This is a generation where a whole lot of young people only want white collar jobs, they want to be in a office with laptop/computer, with an air condition, wearing suits, having a company's car and the likes. Well, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but the sad reality here is that fact that we've begun to look down on our blue collar jobs, we've forgotten that these blue collar jobs are the very hands that keep our world running.
Talking of the plumbers that helps fix leaking pipes, to brick layers who build our houses, then to the tailors, welders, tilers and all. They all contribute significantly to our growth and they remain the real builders of every community.
We can't say blue collar jobs are lesser, no at all they are only different. They demand that you be creative, skilled and patience. Most people often refer to them as "Manual labour," but in actual sense they are "Skilled labour." Take for instance, personally I'm into picture/name frames. It really takes patience and great skills to measure, cut and smoothen the edges to make sure I come out with something beautiful. When I complete a work and get it delivered, I'm always thrilled at their reactions, and it reminds me that of a truth there's dignity in that which we do without hands.
And in today's world, what most of us chase isn't skill but status, and it ought not to be. We have grown up hearing that success means a suit and tie and not a sewing machine or cutter. Believe you me, that's a lie. A lot of skilled workers today earn far much more than a person working under air-condition, and guess what, they earn at their convenience with freedom and pride. An electrician, tailor or bricklayer don't wait till month end for a salary. They create opportunities every single day, they can even decide to not go to work/shop on a particular day, no one will query them.
The best thing now is to change our orientation and our thinking. Blue collar jobs are never a last resort, they are a path to not just independence but even self-respect. Without these people even the most beautiful office won't be, they are the ones who decorate, fix, and beautify the world everyone of us lives in.
To every young mind chasing their dreams, don't you ever look down on any job that requires that you make use of your hand, a Yoruba adage says, "atelewo eni, ki tani je," Meaning "Each person's destiny, fortune and success lies in their own hands." There's dignity, pride and beauty in every true and honest hustle. Forget about what colour your collar is, it has nothing to do with that, but it definitely has everything to do with the value your work brings to the world.
All pictures are mine.
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