Unsung Heroes

One of the goals I set for myself when I was a child was to work in a profession that matched my interests and suited my abilities. Upon graduating from New York University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies, I pursued my career aspirations, with a steady paycheck and some benefits serving as my entry into the workforce. But after years of toiling away in the cubicle farm -- I currently occupy a spot on the unemployment line -- I've learned it's not the management figures who are the most valuable assets to a company: it's the administrative assistants and the custodial staff.
These men and women perform underappreciated tasks that keep the office running smoothly, whether it's ordering supplies or dumping trash. Successful presentations and multimillion-dollar deals hinge on attributes as simple as making the boss look good while being surrounded by a nice working environment. It's easy to take their presence for granted until the secretary calls out sick or the janitors walk off the job.
Two observations I've made over the years are that most administrative assistants are female and the majority of cleaning people are immigrants. This is no coincidence, for women are the backbone of civilization and the United States was built on the shoulders of foreigners. Until the turn of the 20th century, history marginalized these groups' contributions to society ... but, in today's workplace, they’re making strides in visibility and importance.
Being a secretary or custodian isn't the most glamorous route to a middle-class life ... but, last time I checked, it's still a legitimate way to make a living. The people who hold these positions are using their knowledge and skills to better themselves and help their families. In my book, those are the goals worth pursuing in life.