In a world where professional identities often define individuals, 38-year-old Raja Mohd Zulfadli Raja Abd Ghani stands out as a testament to the power of hard work and humility. By day, he is a dedicated engineer and manager of an engineering team at a reputable company. By night, he transforms into a diligent cleaner, a role he has embraced with pride and passion for the past four years.
Raja Mohd Zulfadlis's foray into the world of part-time cleaning began in 2020 during the Movement Control Order (MCO). Like many others, he found himself working from home and with an unusual amount of free time.
"I began doing this part-time employment in 2020 when I was required to work from home due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). A buddy advised that since I had plenty of leisure time, I provide cleaning services," which he shared in an interview with Harian Metro.
Initially, Raja Mohd Zulfadli offered small-scale services, focusing on house cleaning, car cushion cleaning, and mattress cleaning. As he honed his skills and built a reputation for reliability and thoroughness, his venture expanded.
"I started by providing modest services like mattresses, car seats, and house cleaning. But last year, I started taking more initiative and offering commercial cleaning services.," he said.
Balancing two demanding jobs is no easy feat, yet Raja Mohd Zulfadli manages to do so with remarkable efficiency. He dedicates his evenings from Monday to Thursday to his cleaning duties and occasionally takes on additional jobs over the weekends.
"As I used to do sports at night, I think of it as exercise, so it's not exhausting. I work alone for the time being, but if I run into trouble, I'll call my neighbors who provide cleaning services for assistance," he explained.
Raja Mohd Zulfadlis's pragmatic approach to his part-time job is driven by a deep sense of respect for honest work. He dismisses any notion of shame associated with being a cleaner, emphasizing the dignity and value of the work.
"I charge RM50 per hour for cleaning the premises; the amount I charge for house cleaning varies according to the size of the residence. In addition, I learned how difficult it is to make ends meet when doing two jobs, and I have a greater understanding of the challenges faced by cleaners in society," he stated.
His dual roles have not only broadened his understanding of different professions but also enriched his personal growth. Raja Mohd Zulfadli proudly notes that no one has judged him for his part-time cleaning job, despite many being unaware of his engineering career.
"In my job line, there isn't much communication within the organization, but as we grow, I meet a lot of individuals from different backgrounds and observe how they interact differently," he added.
Raja Mohd Zulfadlis's story is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, the importance of humility, and the richness of diverse experiences. His ability to seamlessly navigate between two distinct professions while maintaining a positive and proactive attitude is truly inspiring. Through his journey, he not only supports his family but also challenges societal stereotypes, proving that every job, when done with dedication and pride, is worthy of respect.
Source: Harian Metro
