Did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine that being young, single and employed could be a disadvantage? Well believe it or not it can. The problem can be more acute if you are a BPO employee. As was the case with me. I migrated to Chennai about four years ago. When I was finding it very difficult to find accommodation I was told to try a working womans hostel. Which I did. But life in the hostel was like a trailer to a horror film. The food was barely edible. I was answerable to the warden if a came back even five minutes after the scheduled time. A close watch was kept on any visitor who came to meet me. So, I tried every trick in the bag to find alternative accommodation.

Though it was difficult I finally found a place to stay. I was sharing an apartment with four other co-workers. Everything was fine for a few months. Then suddenly we were told to search for new accommodation within 30 days. The reason that was given to us was that our irregular lifestyle and unearthly hours was causing security concern.

Though we have progressed in many walks of life women are still subject to some illogical beliefs. Shiela, a friend who shares a flat with two others says, if you have long working hours and your male friends are invited to your little parties, then be prepared to contend with lewd and scathing remarks that will certainly come your way.So, I have decided the next time I go to a strange city, I will make sure that housing is one of the facilities that the company offers. If that is not possible make sure that the next job change takes me to either my hometown or a place where I have friends, relatives or connections!