Dirty Jobs

Dirty Jobs

Certain jobs get a bad rap because nobody wants to “get dirty” or they aren’t influential positions that get people noticed.

Those “dirty jobs” are what build our integrity and a strong work ethic; It’s what it takes to show up, day in and day out, overcoming the thoughts of “Why am I doing this?” to “I am grateful for the experience.”

Imagine, an 18-year-old young woman working at a chicken processing plant. She arrives at 6:30am to the job site wearing oversized fishing boots borrowed from her grandfather, baggy jeans, and an old hand-me-down brown Carhart jacket, with hairnet in hand. The other union workers scoffed at the newbie.

“What’s she doing here? She probably wouldn’t last a day!”

Well, they were wrong!

That 18-year-old was me, showing up to work because it was the only livable wage job in town for a fresh out of high school graduate who needed money for college.

Did I love the job?

NO! And that would be an understatement!

Although I found myself rising to the challenge and turning “lemons into lemonade” or should I say cold chicken into chicken soup for the soul. As the experience still nourishes me to this day.

What is "nourishing" about working in a chicken processing plant at a balmy 50 degrees F, working the “cutting line,” and seeing some disgusting things? ?You may be wondering...

Knowing I was doing something for myself, no matter the conditions, which built tenacity - If I can do this job, I can work anywhere! ?

Anyone faced with a “dirty job,” or an unfavorable task, can easily get discouraged. To help shift the perspective and enhance Emotional Intelligence, here are some tips to avoid giving up on yourself:

??Stick it out and do not quit! People respect dedication and showing up & follow through. This is about teamwork.

??Do your best and ASK questions. Nobody starts a new position/task and knows everything.? Being curious shows veracity.

??When asked (or expected) to do the “dirty” work, accept it is part of the experience. Most likely others had to go through the same “stuff.” Stepping up without complaining shows true integrity.?

??Help others out. Yes, the job will be challenging and there might be times when you just want to finish your shift/task and leave. Offering a hand can go a long way, it shows consideration and builds a foundation for a cohesive work environment.?

??And most IMPORTANTLY, always check your hairnet for “scraps” before leaving the floor!

?Starting in the “trenches” might not be the most glamorous, although the learning experience is worth more than money can buy!


What “dirty jobs” have you done?

Did you learn more about yourself?

How has the experience impacted your current work ethics?

I hope you reply in the comments, this can get interesting!

?

Remember we all have to start somewhere, and it doesn’t matter “where” it matters How YOU show up!

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Keep Living With Intention my friend!

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??Learn about other wellness services I offer to ease the mind & body on my website Living With Intention.co

?Want a new approach to wellness? Tune in to my YouTube channel for inspirational interviews with AMAZING “guest-perts” in their field.

Joshua Franklin

We Sell Businesses - CBI Team | X Walmart | X Home Depot | Once a Marine Always a Marine

4 个月

This is ??'s ... I've done many hard jobs and they've always grown me . Its when we stop doing the hard jobs when softness creeps in.

Claudia Marulanda

Inspiring individuals to envision and reconnect with their inner artists for joy and personal transformation ?????? | Portrait Artist | Graphic Designer

5 个月

Great article April Wyett. Funny thing is that when I build my first business that’s when I had to do the dirty jobs and it taught me to have much more appreciation for those who do it.

Erica Allen

We help businesses protect their brands, avoid costly mistakes and create growth/financial opportunity through IP. Check out our website for more information & schedule a complimentary call.

5 个月

Great read April Wyett! It's a great reminder that tough jobs can teach valuable lessons. Keep living with intention!

Kelly Wagner

Fractional CMO | Podcast Host | Champion for Business Growth and Women's Empowerment

5 个月

What a fantastic read April Wyett! Beautiful message.

Barbara Hazelden

The Verbal Alchemist * I Transform Ordinary Words into Uncannily Effective Messages * Long-Form Articles & Executive Ghostwriting * Storytelling-Based Narratives * Adeptly Humanized AI-Written Copy

5 个月

April, this is a great message, and I hope some younger LI viewers see it. And you're right that regardless of the job, you're building integrity and a solid work ethic. And those qualities will carry you through life. My first "real" job (at age 18) was working the evening and overnight shifts at a diner near a big GMC automotive plant. I remember cooking lots of bacon and serving some strange customers -- especially in the middle of the night. Then I would go home, freshen up, and go to community college for several hours. You do what is necessary to reach your goal. And I also filled vending machines at a big steel plant outside Baltimore. Can't remember why I picked that one... And speaking of "Dirty Jobs," have you seen Mike Rowe's series of the same name? Very interesting, to say the least! ??

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