Part 2....

After some reflection following my first writing on the subject of valued professions I got thinking that as consumers we can change this perception.  Our young people and even older people in certain jobs are not even treated kindly or with respect by consumers.  Maybe if we, as consumers, would show our appreciation for others then maybe they could feel better about their jobs.  This could snowball into better self esteem, better work ethic, improved quality of their work, initiative to learn more and be better at what they are doing.  What a novel concept.  As consumers, we could eventually change this warped view of what is important and valued in society.  We could begin to see that what is of real value is the person doing the work.  If the doctor or computer  person did not have someone to make them their coffee, prepare and serve their lunch, cut their grass, fix their leaky pipes…….  they would or could not be as good at their job because they would have to be learning how to do these other things in life.  They could miss their opportunity to come up with something life/world changing.  AND, when they do come up with that life/world changing idea it is important to realize that it is really those others in their lives that played an enormous role and allowed it to happen.  For without their help, it would never have occurred. Think about that one. 

How did we get here?

Who has determined what is an important job or career to have in this lifetime.  Seems that over the years more importance has been placed on doing jobs or having a career in technology, computers, medicine, law…… which are considered important and prestigious.  Owning your own business, making alot of money, having a big house, going to the right schools, shopping  at certain malls, driving the right car……  How did we get here? How did we get brainwashed into this belief system?  Plumbers, tailors, electricians, mason/bricklayers, deli workers, landscapers are all needed and valued professions.  Finding someone that is really skilled in those trades is hard to do.  It is a true gem to find a person that is skilled, talented, passionate and takes pride in their trade/profession in spite of the fact that society doesn’t hold them in high esteem.   One of the businesses my parents had was a deli and custard stand.  The customers that came in valued the fact that we knew their names (most of the time), but always remembered what they liked to eat and how they liked it prepared.  I found it to be so rewarding to hand a customer their sandwich or ice-cream and know that they really appreciated it.  For all I knew it was the highlight of their day. It was a rare occasion that I/we were not treated with respect.  I think it is because we (all of us working in the deli and custard stand) loved what we did, we took pride in what we prepared, and loved to see the smiles it brought to people’s faces.  My Dad used to say about working in the custard stand,” Handing someone an ice-cream cone was the happiest job in the world because everyone’s face would light up and give a big smile as they reached for their ice cream. “  He was right, we brought happiness and smiles to people’s lives, even if just for that short moment.

Recently there was an article in the New York Times about how Zabar’s would call back to work all their retired Lox cutting employees at the holiday.  These individuals were flown in from around the world regardless of how old they were.  If they wanted and were still able to work they got to come to work.  Customers would line up in front of their favorite Lox cutter for hours if need be to receive the fruits of their years of cutting experience.  Yes, this is an art just as laying bricks,  a good tailor…..  but it is sad, that for the most part, in our society these professions are not considered prestigious, worthwhile, lucrative…….  But they are!!  And the individuals that are doing them are gifted, talented individuals that fulfill a need in society and people’s lives. In many cases it can take years (even longer that it takes to be a doctor) to master the art of one of these professions.  Whether it is Lox or prime rib, you can have the best cut of meat or fish that was prepared to perfection but,  if a hunk was just cut off and put on a plate it would not taste as good as a piece that was carefully carved to the perfect thickness and in the best direction to assure most flavor and tenderness.   This even holds true for a master tailor.  Sure anyone can hem a pair of pants or take in a waist line.  However,  when done correctly, you can’t even tell the article of clothing had been touched and it looks and falls beautifully when you put it on.  A beautifully made sandwich or perfectly twirled ice cream cone is a work of art and will taste delicious vs a sandwich thrown together or a blob of ice-cream thrown on top of a cone. 

We are ALL doing important work in this world.  Making a sandwich or ice cream cone is needed as much as my work as a chiropractor.  In fact, I got as much pleasure from those deli years as I do as a chiropractor.  It is all about serving others and taking pride in what you do. The Zabar article reminded me of that.