Thinking what a job means
By William R. Jones
After reading Park Han-sol's piece posted Oct. 22 in The Korea Times, titled “Millennials redefine what a successful job should be,” it reaffirmed my belief that any work is not only a viable source of income but can be satisfying as well. Like Kim Ye-ji, one of my many, many past jobs was that of a Kmart department store janitor in Gulfport, Mississippi. I didn't hang any wallpaper like Bae Yoon-seul, although I think it would be a nice thing to learn.
I was a bit embarrassed at 27 years of age when my rich sister from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, visited me at the store. However, she assured me that all work was good work. Of course, I realize and see that now. Here at the university, I often half-jokingly assert positively and make known publicly that there are times when I am in much more need of an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) person or electrician than esoteric and arcane often obscure information from an organic chemistry professor.
American students, teachers and staff are spoiled. They will not compromise their comfort zone. For instance, when there is no heat in the winter classroom, all classes are canceled. Unlike when I taught students in Bongwha who simply kept their coats on and thought nothing of studying and writing in low temperatures. Perhaps, also, an indication of the value of education by all means.
In these changing times, it appears that some work, callings, jobs, vocations, occupations and professions are seemingly a bit more important than others, or a bit more needed. But no position should go unrecognized or be marginalized. A case in point is the tasks and duties of our housekeeping staff and grounds people who are overworked, underpaid and often not acknowledged for their much-needed contributions to the university.
Not only the administrative staff but the professors need to check their “prejudices and opinions,” as well as see the value in positions that are considered to be blue-collar. We cannot do without these laborers, but we can do without some taught subjects.
No one should have shame or feel disesteem because of their chosen work, which is oftentimes not a choice, but necessary. Everyone should retain a sense of their own value or importance and is deserving of respect. Kim Ye-ji and Bae Yoon-seul should be very proud Millennials.
One older brother and one younger brother retired from their positions at a reclamation center (wastewater treatment plant), more commonly referred to as a sewer plant. They worked four days a week and laughed all the way to the bank. They were in a higher tax bracket than most professors. As Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people, because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
It was easy for me to come down off my pedestal. I have been to the pits. I am an academic in an ivory tower, but I am not ivory-towered. That is to say, I am not divorced from reality and practical matters.
I trust that you, too, see it as Jenny Holzer (the American conceptual artist) said: “Everyone's work is equally important.”
The author (wrjones@vsu.edu) published the novella, “Beyond Harvard,” and presently teaches English as a second language.