Celebrating National Custodial Worker Day

One of the most under-appreciated professions in existence is that of a Custodian. Today is National Custodial Worker Day in which we recognize individuals who clean and maintain residential or commercial buildings.

Thank You to all of our Custodial Workers everywhere!

It is unfortunate that many people believe that custodial workers are uneducated, poor people and that by all means is far from the truth. By speaking to many people who work in this field, you learn that there is something awe-inspiring about the humbleness this position can bring. Many years ago, a friend of mine asked if I would like to help clean up a building with her, because she did not have enough manpower to finish the job in a given time allotment. I happily obliged, although people at the time thought I was demeaning myself, because I was working in an upper level management position that required me to be dressed to the nines every day. On the contrary, the thought really didn’t occur to me, because this was not something that I was above.

No doubt, custodial work is laborious and not the most appealing job at first sight, but it is unquestionably vital to public presentations, health regulations and spiritual groundedness. Each time you go into a public restroom, please be cognizant of the fact that you should not recklessly create a mess and expect someone else to clean it up, just because they are paid to do so. While it is true that someone is paid to clean up, try putting yourself in their shoes if you had to clean that area up.

If everyone responded in a manner of respect for the position of a custodian when they use public restrooms in particular, they would embrace the compassion that comes along with human respect and dignity. Don’t ever turn your nose up or look down on positions like sewage workers, waste collectors, house cleaners or janitors. They are not castaways, but ordinary people making an honest living, and unbeknown to others, many of them are financially wealthy. Unless it is a book, never judge people by their cover. They may be an angel in disguise!