Worked in an office for over 40 years. Was blessed that it was mostly (about 60%) attached to a manufacturing facility that let me wander and socialize occasionally, while learning more about processes, procedures, and trying to improve both safely and economically.
There are two kinds of demanding work in this world, and I have been involved in both.
First one, is manual labor. Legitimately sweating your ass off every day, trying to earn a dollar to pay the rent, taxes, buy food, cover transportation, and maybe have a bit left over for fun.
Second is next level up. Legitimately working yourself to mental exhaustion every day, trying to earn a dollar to pay the rent, taxes, buy food, cover transportation, and maybe have a bit left over for fun, while trying to facilitate every hourly employee being able to earn a dollar to pay the rent, taxes, buy food, cover transportation, and maybe have a bit left over for fun.
Some of us worked both sides of that desk for years. Both sides are essential to success, personal, company, and economy.
Since I have worked both sides for many years, I don't appreciate the contributions from either side being disrespected.
In case anyone questions my experience -
TV repairman (when they still had tubes and could be serviced)
Farm hand
Landscaper
Construction hand
Rough/trim/finish carpenter
Pipeline hand (really many jobs, including grinding/hauling/labor/truck driving/equipment operator/gopher/straw boss/electrician/parts runner/store room clerk, and 42 other things)
cashier
retail clerk
retail manager
IT technician
machine operator
cutting table operator
AKAB/Anderson operator
Shift supervisor
Scheduler
Scheduling Manager
Implementation Team/manager
Purchasing Agent/manager/senior manager/director
Materials Expert/spec writer/testing supervisor
Supply Chain Manager
Operations Manager
Outside Sales
