This Labor Day I Would Like to Salute Those Men and Women Who Hold Most Under Appreciated Jobs
by While the rest of us are enjoying our extra day off from our days labors, I would like to take the time off to salute a few people who make our lives, safer, easier, and more enjoyable and never receive the credit that is their due.
This will be the first Labor Day I have had off in nearly 30 years. I have always worked jobs in the service industry, which generally meant that while most people were enjoying an extra day off work I was working just as hard and sometimes harder than any other day.
Since this is a very special occasion for me, I decided to look for some special way to celebrate. While I was trying to come up with a great celebration idea I started thinking about working and all of a sudden I was thinking about various workers and jobs. This lead somehow to thinking about workers whose jobs were unappreciated by the people they serve.
So I decided that as part of my labor day celebration I would salute those who hold those under appreciated jobs !
Garbage Collectors: You’ve all seen those lumbering big trucks make their way down the street. Those men in dirty jeans or coveralls jump out, grab your garbage can, and empty it into the mouth at the back of the truck and then jump back on and head for their next destination.
Some of you may have even, complained when they were late picking up your garbage, or were careless putting back your garbage can. But have you ever stopped to consider how long and hard these men and women work?
I have a friend who after spending months looking for a job finally found one as a garbage collector. Needing to feed his family, he accepted the job with gratitude. Through him I have discovered some things about garbage collectors I never knew.
Most of the garbage collectors in our area work a 55 to 60 hour week in order to collect all our garbage. New collectors have only a minimum training period of a few days to a week. In that time, they are expected to memorize many different routes as they have a new one each and every day.
The pay is only slightly above minimum wage although in the case of my friend he does make overtime which helps. It is a tough, dirty, and thankless job.
Dishwashers
Having worked in the restaurant business for several years I can tell you that dishwashers are the unsung heroes of the food industry. For hours a day, they stand and do backbreaking labor, scrapping dishes, hauling garbage and doing piles and piles of dirty dishes.
They are often looked down upon by cooks, waitresses, and even teen age busers and their job is seen as somehow less important than that of the people who prepare and serve the food.
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Post Commentiearnonline
On September 7, 2009 at 3:54 am
very good article. We take so many comforts and facilities for ganted. We must thank all those who serve us.
ginahinderliter
On September 7, 2009 at 4:24 am
great job!
Used to be Shelly
On September 7, 2009 at 5:58 am
Escellent tribute, Martie. I like that you added dishwashers. I cooked for ten years and dishwashers were often my saviors. And thank you for adding soldiers, they most definitely do not get the day off. Great job.
Marie Milton
On September 7, 2009 at 11:03 am
Thanks for sharing. It is important to remember those who don’t have the choice but to work everyday. But then they wouldn’t take the job in the first place if they didn’t want to : ))
Nikita K
On September 7, 2009 at 11:55 am
Some very nice choices and a really good intention by you martie. I think these people not only should be remembered just on labour day but we must keep them in our minds as we encounter them every day. A really nice article. A good read.
PR Mace
On September 7, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Very well written and nice tribute the these folks. I am a nurse so I have worked my share of Labor Days, I just happen to have this one off. My husband is retired Navy and is now a Resp Therapist. He worked last night into the Labor Day holiday. This was a good read.
Brenda Nelson
On September 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm
YEAH (although around here Garbage men do get this day off)
People who work in the food industry or retail do not!
I also want to thank the farmers who get up every morning and tend their animals…
I thank you for noting that many dog catchers actually like dogs. Its not their fault the dogs are loose, they would rather catch the dog than see it hit by a car I am sure.
Tremell Datoine
On September 7, 2009 at 8:12 pm
One could even mention call center employees. For most businesses SOMEone must always be available to take a customer’s call. This means that some poor individual has be to on the phone and available 365 days a year, So when you call up to ask a question about that new laptop, ipod touch, or cell phone on Christmas Day, be sure to wish that helpful representative a happy holiday!