There is this common perception, no matter how much some of
us may try to fight it that one job is better than another; that somehow the
way in which someone chooses to earn their honest living is subject to some
sort of hierarchy of respectfulness. It’s all around us and sometimes in the
most subtle of contexts.
I contend this is utter crap.
Our society is full of snobbery and hypocrisy. Not only do
we sit and watch X Factor judges commend their contestants and how they will
never have to go back to “shelf stacking in Tesco” but simultaneously we judge
those that sit on their back sides all day claiming benefits.
Though the job market is poor, it should only highlight the
importance of showcasing all types of employment on an equal footing. This will
remove the superiority complexes earned by no one and encourage more people
into jobs.
Many are depressed in their jobs; they are unhappy that they
are working in McDonalds; they are unhappy they didn’t secure that record deal,
get that traineeship or get that place in medical school.
But, why? A job is a job. I concede that some level of
satisfaction is required within a job but why be upset that you have a job? In this
economic climate, be proud. Be proud that you have beaten the crisis and still
earning a living. Be proud you are choosing not to live on benefits. Be proud
that you haven’t given up on yourself or those around you. Be proud that you
are putting your snobbery and hypocrisy aside in favour of this honest living.
And aside from the economic climate – still be proud.
We can’t all be lawyers, dentists, doctors and frankly the
world would be boring as hell if it was and we can’t all be interested in that
either. As clichéd as it sounds – we need the little screws that hold the desk
together. That’s not to “belittle” these jobs in any way. You’ll find the
little screws are the least substantial element of the desk but the most
integral part as well. This is directly applicable to our society today.
In the end of the day, job is a means by which you can then enjoy the more
important parts of your life. Like meeting friends down in the pub; taking your
better half out to dinner; buying your kid that extra special Christmas
present. When your job becomes the most important part of your life; you might
be losing sight of what truly matters.
We all half heartedly admit that the people that collect our
rubbish or serve us in bars make the world go around but do we act on it? Do we
actually believe this popularly said concept? When someone tells you they left
school at 16 and are working in Tesco – do you automatically assume they are a failure?
Maybe you don’t to this extreme extent but even subtle
comments can verify this deep seated perception. We like to believe that we
cover it up with clever sayings but the real challenge is to believe it.
So I challenge you. Dump the perception in favour of the
things that really matter. There is no need for it and frankly no room.
And let's face it, we all know the person giving us a BigMac in McDonald makes us happier than the Doctor that tells us we have crabs or the Lawyer that charges us £2000 to write a letter.
