So close and yet so far – An interview with Ilkenia Anyelith Rodriguez 

Ilkenia Anyelith Rodriguez, 54, comes from Chiriquí, Panama, near the border with Costa Rica. After visiting her sister in Milan, she spent over 20 years in Italy, together with her sister and parents. Since 2015, she has been in Switzerland, working as a cleaning assistant. 

How did you come to Switzerland? 

My sister emigrated to Italy. When I visited her there, we went on vacation to Switzerland together. The green landscape, the nature, and the mountains immediately reminded me of my hometown, Chiriquí, which I liked very much. I was 23 years old at that time and never thought I would be working here someday. 

What was the biggest challenge for you in Switzerland? 

I lived in Italy for over two decades. During the day, I worked in the cafeteria of a clinic, and in the evenings, I completed my training as a nursing assistant. After successfully completing my training, I had the opportunity to do an internship in a hospital and later worked in a facility for young people with Down syndrome. But in Italy, my expenses regularly exceeded my income. In Switzerland, on the other hand, you could simply earn better. So I decided to move to Switzerland and apply for a work permit. It took a while before I could work legally here. Finally, in 2015, I was hired by a cleaning company and worked there for two and a half years. 

How did you become a household help? 

Initially, everything went smoothly at the cleaning company. Over time, however, the salary was no longer paid on the 15th but on the 20th of the month. Moreover, I often had to commute long distances, from Zurich via Winterthur to Bülach. I had a tight schedule. A client for whom I worked through the cleaning company recommended me to her sister, and she, in turn, to her colleague. After that, my working hours at the cleaning company decreased, and eventually, I started working only as a private household help. 

What is it like for you to have multiple employers?  

(Counts on fingers) I have a total of 15 private employers, most of whom I only see every two weeks. It’s challenging but doable. All you need is good organization. I keep regular contact with my employers and inform them about the days I’m available so I have the right keys with me. The popular days, like Thursday or Friday, are quickly taken. Furthermore, I make sure that the households I commute between are close to each other. 

What do your employers particularly appreciate about you? 

My calm and positive demeanor. Once an employer said to me, «It somehow feels different when you’re here.» Statements like that bring me joy. But the greatest compliment is when my employers recommend me further. That shows me that they are happy with my work. 

What music do you listen to at work? 

Actually, I prefer listening to the news. Because they speak more slowly, I understand much more and can improve my German. When no one is at home, I like to sing Spanish songs. I remember once when I was vacuuming, and suddenly my employer stood behind me and said, «You sure do like to sing, don’t you?» (laughs). That was a bit embarrassing for me then. 

What do you do after work? 

Occasionally, I meet with my friends for a cup of tea. I make sure that work is avoided as a topic at the table. Once I’m off work, it’s time to relax. Back home, I prepare my dinner. Since I’m not particularly fond of cooking, I like to prepare a bit more to take to work the next day. 

Where do you go on vacation? 

The last time I was in Panama was eleven years ago. As my family lives in Milan, I have the opportunity to visit them by train on weekends or have them visit me here in Switzerland. I also enjoy spending time in Croatia, Spain, and France. 

What are your plans for the future? 

I would like to work in the care sector again, like I did in Italy. Be it in a retirement home or hospital. That’s why I’m making an effort to improve my German skills.