Sustainable Excellence Xtras #121 - What Art Linkletter Learned From A Dirty Job

What's the worst job you ever had?

What's the worst job you could ever imagine?

In 2003, the television series, Dirty Jobs premiered. It starred Mike Rowe as an apprentice to people who performed dangerous and disgusting jobs. The show ran for ten seasons.

Rowe told Parade Magazine that being a sewer inspector  was one of the worst jobs he ever experienced because, "Aside from sloshing through a relentless chocolate tide, inspectors encounter a myriad of man-made products that shouldn't be flushed down toilets - along with roaches the size of thumbs and rats the size of bread loaves."

So what did Mike Rowe learn from ten years of performing some of the nastiest, most revolting jobs? 

He learned that people with dirty jobs are some of the happiest people he knows. Their life has meaning and symmetry.

He learned they have a tremendous work ethic. They know what jobs need to get done, and no matter how ugly or unpleasant the assignment might be, they accomplish it. They don't whine or complain. They just make it happen.  

Finally, he learned that America is waging war on work. We are taught to work a little less, not work so hard, and quit a little earlier...and for that, we should make more money.

America needs people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, get dirty, and build something, maybe a car, a house, or a bridge. People who understand that clean and dirty aren't mirror opposites, but they're two sides of the same coin. 

Please watch the short video below about a national television and radio personality who had a 70-year career in broadcasting, but learned a valuable lesson from having one of the most disgusting jobs I can think of.

Also, please leave me a comment about your thoughts on the importance of having people who are willing to make things in America.