I’m Just A ………

A few weeks ago I listened to a radio talk-back show where the host asked the caller what she did for a living. Her reply was, ‘I’m just a secretary’. This took me back 54 years when I began my painting career. For the first 18 years when someone asked me what I did for a living my reply was, ‘I’m just a painter’.

So why do people answer in a way that degrades themselves in what they do?

In my case I lacked pride and self-esteem in myself and what I did for a living and sadly, it took me many years to break out of that way of thinking. Now, when I hear someone say, ‘I’m just a………..’, I tell them the following.

‘No matter what employment you are engaged in, even if it’s menial, repetitious, and not ‘rocket science’ type of stuff, working is vital for your physical and mental health. Besides the obvious fact that most of us need to work to make a living, having a job promotes independence, personal achievement and boosts your confidence by giving you purpose and self-worth. Employment also makes you responsible in the task you do. By making decisions every day you are contributing and adding value to your workplace. You will learn new skills and may even gain more experience with on-the-job training, which then could pave the way for other work opportunities and promotion.

Humans are also natural social beings. By going to work it gives you the opportunity to make new friends and meet people you may otherwise come across outside of work. Also, working with others can improve your confidence and social skills, and by having these people at your side will make the daily workload more enjoyable. When you look at it overall, your job helps shape you into the person you are.’

So next time someone asks you your occupation, stand tall, be proud, be positive and say, ‘I Am A ………..’

Jim Baker www.mytools4business.com