A Chance Invitation: An Immigrant's Take on Gender Disparities in the UK Job Market
- Nick Ho
- Dec 29, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
[📖 Prefer reading? Here's the story in script format.] ⬇
(Scene: A Supermarket in Manchester, morning. YOU are browsing through the aisles when you notice an ASIAN MAN standing by the Bakery Section.)
You: Alright, mate? Looks like you’re picking up some bits.
Man: Yeah, just getting a few things.
You: How’s everything going?
Man: Not good at all. I came to this country two years ago, but I can’t seem to find a job anywhere. It’s impossible here.
You: What sort of work have you been looking for?
Man: Anything, really. But they don’t hire men. And when they do, it’s always some dead-end factory job with horrible shifts. But women… they get jobs everywhere! No problem for them.
You: I get you, mate. That’s gotta be frustrating.
Man: It’s not just me. Most of my male friends are unemployed too. And guess who’s supporting the family? Our wives. They go to work, and we stay at home.
You: That sounds rough, mate. Must be a real tough adjustment.
Man: It’s humiliating. My wife and I were both teachers back home. She can find a teaching assistant job easily, and I don’t even get a look-in for an interview. Some of my friends… their wives look down on them now. They can’t even look their wives in the eye. No one cares about your overseas qualifications or experience here. It’s like… this country’s made for women. Men, especially immigrant men, are just treated like crap here.
You: I can’t imagine how tough that must be.
Man: I keep asking myself, why did I even move here? If it wasn’t for the kids… what was the point? I came here to give my family a better life, and now I’m the only one stuck. It’s not what I thought it’d be, not at all.
You: That’s rough, mate, I really feel for you. But you know, there’s a group at my church that helps people going through tough times. If you ever fancy a chat or just want to be around some decent people, we meet on Sundays. I’d be happy to invite you along.
Man: Church, eh? Not really my thing.
You: Honestly, it’s not just about the church. It’s a great community—lots of people from different backgrounds, and we all support each other. Might be worth a go, even if it’s just for a change of pace.
Man: Hmm, maybe I will.
You: I’ll be there this Sunday. Would be good to see you there.
Man: Alright, I’ll think about it.
You: No worries, mate. Take care, and I hope to see you there!
(You smile as the man walks away, still deep in thought.)
(Posted on Threads on 27.12.2024)
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