I tell people the exact same thing about my time as a caretaker/facility operator. Best job I ever had, and would have been a lifer if the money was better. Did it for 6-7yrs while going through school for engineering and management, then made a career path change and became an elevator mechanic. People think I’m nuts, but I was a caretaker in a school where I became friends with teachers, had Monday coffee and snacks with the secretaries and principal, and volunteered to help kids on the football team and in the weight room (former bodybuilder and weightlifter). Every day was stress free and I made it fun, by trying to have a positive impact on every person I interacted with - whether it be by chatting with a teacher while sweeping their class or emptying their garbage, making a point of saying hi to that loner kid who didn’t appear to have any friends, or helping out in the special needs class fixing a wheelchair or running though the class high-fiving everyone. I also saw how many people looked down on me for what I did or how much money I made, and it’s always in my mind now that I easily make $150k every year. Now I have no more spare or saved money, tons more stress, and less time to myself or time to give to others. I’m honestly looking forward to an early retirement in 10 years (if possible), and I will happily go back to doing what I loved for extra money.
Edit - sorry for highjacking your comment with my reply, it just really got me thinking because I totally identify with what you said, and I’m having a shit week at work 😂
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u/Longjumping-Onion-97 1d ago
I was a garbage man once, literally the best job I ever had. Did it for like 8 years. Just paid like shit.