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On a flight from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to the north in early January, I sat subsequent to a person in his thirties, touring to his hometown. A dialog revealed that he labored as a ride-hailing driver and whereas working that morning, he had obtained information of his grandmother’s demise. Being the eldest grandchild, he felt obliged to attend the funeral and thus booked a flight instantly after finishing a journey.
“I receives a commission tens of hundreds of dong (VND1,000 equals 41 cents) for every journey I full,” he informed me. “However then I’ve to spend tens of millions [of dong] on airplane tickets.”
He additional added that he was touring with out his spouse to save lots of bills, and deliberate to return to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis after the funeral.
When requested concerning the purpose why he wouldn’t keep in his hometown till Tet, which can begin in early February, the person defined that his spouse was nonetheless working within the metropolis and he additionally needed to return after the funeral to earn extra for Tet. He confirmed he can be visiting his hometown once more for Tet.
“It prices me an estimated VND40 million ($1,630) to journey to my hometown every Tet,” he mentioned, noting that over half is spent on round-trip airfare, with the remainder on fortunate cash and items for family members.
The precise value can typically be even larger, he mentioned. However because the eldest son in his household, he felt obligated to return, fearing criticism from neighbors and family members in any other case.
Based on the person, he and his spouse earn round VND13-14 million per 30 days in complete, making the cost of going home for Tet virtually three to 4 months of their gathered revenue.
I’m sharing this story to not debate the need of returning residence for Tet, however to specific my viewpoint: individuals shouldn’t let financial issues symbolize their satisfaction, because it results in pointless burden, particularly with the numerous worth hikes throughout Tet, which eat into many individuals’s financial savings after working arduous for the entire 12 months.
We should acknowledge that the choice to work far-off and return residence for Tet is predicated extra on emotional wishes than monetary practicality. Due to this fact I believe cash shouldn’t overshadow feelings throughout Tet. Folks within the countryside also needs to keep away from exerting undue stress on relations dwelling afar. The essence of going residence for Tet is the reunion itself, not the amount of cash one brings.
What are your ideas on this subject?