Have you ever heard someone make the comment, “They just need to get a job”? Maybe you are one of the very ones who say that. Then, upon answering your phone, there’s a telemarketer on the line. How often do you hang up the phone and say how tired you are of getting calls from those telemarketers? Guess what—that is their job!
I can’t honestly say I enjoy those calls myself. They seem to always call when I’m the busiest, but it dawned on me one day when I answered the phone that I had no right to judge. That’s their job. They might even hate this particular job as much as you do. But, you see, their end of the line holds more meaning than yours.
They could be buying baby food, medicine for a sick or dying relative, providing cooling or heating from their home, or possibly just struggling to get by. But it’s their job. Now, when you consider that, it changes everything, doesn’t it? Well, if it doesn’t, then I think that’s a very sad place your life and heart are in; I’m glad you’ve always had a job that’s highly respected in the community and among your friends.
There are some of us who have had to work less preferred jobs but are thankful to see a smile on your child’s face when they get a Happy Meal from McDonalds or a toy they’ve been wanting. Not all jobs are equal, but all hearts can feel happy and all beat to live. In so many ways, we are similar. Please try and remember that.
But, I admit, I did ask a favor of a particular telemarketer one day when she called. I told her I knew she was just doing her job, but that I was very busy. So I asked her if she got paid for all the calls she made or only the ones where she talked to someone, and was it okay if I let her pretend I was answering her questions so I could just lay down the phone and she could hang up when she finished? And no, I wasn’t being sarcastic.
Most of us show more compassion to others when our lives are in need of compassion.
On the other hand, there are a few out there who do need to get a job, but that could be for a different article. In the meantime, my take one it boils down to this: Not all jobs are for everyone, and not everyone even has the job they’d prefer, but a whole lot can be said for putting in the effort. After all, working any kind of job involves effort!
Until next time…
