to feel upset that they 'felt sorry for me'?

[GamoraT]

I'm a cleaner in a big train station. I didn't dream of becoming a cleaner and it's by no means my ideal job, but it's mine and I do it well. A bunch of women walked past me on my shift recently and I heard them say that they felt sorry for people like me, doing jobs like the one I do. This has stuck with me for a few days now and I feel I need to post about it. Do people really see those who are doing jobs such as mine as less? People they need to feel sorry for? I just don't know how to feel about that comment and am gutted that that's how I was categorised...

I'm a cleaner. I hate cleaning toilets. When I say I'm a cleaner some people look down at me but I dont let it worry me.

Do you feel sorry for this person? (I do!!)

You feel sorry for plumbers? I know one. He says "shit under the fingernails" is part of the job. But he owns two houses.

That upsets me too. What kind of hell would we live in without cleaners - can you actually imagine?!! My first job was an office cleaner (including toilets) and I enjoyed it. Much more satisfying than my other teenage jobs of waitressing and till work and I didn't have to be nice to horrible ungrateful people. Respect from me OP.

In the past I've been a cleaner at a few different places. I know lots of people who have had long term cleaning jobs. I respect cleaners.

I get it but please remember:
They were dicks.
It’s an honest days work for an honest days wages.

The fact is it’s all relative. I feel sorry for paramedics and hospital staff for having to deal with abusive idiots members of the general public - all other things being equal I’d genuinely rather be a cleaner than be a paramedic so it’s horses for courses.

I think instead of being upset , you should feel proud that you can do a job that many of us feel we couldn't do . I think its the type of job that you have to blow your own trumpet . It should be appreciated much more than it is and better paid x

I get exactly why you’re pissed off! How rude! A job is a job. I’ve been a cleaner and I’ve been quite high up in the legal industry. I’d take cleaning any day... less hassle, less stress and obvious results of a job well done.

I don't feel sorry for you and I don't feel you are somehow "less". Cleaning is an essential infrastructure role. I am glad however that I am not a cleaner because I wouldn't want to do it. I like the job I do have. My feelings above anything are gratitude to the people who do want to/are prepared to do it.

It probably comes from ambitions people have for the children, I mean are any of us told as children that our parents want us to be cleaners, empty bins or sweep the streets for a living?

I understand op. I think youve come to the wrong place to seek solidarity here though. This place is quite snobby at times. No offence anyone, but it's the way I find.
Personally I can see it as a job that gives a lot of satisfaction at times.

I have worked as a cleaner when I was younger. Was not such a public space but the mess some people left didn't bother me much after a while. I were gloves. Mostly I found the job relaxing. You immediately see the results of a well done job. Your mind is free to roam, listen to music etc. People who do manual work are usually less stressed at the of end of their day than people that spend the day looking at a computer screen. So if you enjoy your job don't worry too much about these women. Your opinion is so much more important. After all is your life

As you said it's not your dream job but I wouldn't judge you for it or feel sorry for you doing it.

I get why you're pissed off with pity. I don't think people with self esteem would make such a comment. You're in paid employment and contributing to society. The fact you're doing well and are content with life with hubby's salary combined means your quality of life is probably very good. Lucky you.

I get you, OP. I’m a dinnerlady and people think I just spend an hour a day slipping out beans. In reality, I do a shedload of cooking, baking, cleaning and have to know lots about allergens and intolerances.

What other people also fail to see, is that my work day ends at 2.30, I never work weekends, and I get 13 weeks off every year.

*slopping out beans, not slipping out. Lol.

I did feel sorry for you just because you are cleaning up our shit. But I now don’t. If you are moving forward paying your bills and getting a life who am I to judge you. Good for you xxxxxxxxcc

u are valued
i scrub loos for a job i bring in a steady reliable wage. i look after my boys well
most people that comment dont think they might offend,im blessed everyday by we ladies that compliment my job and loos

No-one should judge you for the job you do, whether you do it because you like it or because you have to. I’m always appreciative of people who work hard and do their jobs well whatever their profession (including the train cleaners i see on my commute). I’ve done loads of different jobs in my time, i’ve worked in retail, been a cleaner in a psychiatric ward, and now (after many years) I’m an accountant, but my favourite job of all was when i was a dinner lady! I worked with a fabulous bunch of people. The judgy people are just being that... judgy, and not worth your time of day.

My utmost respect for cleaners. I mean it. They clean up other people's mess. Sadly, it's underpaid but it is a very important job.

**On another thread, a poster remarked the measure of a job is whether you would be happy for your children to do it

• I’m a social worker and I love my job but I wouldn’t want my children to become social workers. If they were happy to clean I’d be happy for them. No job is below any other we need people to do all sorts for things to function.

I understand why you're upset op. I used to be a Chambermaid in a hotel and I'll never ever forget a guy I was dating introducing me to his friends and I heard his friend ask what I did and he said I was "only" a Chambermaid. I was so hurt. Thing is I loved my job, really enjoyed it and felt super proud of it. Needless to say I dumped the wanker.

I’m so sorry you had to hear that, OP. Your job is vital. Cleaners are vital. Nobody would give a shit or even notice if half of the jobs in the world ceased (apart from the lack of pay for the people who did them, but that’s not what my point is). Your job, however? If people stopped doing it then the world would go to shit, quite literally.

Value yourself; many of us value you.

Really sorry you had to hear them say that. It's possible they meant in a kind way? Rather than judgemental, but pretty patronising.

The thing is with being paid a wage to clean, is that you're in a better situation than many women who are cleaning up for their families for free everyday!!

I've been a cleaner a few times in my life. I quite liked it as a job. You can daydream a bit and I like working alone and being active - better than some other jobs I've done by a long shot.

I see what you mean OP. You can’t feel sorry for someone if you don’t know what their circumstances are. If you hated your job but we’re stuck in it, that would warrant feeling sorry for you. If it serves your needs and you are happy doing it, you are probably happier than many people in other jobs.

It is hurtful that someone thinks of you as lower/lesser than them because of the job they do. However they know nothing about you and never will. Their ignorance is their own problem and should not be yours.

This reminds me of an exDP who was temping as a station cleaner over the summer. He overheard a mother saying "if you don't work hard at school you'll end up like him". DP had a good set of A-levels, a degree and was halfway through his PhD at the time :)