Very few people out there actually have easy jobs , no matter what it may seem like from the outside. That being said, there are definitely people with harder jobs, and oftentimes, they aren’t paid remotely enough for all the work they do in society .
A Reddit post asked people to share jobs they believe are criminally underpaid these days and boy, were people quick to answer, demanding justice for those doing the harsh work often behind the scenes.
The worst of it all.
“Social Workers. They see abused/neglected kids all day, awful living conditions, desperation and poverty. Hands are tied with the [ridiculous] amount of red tape, etc. Soul sucking job that makes one lose faith in humanity very quickly. No amount of money is worth the nightmares they must have at bedtime.”
Keeping it clean.
“Janitors. They clean up all our [expletive], get no respect, and are sometimes some of the chillest people I’ve ever met. We should pay them more.”
The world around us.
“People in wildlife/conservation.”
“Absolutely,” another user agreed, “People forget that nature needs caring and love just like human problems. […] if nature fails, so do we.”
Fighting the good fight.
“Teacher’s aid. I get headbutt, kicked, scratched, bitten, spit, kick, thrown up on, and peed on for less than 700 every 15 days. The parents are worse.”
Too much for too little.
“Public Defenders. I have a private law practice. The public defenders make a fraction of what guys like me make, know criminal law inside and out, and carry obscene caseloads. The system would break down immediately if they went on strike. Which honestly they should.”
Everything and then some.
“Worked as a direct support professional for adults with disabilities in a long-term care home. Cooked, cleaned, dispensed meds, bathed, worked on skills goals, drove, shopped, planned enrichment activities, and more. I loved the job most of the time. I really enjoyed helping the people live a decent life. Was paid $9.79 an hour in 2015. I left when I realized I could be a cashier at Walmart for that kind of money […].”
There’s value in respect?
“Scientists, imagine studying 10 plus years, holding the highest academic title possible and earning less than most common 9 to 5s that require little to no education. But hey, it’s honorable right?”
In-home care.
“A friend’s wife is an in-home caretaker for old people. He told me she makes like $12/hr. It’s a travesty. These people need to be trusted to do what’s best for people that can’t help themselves, as well as being trusted to be in the homes of those people, that can’t do anything about it if they aren’t doing what’s in their best interest. You would think they would pay enough to attract somebody that isn’t just hard up for a job, or maybe can’t get a better one.”
A wealth of knowledge.
“Librarians. A Librarian requires a master’s degree so that they can start at a salary that barely competes with Target these days.”
Another user wrote, “Yep, I work at a library. It’s especially tough for people just getting into the field. Only part-time no benefits jobs paying $13 an hour are available to get your foot in the door.”
Giving back.
” Good teachers.”
“Every good teacher I knew in high school has had to dip into their personal savings to help enrich the classroom. Whoever is in charge of providing so little disposable funding for educators to use while also paying them pennies for their work should be locked up. It truly is criminal.”
Lofty ambitions.
“Pilots. Yes, older pilots do well but new pilots have to take on so much debt, only to make maybe $600/week. What many people don’t realize is they get paid for flight time, not actual time. […] That, and regional pilots are often away from home for days on end due to their routes. There is a lot of ‘paying your dues’ for decades in that profession.”
Feeling rushed.
“I made 9.50 an hour as an EMT. Never ask ‘why is there an EMS shortage’ around me I will go OFF.”
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Someone replied to this saying, “Did all the schooling and certifications for it. Got out and realized I made more changing oil.”
Similarly…
“Paramedics are paid jack. It’s incredible. It’s a job I could never ever do.”
Another reply told a story, “In college I worked as a medical scribe in the local ER (a level 2 trauma center). The sum total of my training was like two days of powerpoints. I followed a doc around for 12 hours and typed up charts. Come to find out I made as much money per hour as the [paramedics] that saved people’s lives.”
For our animal friends.
“Veterinary professionals.”
“[Eight] yrs of schooling, six figures of debt that the salary will never help bring down, incredibly draining and emotional job, all for people to say you’re heartless for charging for medical care… [it’s] no wonder there’s shortages for veterinarians AND veterinary nurses in [so] many countries.”
