KOCHI: Her confidence, strength and positive approach saw her through tough times, when her husband was diagnosed with kidney problems. Annie Jose had to look after two daughters and a son too. Balancing her job as an accountant at a firm in Kochi and home became chaotic till she decided to quit and assist her husband at his garage at Nettoor. This was three years ago. Ever since she has been wielding the mechanics’ tools and learning the tricks of the trade. She changes wheels, brake shoe or oil with ease while her assistant Mansoor helps in other work. “I was at sea when I came here. I used to help others and learn by watching them work. But when one of our senior workers left to set up his own garage, I stepped into his shoes, of course with my husband’s support,” said Annie.“I started this spare parts joint,” she says pointing to an adjacent room. “Earlier, we lost a lot of time and energy fetching chains, bulbs and other fittings from Vyttila. Now everything is within hand’s reach. We go to Vyttila only for major engine works,” she added. Proud of her job, Annie says women should outgrow the wrong notion about white-collar jobs. More women should come into this field instead of cribbing at home about securing jobs.“My days here are tension-free as I am at my husband’s side always. We leave our home at Kumbalam by 9 a.m. after completing the household chores and down the shutters by 8.30 p.m,” she said.And entertainment? “We go out or visit relatives on Sundays and I don’t waste time on movies,” says Annie.That she enjoys every minute of her work is writ large on her face. Indecisive about taking part in Women’s Day Celebrations, she said, “I was an active member of Women’s Integrated Development Society in Kumbalam which is gearing up for the celebrations tomorrow.”
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