We were fortunate yesterday to enjoy a visit from our favourite handyman, Mark, who put up two clocks, fixed a slightly loose fitting in the shower and put up a new rail for the shower curtain before he left without charging a penny, even though Noi tried to get him to take something for his trouble - and considerable expertise. If I'd attempted to do the same jobs, by the way, I'd have taken forever and made a cack-handed mess of them. Actually his basic reason for popping in was to pick some keropok that the Missus had ordered for him via Intan's mum (seriously delicious stuff - fortunately she gave some to yours truly as well) so he didn't leave entirely empty-handed.
Normally I enjoy chatting away to Mark as he works. He has views on everything and isn't afraid to air them and always makes for excellent listening. Unfortunately, though, I had something on when he arrived and had to leave just after he started. But I did get a chance to ask him how things were in terms of work and supporting the family. Sadly they are none too good. He's driving a taxi some days now to ensure he can make ends meet. The problem is that there're a lot of guys competing as handymen since they are feeling the pinch workwise and they themselves are seeking to make ends meet. Mark can't afford to turn any chance of work down, no matter what the hour.
As is often the case, I find myself puzzled as to the economics of all this. This is someone with seriously useful skills, really good at what he does, completely reliable and extremely hard-working. Yet he's struggling to get by. Go figure.
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