The Value of Hard Work in the Professional World
Introduction:
In the United States, many individuals dedicate a significant portion of their lives to work, often exceeding 40 hours a week. This pursuit of hard work is driven by the belief that it is a virtue, enabling us to contribute to society, support our families, and excel in our careers. Over the past four years, writing the Work Friend column has allowed me to explore the practical and existential concerns that arise in the professional realm.
Reflecting on a Lifetime of Work:
With almost 50 years of work experience, I have traversed various employment arrangements, including hourly wages, commissions, independent contracting, and salaried positions. Throughout my career, I have encountered both fulfilling and dismal jobs, alongside inconsistent benefits and periods without health insurance. These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities of the working world.
Observations from Diverse Workplaces:
Having worked in diverse environments, I have interacted with individuals possessing unique personalities and work styles. Some were eccentric, while others preferred to quietly fulfill their responsibilities. In many instances, I assumed the role of the latter, maintaining a respectful separation between my personal and professional life.
The Humble Beginnings:
My first job was in the dish room of my high school dining hall, a position my father encouraged me to take to comprehend the value of hard-earned money. At the age of 13, as a freshman, I worked approximately six hours per week for a wage of around $6 an hour. Considering this was nearly four decades ago, it is remarkable that today’s federal minimum wage still hovers around the same range.
The Dish Room Experience:
Working in the dish room exposed me to a hot, wet, and steamy environment filled with the clatter of trays and the aroma of disinfectants and institutional food. The pace was relentless as trays laden with dirty dishes made their way toward me on a conveyor belt. Cleaning up after teenagers was a thankless task, often revealing small horrors such as mountainous salad bar remnants, peanut butter smears, and mashed potatoes dotted with fruit. While the work itself was not unbearable, my classmates’ lack of consideration made the job more challenging.
Unseen Labor and Gratitude:
Within the dish room, my fellow coworkers and I sorted through dishes, glasses, and silverware. We diligently sprayed them with hot water, sanitized them in an industrial dishwasher, and stacked them for reuse. By the end of each shift, I would find myself sticky, sweaty, and exhausted. However, the respite came when I stepped into the cool evening air on my way back to the dormitory. This experience taught me to appreciate the often-invisible labor that underlies our convenient lives. Moreover, I realized how fortunate I was to be in that position temporarily as a student, while others endured it as a permanent job.
Conclusion:
The Work Friend column has allowed me to reflect on the multifaceted nature of work and its impact on our lives. From humble beginnings in the dish room to navigating various professional roles, I have gained insights into the value of hard work and the importance of recognizing the unseen efforts of those who make our lives easier. It is through these experiences that I have come to appreciate the complexities and rewards that accompany a lifetime of work.
