The Job Nobody Wants… But Almost Everyone’s Life Depends On

Imagine this.

You walk into an interview and the HR starts reading out the job description.

“You’ll be on your feet most of the day. You’ll cook, clean, wash, and run errands. No breaks.”

You sit up.

“You’ll wake up before everyone, and go to bed after everyone. Oh, and if someone is sick, crying, or hungry in the middle of the night — that’s your shift too.”

Okay, that’s a lot.

“You’ll also help with schoolwork, fix broken things, solve problems, settle arguments, attend meetings, plan meals, plan birthdays, plan life.”

Hmm. That’s serious.

Then comes the cherry on top:

“This job comes with no salary.”

Ah. You start looking for the exit.

But Someone Already Said Yes… Without a Contract

You see, this job — this impossible job —
It’s already being done. Every day.
By someone who never signed a paper.
Never asked for payment.
Never even took leave.

She’s just known as Maame.

No One Works Harder, No One Complains Less

She wakes up before you.
Prays for you.
Feeds you.
Finds that one thing you lost but swore was “just there.”

She’s a nurse, chef, teacher, manager, counsellor, and bodyguard — all rolled into one.

And even when she’s tired, she still asks:

“Have you eaten?”

What If We Actually Paid Her?

GHS 2,000 for handling school mornings.
GHS 1,000 for managing the house like a CEO.
Bonus for all the emotional support, every single day.

But you know what?
She’d still give the money back…
Just so you’re okay.

But Maybe This Time, It Shouldn’t Be About What She Gives

Maybe this year, it should be about what she gets.
Not just flowers and phone calls, but actual rest.
Care. Peace of mind.

We’re not saying it’s your turn to do all she does —
But maybe it’s time to ask:

“Ma, are you okay?”
“What do you need?”
“When was the last time you did something for yourself?”

This Mother’s Day, Don’t Just Text.

Call her.
Visit her.
Say thank you — properly.

And then, do one better —
Encourage her to rest. To take care of her body. Her mind. Her peace.
Whether it’s a day off, a check-up, or just a quiet moment to breathe.

Because the one who made sure you were cared for,
Also deserves to be cared for.

From all of us at The Care Cabin,
We honour every woman who does this invisible, unpaid, irreplaceable job — with all her heart.

And we say:

Happy Mother’s Day to the real superheroes.
And may self-care not be a luxury for them — but a lifestyle.