I stumbled upon this while searching for various images. I don't know why I've become more of an image commentator lately, but I used to do these stories about all the soul sucking and alienating jobs that I've had over the years. Being a custodian was one of them. So, I happen upon this guy's blog, Thoughtworm, featuring this post . It is totally true.I feel like I need to throw in some of my old stories again. There are so many people that are invisible because they work/live out of phase with the rest of the world. It is disheartening that this profession is marginalized by most people. You should be grateful that you are being taken care of by willing souls--people who do what most do not want to have anything to do with. You can lump a whole host of jobs in there, as well. I know that when I see someone waiting tables, I can't help but want to assist them in some way. Same with the "invisible" jobs--I always wonder who it is that is working at 3:00am, now that I do not have to.
One thing that most people will not even recognize is that it was not modern medicine that is responsible for the bulk of the increased quality of life, health, and age over the past century and a quarter. It is cleanliness and hygiene. Think about who is keeping your world clean for a second. They are improving your existence immensely.
Have gratitude and open your eyes for a change. There are invisible people helping you out. Didn't we call those angels, once upon a time?
12 comments:
Some unappreciated soul who cleans and makes life easier for everyone?
Hang on, aren't those usually called moms??
In my job we'd be shit-outta-luck without cleaning companies. I have the utmost respect!
Logophile said it best...and I AM a MOM...and I am an angel, unless you've caught me in a bad mood! :)
Grunt- I declare...one day, all of heaven will break loose on you- and you will have all your heart desires, and then some. Until then, I am thinking of you :)
And when I'm cleaning the bathrooms, or the kitchen- for the 1 millionth time...I will think of you. I really will :)
-me :)
You speak very wisely. You should be a head of state or a zoo keeper.
It's true. The world we live in is comprised of a myriad of "behind-the-scenes" people who make it all work better and we forget to appreciate them - thanks for the reminder.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for custodians. They're in my top 5 of favourite people.
I agree. The behind the scenes crew is as important as those on the front line. Maybe more important because without them the front line can't function. All jobs are noble.
Some of those front line jobs are the toughest work too.
But I think that finding a job that you enjoy and thats satisfying is above all important. If your happy it doesn't matter what you do.
Hear, hear, Gruntification. Well done.
I had a front-line, highish profile job for a long, long time. And I had a behind the scenes job for a short time, which I could not hack. It taught me profound respect for the different things each of us brings to the table. No job is without its merits or difficulties; doing glossier jobs in no way makes you better, smarter or more competent than anyone else.
From that point forward, I brought our custodian coffee, learned his kids' names, asked about his wife, etc. on a regular basis and made a good friend. Some people didn't know he was married. Or that he had survived cancer. Or that they lost their home in foreclosure. Or that his oldest was having a hard time in school. They were too busy trying to get their heads out of their asses, I guess.
For some time I have maintained that the people you need to suck up to the most are the maintenance staff, nurses(who can beckon the doctor and intervene for epidurals and drugs generally on your behalf), and anyone who will handle your food at any time.
Rock on, Grunt.
fantastic! oh so true. I think everyone should have service industry jobs at least once in their life. It adds so much perspective to everything and helps you to tip better.
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg: Oh, Father, you're so wrong. Let me explain.
[closes office door, places an empty glass on desk]
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg: Life, which you so nobly serve, comes from destruction, disorder and chaos. Take this empty glass. Here it is, peaceful, serene and boring. But if it is...
[pushes glass off table]
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg: destroyed...
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg: [robot cleaners move to clean broken glass] Look at all these little things. So busy now. Notice how each one is useful. What a lovely ballet ensues so full of form and color. Now, think about all those people that created them. Technicians, engineers, hundreds of people who'll be able to feed their children tonight so those children can grow up big and strong and have little teeny weeny children of their own, and so on and so forth. Thus, adding to the great chain... of life.
Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg: [Desk prepares a glass of water and a bowl of fruit] You see, Father, by creating a little destruction, I'm actually encouraging life. In reality, you and I are in the same business. Cheers.
ALL HAIL THE LOVELY BALLET!!
V
Dude, seriously that is some good stuff. It is amazing how much crap gets done for us.
Scott
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