Dirty Jobs? - Labor Day 2013

The graveyards are full of indispensable men.   - Gaulle, Charles De - See more at: http://quotationsbook.com/quote/19783/#sthash.3ZZWwhUP.dpuf

The graveyards are full of indispensable men.   - Gaulle, Charles De - See more at: http://quotationsbook.com/quote/19783/#sthash.3ZZWwhUP.dpuf

Young man, as you perambulate down the pathway of life toward an unavoidable bald head bordered with gray hairs it would be well to bear in mind that the cemeteries are full of men this world could not get along without, and note the fact that things move along after each funeral procession at about the same gait they went before. It makes no difference how important you may be, don’t get the idea under your hat that this world can’t get along without you —Abilene Reporter. (reference: quote investigator.com ) In 1909 a newspaper in Oklahoma printed the phrase as part of a larger passage that carefully delineated its implications [OKCF]

I've thought about this a lot and figured Labor Day (early even!) is a good time to write it. This will probably ask a lot more questions than it answers, and hopefully, make us think and discuss.

Who determines how much a job is worth? Whatever the market will bear? The boss? The stock market? The Board of Directors? The employee? 

If everyone could get paid the same, would that defeat the purpose of a higher education? Should people receive more just because of a diploma? What about on-the-job experience? How do you get on-the-job experience when you're trying to get your first job?

Some people would consider their job important, regardless of their job title. Some people would consider themselves a cog in the machine. They can do the job, but someone else could just as easily...at least with some training. Some people are at their job just waiting for the next and better thing.

If you've watched the show Dirty Jobs, maybe you have come to realize that there are jobs you never knew even existed! (and are glad you don't have that job!)  On the show Undercover Boss, a CEO, usually in a disguise, follows a few employees in their company. By the end of the show, the CEO understands more about those employees....and the jobs they do. Personally, I find it most amusing when the CEO has no idea what the job entails or how to do it.

Ideally, a supervisor should work their way up the ladder so they can truly lead and understand the employees positions. At the very least, a good leader should keep in mind to listen and accept input from the person actually required to do the job.....before they commit to the task....not tell the employee this is what needs to be done....now find a way to do it.

Some jobs are very necessary, but often under-appreciated. One that comes to mind is a custodian/janitor/custodial engineer. Often dealing with messes that someone's own mother probably would not clean up (ATTENTION: Your mother does NOT work here!), able to whip out a mop bucket and place a caution sign so unsuspecting citizens don't fall on their *ahem*, and clean up bodily fluids from who knows what orifice. All with a smile....and their name on their shirt. (really? what other job requires this?) However, since this job often occurs behind the scenes or after hours, we may not appreciate the true value of this job. Could you imagine using a bathroom that has been used hundreds of times....and not cleaned properly? Enough said.

Some jobs we do, there is no way to compensate monetarily. I'm thinking of parents. Moms (LABOR day...whole different meaning) and/or dads that stay home and take care of their kids....and everything else in the home that needs to be done. Sometimes, it's easy to feel inadequate when the topic of jobs comes up and a mom or dad is staying home with the kids. How do you describe all you do in a day? There's no way to describe the frustration of a child with a cold....or siblings are fighting AGAIN(!), but the joy of hearing their laughter when they feel well, they are getting along....or when they say their first words and take their first steps. NEVER underestimate your worth as a parent!

There are many more I could cover (CEOs, Government, unemployment/laid off etc), however, this is getting rather long. I don't want to make it a job just to read this! ;)

Kind of funny that we celebrate our work.....by taking the day off. Enjoy your day. Work at enjoying your job. I pray that you may find fulfillment in whatever you are called to do.

Colossians 3:22-25 (MSG)
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.