Is There Such a Thing As a Dead-End Job?

Photo by Becky Fantham on Unsplash

Is there such a thing as a dead-end job?  It all depends on how you define dead-end.  If you define dead-end as no opportunity for advancement, then you would have to say "yes."  However, in my estimation any job that will support you in taking care of you and your family, that is not illegal or immoral, can be honorable work not "dead-end."

In a society that places so much significance in title and large salary, people have been duped into thinking that is what is needed to be happy.  Of course, you know that is not true.  Although you do need enough to pay your bills and take care of your daily needs, you certainly do not need to be rich.

Service-related jobs can range from low-end to high-end pay rate depending on where you live and the nature of the service.  During this pandemic, jobs in your particular field may be hard to find.  If you are not benefiting from unemployment or you have used up your stimulas check, then you might be looking at a service-related job as a source of income.

Cashiers, servers, mechanics, and the list can go on and on are honorable jobs. In fact, during the pandemic they are essential jobs that some people will not do.  Service-related jobs make up a huge part of the economic framework in any country.

In my particular area of the country, there are many service-related jobs.  The signs are always going up for "help wanted."  If you aren't making ends meet, then give this serious thought.

It could be time for you to switch your channel of thinking at this time.  Waiting for the right job in your field may not come up for a long time. That so called "dead-end" job just might be the thing that will keep you afloat.

And, who knows...you might actually enjoy the job!

(If you are interested in starting a small cleaning account, my book "How to Start a Cleaning Business on a Poor Man's Budget" has some great tips.)

Give Your Next Cashier a Double Thank You

Photo by Lip on Unsplash

And, a thank you to all service-related workers.

Hopefully, you have never looked down on people working in service-related jobs. Cashiers make an honest living supporting their families. They are working double duty now as the Covid-19 virus circles our earth. How is that?

The grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc. are flooded and bombarded with people stocking up on necessities. Lines are long, purchases are many, and the hours exhausting for cashiers. Even if a cashier is working her normal shift, it is intense. People are just buying more. Unfortunately, many cashiers are also working extra days and longer hours.

The glaring challenge is a lot more dangerous for them than the minutes of exhaustion throughout the day. Cashiers are facing a volume of people, possible carriers of Covid-19. The cashiers also handle money and at times credit cards. All of this is putting themselves in the front lines to battle this enemy.

To get what we need as consumers, these cashiers are actually putting themselves at risk.

They have families also that they go home to every night, risking exposure to them. Yes, in my book they deserve a double thank you and any expression of gratitude you can give them.

A few days ago, one cashier told me that she is exhausted. The lines do not stop from early morning till close of the store. At the end of the day, she still has to shop for her family and hope something is left in the stores to buy. Perhaps the owner of the store could put something aside for their workers?

I have always felt that any work you do to support your family, as long as it is not illegal, immoral, or hurting someone…is an honorable job.

So, if you are a cashier…THANK YOU…THANK YOU.

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Although I have expressed appreciation for cashiers, there are thousands of others working in other service-related jobs that are doing the same thing, sacrifice. As far as doctors and nurses are concerned, the pages of gratitude would fill a book. All are showing the spirit of sacrifice.

(I originally published this on Medium.com March 23, 2020)