Written for https://lindaghill.com/2024/11/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-23-2024/

Sometimes, in conversation, people say I am just a cleaner when talking about their minimal wage jobs. Like it is insignificant against being an accountant, pilot or a teacher. I disagree. If they couldn’t make things shine, we would work in a different space.
My mum and mother-in-law, who worked part time, would start in the early hours to polish, wipe clean, and create an area where we could feel comfortable. The same in a school. We wouldn’t have such nice classrooms without dedication to their work.
When I see them in the corridors, I show them the same respect, by saying, Sir or Miss.
I volunteer in my local theatre, and the one annoyance I have is that customers do not take their plastic cups, and sweet wrappers with them. None of the front of house staff does their job for free, and it helps to be mindful of that.
Mum’s advice; hold on to your rubbish until you find a bin. For the same reason, if we are on a beach, we won’t leave anything behind.
Nobody is just a cleaner; they are essential.
Absolutely true Diana. Everyone’s job is important and so is the respect due to them.
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Yes, most of the time they are working for minimum wage, and struggling financially
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Yes that’s the sad reality
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😔
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Wonderful reminder. My husband supported our family as a custodian. An underappreciated job until they’re absent then people get upset. 😉
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Very true.
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Very true. The pandemic should have taught everybody just that 🤗
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Exactly so.
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I think you show cleaners the most respect when you clean up after yourself.
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Exactly, it isn’t difficult.
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Valid points. Respect should not be tied to job titles. I get frustrated when I see people who don’t clean up after themselves too. I also hold on to the trash until I can find a bin for it.
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Me too, it can be put in a bag until later
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Absolutely true, Diana. I hate when people look down their noses at maintenance workers. Let me tell you, when they decide to strike, you know it.
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They would find it difficult
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Yes, indeed
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Cleaners are definitely essential, they are much needed every single day!
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They should be paid more.
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