Be proud of what you do.

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.