A LIVELIHOOD - A BEAUTIFUL ASPECT OF LIFE

Explore the diverse beauty of Vietnamese livelihoods and workers.

In the hustle and bustle of modern society, we sometimes forget that alongside the city’s glamorous beauty, there are always ancient and nostalgic aspects. Similarly, alongside the intellectual professions that have emerged with development, there are still simple, traditional occupations that have existed for a very long time.

Without ostentation or glamour, these professions quietly exude a simple, genuine, and unpretentious beauty.

Discovering a way to make a living

Along Vietnam's S-shaped strip of land, from cities to rural areas, we can easily find a variety of livelihoods.

In the waterways, the profession of ferryman is characterized by the rhythmic sound of oars and the sweet, melodious singing of boatmen. No one knows when this profession originated, but it is known that seeing rivers and waterways means seeing boats, and friendly, charming ferrymen.

And even now, whenever I have the chance to visit the Mekong Delta, I have to take a boat trip- not just to admire the scenery, but also have the opportunity to chat and interact with the boatmen, to listen to them tell stories about the river and life in the Mekong Delta in their charming, sweet voices.

Ferry journeys on the river

While the profession of ferryman is only found in riverside areas, there is a livelihood that can be found anywhere, from tranquil villages to bustling cities. That is the street vendor.

Since ancient times, the carrying pole has been associated with the long, echoing cries of vendors in small alleys and street corners. And from that carrying pole of memory, the street vending profession, although it has changed to adapt to the times, remains a long-standing form of commerce, intertwined with countless generations.

But this seemingly easy job is actually quite unforgiving. Because it depends heavily on the weather and luck, some days are profitable, some days are not. Therefore, many people with good health prefer this job to porters, because as long as someone hires them, they're guaranteed money. Currently, porter work still thrives in wholesale areas like markets, rural areas, and docks or waterways.

The sight of men with sweat-drenched shirts, carrying large, bulky sacks of goods on their shoulders, always makes me stop in my tracks. Because what I see is not just the weight of the goods, but also the financial burden.

The sacks on the truck were gradually emptying, but the financial worries remained.

But that is only a very small part of the diverse picture of livelihoods in Vietnam. These professions do not need beautiful words to describe, but need to be viewed fairly and meticulously.

A very down-to-earth beauty

Like other professions, the beauty of a worker lies not in glamour, but in patience, perseverance, and love for family and life.

Whether they are boatmen rowing across the river, rickshaw drivers carrying passengers under the scorching sun, street vendors, or porters struggling with heavy sacks of goods, each of them exudes a simple yet vibrant beauty.

I once met an ice cream vendor. Even though he hadn't sold a single ice cream all day, he was still smiling, full of joy and enthusiasm. When I asked him what made him so happy, he just laughed and said, "Because there's nothing to be sad about!"

Well, sadness needs a reason, but happiness doesn't.

To see their beauty, you have to look longer, look deeper into their stories, and the ways in which they make a living.

Conclusion 

The beauty of Vietnamese occupations and working people lies not in their outward appearance but in their resilience, faith, and humanity. Despite the simplicity and hardship of their work, they remain exemplary citizens, contributing daily to the cultural identity and becoming integral links in the functioning of society.

—----

CREDIT: 

- Photography: Luan Nguyen 

- Content: Giang Huynh 

- Design: Phuong Nguyen