In a context in which uncertainty surrounding pensions leads many workers to postpone leaving the job market, a 64-year-old domestic worker admits to continuing to work as long as she has the strength, fearing that the value of her retirement will not be enough to guarantee a minimally stable life. The situation reflects a common reality among professionals with long careers, but marked by low salaries and reduced discounts, according to the digital newspaper Noticias Trabajo.
The story is that of Ana, a domestic worker for around three decades working for the same family. Currently, he works from Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm, for a total of around 25 hours per week.
For the work he performs, he receives 850 euros net per month, an amount that includes Social Security deductions and the payment of two extraordinary remunerations per year. An income that he considers insufficient to face the future with peace of mind.
Stable work, short income
Ana spoke about her situation in an interview with the YouTube channel Viviendo en la calle, where she explained the difficulties experienced despite her job stability. According to her, living solely on her salary would be impossible. “Because my husband also contributes”, she stated, noting that her partner is now retired.
According to the same source, despite never having been unemployed in the last 30 years, she recognizes that her monthly income is barely enough to cover the household’s essential expenses, especially in a context of a general increase in the cost of living.
The biggest concern arises when thinking about reform. “I earn 850 euros a month and I will continue until I can’t take it anymore”, he confessed, admitting the fear that the future pension will be too low.
Impossible savings and daughters at home
When asked about the possibility of saving, the answer is straightforward. “None, zero,” he said. One of the reasons is that the two daughters, aged 26 and 21, still live at home.
Both completed their studies, but face precarious employment relationships. The eldest daughter works in the media area, without a stable contract, while the youngest recently started professional activity after finishing her academic training. Despite being employed, their income does not allow them to bear the costs associated with emancipation, which prolongs their stay in the family household.
The domestic worker recalls that the situation was different around 20 years ago. At the time, he was able to save because he had two jobs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, one of which he still keeps today.
As time passed, this possibility disappeared. The reduction in opportunities and the worsening of economic conditions meant that the financial margin became increasingly short. “Then the situation got worse”, he reported, cited by the same source. Today, continuity in work appears not as an option, but as a necessity.
Work as long as possible
At 64 years old, Ana is aware that losing her current job would most likely mean being left out of the job market. “I wouldn’t find anything,” he said, referring to the increased difficulties for older workers.
According to , despite approaching legal retirement age, he is not considering stopping working in the near future. Continuing in activity allows you to supplement your household’s income and maintain some financial stability.
When he looks at his daughters’ future, he identifies housing as the main obstacle. “In terms of housing, I see everything very badly”, he lamented, pointing to high prices as a determining factor in postponing leaving home.
A portrait that also feels in Portugal
In Portugal, similar situations affect many workers with long contributory careers, but marked by low wages and periods of part-time work. The fear of reduced pensions and the need to prolong working life are increasingly present concerns among those approaching retirement age, especially in sectors with historically lower incomes.
Also read:
