I was scanning through LinkedIn recently and I stumbled on the profile
of a gentleman with the job title ‘Dishwasher at Boston Pizza’. He also
listed data management and other skills on his profile.
Dishwasher! I thought for a second. Shortly after, a bright smile
slipped through my face. I smiled because I see a man who is not afraid to let
the world know what he does for a living. I see a man who sees nothing unprofessional
about washing dishes. I see a man who alongside listing his job title, was also
bold to state his other technical and transferable skills. I see a man who
wants to do more in life.
There is an old saying that ‘there is dignity in labor’ and at
the core of this saying is the philosophy that everyone should be proud of what
they do once it is legitimate and not destructive to others.
As humans, we pass through phases in life and sometimes to successfully
get through these phases, we may have to adapt to a different situation than
the one we like or are familiar with. For example, to manage through a tight
budget or low income, one may have to shop at a thrift or discount store rather
than at a boutique or a large retail store. This ‘shift’ may appear
demeaning but may be the only way to get back on one’s feet without being
heavily indebted or dependent on others.
Embracing less rewarding or less dignifying opportunities or choices
may get one’s ‘foot in the door’ in accessing the next level. Rather than idling
away in the name of waiting for the next big break, take what you have for now
and run with it. God rewards diligence.
Being thankful, maintaining a good attitude and keeping one’s vision alive
will be important in adapting to new phases in life. Staying humble and
teachable and remaining uncompromising with one’s will to come out better will
also be essential.
Lastly, be proud of what you do and do not be afraid to let the world
know about it.
