Looked Down Upon
The service industry has caught a bad rap. If you are reading this, you are most likely in the service industry. You have experienced the stereotypes. Some of you all have even experienced discrimination. Maybe you went to an office party and everyone was wearing suits and ties. They were talking about career paths and when you mentioned you cleaned windows or pressure-wash they just gave you the sideways glance basically saying you are below me. But rest assured you will most likely have the last laugh. See what they fail to realize is while they are stuck from 9 to 5 in an office looking out a window you have the ability to set your own hours and be in multiple environments. They have to answer to a boss, you are the boss. While they are limited to an hourly rate, you get to set your own rate. They have to schedule two weeks out to get an hour off to see their kids play you can take the whole day off and go get ice cream after they play.
Now some get upset when they are looked down upon, me I see it a little differently. I enjoy the fact that the majority of the general public does not understand the rewards and satisfaction we as entrepreneurs in the service industry experience. I revere the fact that they do not realize that in order to run a service industry business you have to wear many of hats ie laborer, CEO, human resources, accounting, tax advisor, counselor, estimator, and we are able to do all this while building our definition of success. So next time someone looks down on you don’t get upset instead offer to buy them a drink and tell them about how you took the day off to go golfing, fishing, or went to see your kids play. Tell them how you just put new braces on your kids or took a trip with the family. And most of all be sure to tell them how you are living life instead of life living you.
On second thought just smile and walk away after all we do not want to give all of our secrets away.
Written by Joe Hardee
