She said: 'Only people with no life would have time for overtime.'
I strongly disagree with her view, and find it insulting to those who have to work overtime, especially the low-income earners.
I am one of those people she referred to with 'no life'. I am 20 years old and am currently working in a job that requires shift work.
Not everyone has Professor Straughan's level of income.
If people can afford to enjoy life, who would want to slog away?
With the ever-rising cost of living today, many people have no choice but to work longer hours.
Take, for instance, people like my parents, who have low educational qualifications. They can hold only low-paying jobs that require them to clock in long hours.
My mother, a promoter at a supermarket, has to stand for eight hours every day, and gets a day or two off a month.
My father, a drinking-water delivery driver, has to carry gallons of water daily, and sometimes needs to climb up three to four flights of stairs in buildings with no lifts.
While growing up, I did not enjoy the luxury items my peers had. My brother and I had to hold down part-time jobs during our school years, so that we could pay the school fees and have some allowance.
So now, as I begin my life as a working adult, I try to do as much work as I can so that I can contribute to the family, and ease my parents' burden.
Of course, I would prefer a much more relaxed life - chilling out with my friends, enjoying my youth - but I can't. I have my responsibilities.
Even if I do less overtime work, there is no guarantee I will have more family time, as my parents also work long hours. And if we all were to work less, our earnings would not be enough to cover our expenses.
By volunteering to work overtime, I not only help to provide more for my family, but I also make it easier for my colleagues who are parents to spend more time with their children.
