August 22nd, 2010

I Love My Job

Yesterday, I was in the checkout line at the supermarket.  The two guys behind me were probably Russian or Ukrainian (it’s really pretty hard to tell the difference, I’m not even sure all Russians or Ukrainians can), definitely drunk, standing a little too close to me and talking too loudly.  There was no real problem, they weren’t pushing in line, arguing or being aggressive, they were just a bit unpleasant.  I felt a bit sorry for the cashier as I realized that she, a middle aged lady who probably would much rather have been at home with her kids or grandkids, had to deal with people like that all day.  And homeless people.  And stupid people.  And shoplifters.  And everybody under the sun because everybody has to eat and everybody goes into the supermarket.

It made me realize how lucky I am to be a teacher.  More than that, I am a teacher of adults who want to be in the classroom badly enough that they are willing to pay for it.  Intelligent, educated people who want to improve themselves and get ahead in life.  They speak politely and they shower regularly.  A policeman has to deal with criminals all day long, a lawyer has to defend them.  Psychiatrists spend their whole day dealing with people who are depressed, neurotic or completely bonkers.  Shopkeepers have to deal with everybody.

I remember back when I used to drive a taxi, which is more than 30 years ago now, I became so tired of the general public that I thought just driving a truck would be a great job, because you wouldn’t have to deal with anybody else, ever.

Well, I’m glad I don’t do that because I actually like working with people, most of the time.  I’m just really lucky that I get to deal with the cream of the crop.