The Jobs of My Son’s Friends
HAVANA TIMES – Yesterday, while I was in the kitchen making lunch, my son came home with a young woman who was very well dressed. She immediately came over to greet me. I didn’t recognize her at first, until she asked if I remembered her. “I’m Jennifer,” she said.
Then I recalled what had happened years ago, when Leonardo and a neighborhood friend were both interested in this girl. They argued over her, even talking about settling things with a duel. In the end, she chose the other young man, and they became a couple.
Jennifer now lives in the United States and has returned to Cuba several times. David had no choice but to leave Cuba illegally, traveling through several countries so he could marry her and be with her. He has been working in construction there, since they have a two-year-old son and a second child on the way.
I think it’s crazy because they are both under 25 years old and already have such enormous responsibilities on their shoulders. It’s not that children are a burden, but there is a time for everything if you plan your life well. And let me be clear, I’m talking about planning a life outside of Cuba, because it’s not advisable to bring children into an island that is becoming increasingly dysfunctional.
Because of his outgoing personality, Leo has many friends who share his interests. Most of them have chosen to work on social media. Right now, it’s an option that can generate income, although it requires decent internet service, and that’s hard to come by given the country’s ongoing energy crisis.
Even so, some of them have managed to become content creators on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. For example, Angelito promotes events that bring together people from a wide range of professions. Once a month, they gather in a particular area of the city to offer their services to the public, selling clothing, books, and other products. They also provide hairdressing and barber services. In the morning, there are recreational activities for children, and the event always concludes with a live musical performance.
Santiaguito promotes restaurants and venues where concerts are held and where young people can socialize and get to know one another.
Like the young men, several young women have also become involved, taking advantage of the opportunity to create and post their own reels.
Pablo, a childhood friend, opened a cell phone repair shop on the front porch of his apartment. It seems business has been good, because he was able to buy himself an electric motorcycle.
Each of these young people has found a way to distance themselves from the prevailing existential chaos, while the overwhelming majority of Cuban youth dream above all of emigrating.
Read more from the diary of Irina Pino here on Havana Times.