I had a very surreal experience recently related to my work life that has made me wonder about a so-called classless society.
A good friend started a cleaning and concierge business, but with a full-time job, she has little time to grow her business. Since I freelance and have flexibility in my work schedule, I offered to do some marketing for her. Because this is a new venture, capital is tight and she can’t hire enough employees. So…she and I have been cleaning houses. I’ve never felt that any jobs were beneath me and I want to help out a pal, but my preference would be to not clean houses – I don’t even like to clean my own.
The surreal experience happened shortly after I cleaned her best client’s home. Although I often dread attending women’s networking events, I know they are critical to developing business. So I quit writing at 5:00 p.m., foofed up to look like a grown up and went to the event. Coincidentally, the cleaning client is also a member of this networking group and I ran into her talking to another member. We said hello, she checked out my outfit (quite different than my cleaning duds) and we stood there looking at each other. For a brief moment, I wondered if she would introduce me as her cleaning lady!
What this client probably doesn’t know is that between us, my friend and I are probably the most degreed, professionally licensed and certified house cleaners in the state. But that doesn’t stop us from earnestly discussing the merits of a new Swiffer mop. Nor does she turn down cleaning jobs that we will end up doing. Would I rather be getting paid to write? Sure, but honestly, I can use the extra money.
This made me think about how we always hear that ours is a “classless” society, that everyone is on the same playing field. But look at how certain workers are viewed and treated. Would you ask the guy who empties your office wastebasket to come to happy hour? Probably not, but he might not want to hang out with you either.
Unfortunately, there is definitely a perception in our society that one job holds higher esteem than another. In addition to my house cleaning foray, this was reinforced lately when I went across the street to borrow a crescent wrench from my neighbor who has more tools than God. He used to build race cars, has a heating and cooling company and can fix anything.We chatted for a bit and he told me that he calls his side of the street the “blue collar” side and ours the “white collar.” That surprised me, but he said it with a smile and I detected pride on his part (and disdain for our side). (Read: White Collar Versus Blue Collar)
Hey, personally I value a good mechanic (I’m not even sure how this job came to be viewed as blue collar?) as much, or maybe more than a good doctor. I guess it depends on what’s broken at the time. Right now, it’s my tractor mower.
I’m not espousing an egalitarian world; I think that’s naïve and I’m a realist. But take a look at your own belief system about certain kinds or work and the people in those jobs. Maybe it could be tweaked?
This is a post by Nancy LaFever. You can read more from her at the Centre for Emotional Wellbeing blog.
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