It’s a good position. The perks are excellent. The salary is satisfactory. However, one thing24-year-old garbage collector, the most challenging aspect of the job is not related to carrying trash cans. It’s responding to the question, “What is your occupation?”
In a rapidly spreading Reddit post, the young man shared his feelings about an unexpected emotional burden he has experienced since becoming a full-time sanitation employee two years ago. “Am I supposed to feel ashamed for being a 24-year-old garbage collector?” he questioned.
The post received almost 40,000 likes and thousands of comments — many from people who told him that the shame he is experiencing doesn’t belong to him.
Don’t Miss:
- Join the innovation that may soon take the place of plastic as we currently know it—Invest in Timeplast prior to the July 31st cutoff and assist in transforming a $1.3T sector.
- $100k+ in investable assets? Connect with a financial advisor at no cost to discover ways to enhance your retirement and reduce tax liabilities.– free of charge, no commitment.
The initial post stated thatcollege was never an option. Rather, he attended truck driving school, obtained his commercial driver’s license, and secured a position in waste collection. Earning $24 per hour along with benefits and job stability, he mentions it’s a position he could envision for the long term — yet there remains a persistent feeling of not measuring up. “When someone inquires about my job, I feel ashamed,” he stated.
Commenters immediately responded. “You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about having a genuine job,” one individual stated. Another referred to sanitation workers as “rock stars,” highlighting their role in preventing the spread of illness and ensuring communities remain operational.
Some people even questioned the job title: “You’re not a garbage man,” one person wrote. “You’re a sanitation engineer. You help keep cities running.”
Hot Topic: This AI-Driven Trading Service Boasts Over 5,000 Users, 27 Patents in Process, and a Valuation of $43.97 Million —You Have the Opportunity to Invest with as Little as $500.25
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, waste collection workers have a median yearly income of approximately $46,000, while those with more experience in urban areas can earn up to $60,000 or higher. That’snot much different from the average income for a typical household nationwide— and the position includes union benefits and retirement plans in various locations.
Others highlighted how uncommon it is to have a job at 24 that provides benefits, paid time off, and a defined career trajectory. “There are many 24-year-olds who aren’t achieving much in life,” one response stated. “You’re not among them. Keep your head high.”
And in an instant, the original poster mentioned that his viewpoint started to change. “After reading numerous comments, I’m definitely going to view my career differently,” he wrote in an update. “You’re all correct — picking up trash is quite significant.”
See Also: A lot of people are utilizing retirement income calculators to determine if they are on track – here’s an explanation of what this formula entails.
Shame isn’t always caused by our actions. It frequently stems from how society views specific occupations. However, these very roles—such as waste management, cleaning, and delivery—often form the foundation that supports everything else.
No, there’s no cause for shame. The true embarrassment would be allowing another person’s viewpoint to make you question your worth.
And if you’re still not convinced, inquire with anyone who has experienced a garbage strike to understand just how “unimportant” sanitation workers truly are.
Read More: Warren Buffett once stated, “If you fail to discover a method to earn money while you’re asleep, you’ll keep working until your final day.” Here’s how you can generate passive income with only $10.
Image: Shutterstock
© 2024. This site does not offer investment advice. All rights reserved.
SPONSORED
Retirement can present challenges, and a financial expert can offer assistance.Locating a skilled financial consultantdoesn’t need to be difficult.SmartAsset’s free toolconnects you with up to three financial advisors located near you, allowing you to interview your potential matches at no charge to determine the best fit. If you’re prepared to locate an advisor who can assist you in reaching your financial objectives,get started now.
This article A 24-Year-Old Opted Out of College to Work as a Waste Collector — Claims ‘It’s a Good Job’ But Still Experiences Guilt. Now He’s Questioning, ‘Am I Supposed to Be Ashamed?’ originally appeared on .
