Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Dignity of Labour: Revisited

Feeling ageless and being fearless is totally a concept for mental health and does not help much with the practicality of life.

These days, I am mostly breathless and/or helpless. It is like there aren't enough hours in a day! In spite of it all, I reflect on my days and try to fix the errors of my ways.

Yesterday, I know I said the following to G:

Who wants to be a lowly secretary?

We were in the middle of an intense conversation about other parents at school. Basically, we were Parent Profiling! Although the content of that conversation may be more entertaining than what I intend to write, I will stick with my usual sermon like mode of writing.

So, on the School Council, there are basically 3 necessary positions - Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. And to be honest, I worked my way up the ladder. I started out as the "lowly secretary"! Why would I say something so derogatory about a position?!

I didn't mean it that way. And I hope I never ask questions that way. Sometimes a secretary can be stellar and a chair can be simply "a piece of furniture"! A role does not define anyone. It is how one does in a role that distinguishes the person and brings dignity to that role.

A long time ago, ASid reassured Craigley by stating that his dad shouldn't worry as he would never be a janitor or someone like that! It was not a terrible statement to make; however, Craigley's best friend is a janitor. So, we had to sit the boy down and let him know that he shouldn't make such statements that put down certain professions.

Looking back on that moment now, it almost feels hypocritical. Yes, all professions must be respected. But do we actually tell our kids to go ahead and be janitors or secretaries?! Obviously, we expect them to aim higher and hopefully achieve more.

And if they do end up becoming a janitor or a secretary, I hope they bring dignity to that role.

While pondering such heavy thoughts toward the end of the day, I know where the hours in the day have gone. And sometimes it is not a waste of time. Not at all!
 

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