CEO’s & cleaning tables

What’s in a job? Does where you work or what you do really affect how people look at you? Is a CEO treated differently than a construction worker? As a good friend of mine recently found out, the answer is a definite YES. In order to get some extra cash in her pocket, she decided to start working in the cafeteria. While this may not affect how she is seen outside of the job, when she dons the apron some things start to change. Friends she’s had for years walk right by without so much as a hello! She may get the occasional sidelong glance, but for the most part she has been reduced to a status of invisibility.

All of her co-workers are international students, and when I asked how they treated her she smiled big and said, "They’re so great! Everyone is really nice to me. I invited a couple of them to come to our house next time we have people over." Interesting how people she’s never met before are treating her better, and with more respect and attention, than her "friends" do. Maybe it says something about her co-workers; maybe it says something about you. What? Are you afraid to be associated with her? I guess I had assumed the system of class hierarchy was abolished long ago … silly me.

But really, what’s the reason for the silent treatment? She is working hard, earning money, making new friends, and making all of our lives, well at least those who eat in the caf, easier … so what’s the big deal? C’mon people, this girl (who is actually quite popular) is the same person that you want to chill with after a soccer game as she is when she’s cleaning off tables.

So am I condemning everyone out there who sees a job as a defining characteristic of a person’s place in life? Not necessarily, but think of it more as a challenge I am presenting. Let’s open up our eyes and be real, kids! A gas station attendant works just as hard as an accountant and really does have the same feelings, needs, and aspirations. Take time to make friends with those bold enough to work the undesirable jobs around you. Not only should friendship be stronger than a person’s vocation, but look out … you may end up earning your paychecks from them someday.