and listened (but wasn’t really listening) & it wasn't until I heard that beautiful payrate of 17.62 an hour did my spirits lift.  

3 weeks later - left my jobs at Jays and started my new job at Deane Apparel.  Now for those of you who don’t know, Deane Apparel is a Factory that also has a little shop and my job is to pick orders in the factory and also cover the shop ladies lunch breaks in the shop.

My Aunty Tai and I inside her office at Deane Apparel

ANYWAY – On my first day of work, I walked into the factory longing to be on any film set in the world other than where I was.  I put on my High Viz vest and strangely … my heart sank.  For a second I somehow allowed myself to drown in disappointment.  I found myself loathing the person I had become, wondering “how did I get here?” and after a mental kick up the ass, I carried on and went on with my day.

3 days later I’m sitting in the cafeteria munching on my Mi Goreng, when I get a text from one of my nearest and dearest that said 

“You’re too good to work in a factory…”

Although my loved one who sent this had all the best intentions with their text, I was taken aback a bit. I thought of all the beautiful people I had met at work - Tyler – the guy who does half my job for me with not one single complaint, Mary – the woman who was carved by Zeus himself and made my days go faster with her jokes, The lovely indian lady whose name escapes me, who calls me “baby” and asks me if I’m okay every time she see’s me.

Then I thought of my dad who has worked over time every day of his working life for as long as I can remember. He also works in a factory.

My Dad - Thomas Momoiseā who works at Fletcher Aluminium

My Nana who raised me – who worked at the Fisher n Paykel factory for years, the same woman who spent her redundancy money taking her children to Disneyland.

Grandmother Taulagi Momoiseā & Grandad Luamanali’i Momoiseā

I thought of all these people, and on both theirs and my behalf I was offended by this text ..... And then I was embarassed.

I was embarrassed that the first time I put on that vest I was disappointed!  I thought that somehow I didn’t belong in this factory because what?  Because I thought I was better than this?  Because I thought I was too good to be in a factory?  Better than all these people in this building?

I had to take a second to give myself the biggest reality check to rival ALL reality checks!  I checked myself and got the hell off my high horse.  I realized that no, I am not better than anyone in this building.  I am not better than the woman who cleans the cafeteria, I am not better than the sewing lady that offers me her apricot’s everyday, I am not better than the 15 year old kid who taught me how to drive the wave machine.

I AM NOT ABOVE A FACTORY JOB AND NEITHER ARE YOU

Deane Apparel workers (who are also my family) Jacob Yandall, myself, Aunty Tai & Alex Va'ai

Pacific Islanders are notorious for working in factories and I am not better than any of those that have come before me nor the ones that will come after me. My people are some of the most hard working, dedicated people on this planet, and I am not above them.

These factory jobs have given many of my people means to provide for their families INCLUDING MINE.

Factory jobs paid for my Decile 8 Intermediate school fees!

Factory Jobs paid for my way too expensive and completely unnecessary ball dress, for my Brazilian jiuJitsu classes that I loved so much, for the food in my stomach and the roof over my head.

Me competing in Brazilian Ju Jitsu

I had to take a second and just mentally apologize to my Hard FACTORY working dad for raising an asshole.

So if you are reading this and you've felt like you were ever too good for a factory job… or ANY job for that matter… Let me tell you.  You aren’t.

This is for any Parent, Grandparent, Uncle or Aunty that has worked hard for your children, nieces and nephews – I hope they grow up to appreciate your hard work.

Me and (My Hero) Dad, Thomas Momoiseā

 

By:  Destiny Taulagi Momoiseā

Read more from Destiny & follow her on her blog here JournalOfDestiny