Father says we need to adapt to stay afloat

By Aruna Lolani 03 August 2017, 12:00AM

Life is tough but we have to roll with the punches.

That means if you think the cost of living is too expensive, you have to do whatever you can to stay afloat. 

That’s the opinion of Taefu Asalele Taefu who believes far too many people only complain about the cost of living when they are not doing anything to help themselves.

The 54-year-old was on his way to see his grandchildren at school when the Village Voice team caught up with him.

“I know that there are many changes; some are good and some are bad,” he tells the Village Voice.

“But why would we let that, change the way we work and what we believe in? 

“If you think the cost of living is too much, then that’s on you not anybody else.

“Yes it’s true that life is not as easy as it was before but it doesn’t mean we have to change our work ethic.

“We have always been hardworking people so I don’t know why that has changed for some people.

“The thing is, when you work for yourself, when you work for what you need, you can basically afford anything.

“But if you don’t do anything and just rely on other people then of course life is always going to be expensive.

“I’m a farmer and sometimes I go fishing, just so I can put food on the table for my family. 

“And everytime I succeed in doing that, I’m pretty sure my happiness is the same for other people that are working in businesses to support their own families.”

Taefu added that growing up in a village has taught him to know the importance of the land and the sea.

“In this village you get to be free. You don’t have to worry about not having anything to eat because we have everything right infront of us.

“That’s why I prefer the life here; because whatever I can get from the plantation; I can either sell it or take it home for food.

“As you can see around you, there’s no hassle. We just work to make a living and live with simplicity.”

By Aruna Lolani 03 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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