(This article is taken from chapter 44 of my book, My Dearest Children.)
BOOKER Washington wrote, “There is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem”.
It is rightly said that dignity of work resides in a man’s heart and attitude rather than in his job description. Whatever our job description is or what type of uniform we wear; no matter what tools we use to perform our jobs or what door or area of the building we work in; love for what we do is the key to working with dignity. Prestige of work does not equate to dignity of work. Neither does it necessarily equate with the amount of compensation. Prestige is what others think of your job, dignity is what you give to it.
“Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.”
- Max Ehrmann, Desiderata -
My dearest children,
We have allowed you to go to the country’s better schools. You have, or will have pursued the courses of your choice, inclinations, and abilities. (Not some course forced upon you by us)
However, as you go through life, you may be surprised, pleasantly or otherwise, that you may take or will be taken on a path that you may never have expected. With technology changing so quickly, many tasks can become redundant, unnecessary, or less relevant. In like manner, new opportunities and careers will be available.
Demand for certain professions, products or services increase or decrease in time. Be watchful. Be your best in whatever career, profession, or business you choose to be in. Being the best does not mean being better than everyone else. You do not have to be No. 1 all the time. It simply means being the best you can be! Be happy with your work.
Look not down on others. Some careers or businesses may be less prestigious than others, but compensation may not necessarily move in the same direction. If compensation or profit motivates you, forget prestige. As they say, you can’t eat prestige. Perfect examples in our country are the businesses of the junk collector or the pig slop collector. Their jobs may not be prestigious, but their recycling business or backyard piggeries have the potential of generating income bigger than some office executives. Respect each other’s profession. Remember, there is dignity in work, in all kinds of work.
Prestige is all in the mind…of others!