People who are defined by their jobs
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
August 23, 2011 1:10pm CST
I’ve always had issues with people who are defined by their jobs. People who think they are so much important than the rest of us, because of the positions or careers that they have.
But lately, I’ve discovered that on the other end of the spectrum, people who are defined by their jobs aren’t so bad. I’m talking about people on the production floor. Blue collared-workers who take pride in their jobs.
My current job lets me deal with people on the floor. I’ve since learned that people who let themselves be defined by their positions take so much pride in the work that they do. They don’t own the company, but they are the ones that are most dependable, and could easily be relied upon to do good work.
While others who just see their jobs as a ‘thing to do’, don’t really care as much. They don’t care if they damage parts or equipment. Or create more work for others.
I think we’re laying off someone at the end of this week.
How about you? Have you noticed this in people too? Are you the type who takes pride in your work/job? Do you let yourself be defined by your profession?
How about you? Have you noticed this in people too? Are you the type who takes pride in your work/job? Do you let yourself be defined by your profession?2 people like this
9 responses
@Cutie18f (9551)
• Philippines
24 Aug 11
I guess we can't help it that people think that way because jobs give people a kind of pride and satisfaction. They tend to associate self-importance with the positions they hold in their jobs, but personally, I think some people do not actually qualify for their positions and that we should stop looking at people in relation to their positions.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
25 Aug 11
You are so right Cutie18f! That jobs are what give people pride and satisfaction.
If only most people live up to it, then there would be no issues. The problem with some is that not only don't they qualify, some have their heads get bigger than their jobs.
Thanks.
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
24 Aug 11
Taking pride in doing your job well and to the best of your ability is something that we can all do, whatever we do.
I've always had a problem with being asked 'what do you do' in social situations. What DO I do? When I was employed I went to the office during the day and did all sorts of things there, but when I got home I did many other things which were far more important to me. Parenting for example.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
25 Aug 11
This reminds me of when I coached my 5-year old son's baseball team. All the coaches were introducing each other, and when it came to me, I stumble with my words and just said I worked in a building. (I meant to say I worked in a building near the field).
And then I followed it up with 'I did things there!'.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
25 Aug 11
Well i have totally nothing against it. I think its all as it should be with people and their jobs. Kudos to those who do their job well. After all, God blesses people who works as if they are working for the Lord and not for men.
We really ought to take our work as important as the priorities we've set in our lives, through our jobs we are able to provide, through our jobs we are able to see that we get the things we want... right?
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
23 Aug 11
I never ask people what they do. I could care less if you are a doctor , the president of the company or a janitor! If you want to tell me ,I'll listen. I assume if you mention it , you Must be proud of what you do. But if you mention it trying to impress me , It Won't! So I haven't noticed if a person defines himself or herself by their profession.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
24 Aug 11
That's good!
I think it's healthier that way. That people don't say about what they do when they are among friends.
But if one keeps on dragging on about what he or she does, then that's a different thing. It's just making him or her more important than everyone else. And that's not very impressive.
Thanks Sarah.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
1 Sep 11
No, my job embarasses me, LOL. I think at my age I should be doing something better than working in a fast food type restaurant.. but it's a job, so what the heck. Even though I don't want my job to define me, I still do a pretty good job. I don't always enjoy my work, but that's no excuse to be lazy or not do the job right.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
25 Aug 11
I do take great pride in my job. I always try to think of ways to improve things within the company or to help make things easier for people there. I don't know if I am defined by my job..but I think that work ethics say a lot about people.
I don't think that people mean to make others feel the way that you described. My job is important to me but I have never felt like I was better or above anyone. I have had to address issues with people about their actions within the company but it was my job to enforce procedure...not because I thought I was better than them. I think there is always a lot to learn from others. I have met people that have straight up thought that their job made them better though. Maybe it is because they take great pride...hmm...never thought of that.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
23 Aug 11
I do my job to the best if my ability but I do not like it. however, I still work very hard. I love my part time job that brings me into contact with high end tourists and let me tell you something. The person born to money is usually more considerate and thoroughly nice than the person who may have recently acquired it. I have some gardeners that I can depend on to do the work without my constant supervision and I so appreciate them. I suppose it depends on the person but people who are happy doing what they are doing are generally more dependable. I was brought up to respect all people and this I still do.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
23 Aug 11
Yes I am the type that no job is too small and or too big. If I commit I give it my 110% of me or not take it on at all. I take definition of profession to a higher level as with work and or life itself, I think I clearly define to just about anyone who exactly I am. The taking on also applies to other people in general, where I commit, I see it to the end.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
24 Aug 11
Initially I thought that this was just a cultural thing. Because it is not uncommon to see people transplanted from other countries to be the hardest workers in a company. Recently I've realized that this is actually a personal thing, as I've more and more people that give it 110%.
Thanks HWG.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
24 Aug 11
I don't get my position at the office define me. I would do the works assigned to me by my boss without complaining.
But with regards to some employees who do most of the "physical jobs" for us, i treat them with respect. When i request for something to be done , i do it politely. I always think of them as my equals , so i treat them with respect.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
25 Aug 11
Respect is curious thing. People who seem to do good at their jobs get respect easily, but the ones that just make do with their work seem to demand more respect than necessary.
It's great that you treat others at work with respect. I think it's the only way to get things done, anyway.
Thanks.
