Top 7 myths about blue collar jobs
Blue-collar people are one of the hard-working members of the society and they do not get the respect they deserve. Yet one particular event in human history was enough to make us realize the importance of blue-collar jobs- The Covid-19 Pandemic.
Numerous industries like e-commerce, medical, food and restaurant and others have seen a huge rise in the numbers of blue-collar employees’ recruitment of drivers, nurses, caretakers and many others.
The blue-collar industry is not without myths and it is a necessity to clear these myths. These myths are the reason why the blue-collar job industry get a bad reputation and many people often do not consider as a source of earning.
The following myths are given so as to clear the air about blue-collar jobs: –
1. Blue collar people are uneducated
We often assume things all the time and whenever we see different types of people on the road or in our surroundings, numerous thoughts come to our mind. This is actually same for the blue-collar workers. Whenever the word “blue collar” pops up we often come under an impression that people working in that industry are usually illiterate and possess no form of education. They are unskilled and have no place in the society.
The fact is that many of these workers can actually read and write. Due to circumstances they have to work in the blue-collar industry to earn their living and support their family. And speaking of education, it is a surprise for everyone that in some blue-collar jobs there is a requirement of a diploma to make yourself eligible for that job and that worker has to be registered personnel in the government database. Some blue-collar jobs like nurses often require a bachelor’s degree to practice in a hospital.
2. They can be replaced with artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence combined with machinery are replacing people at jobs very easily which helps companies to cut cost of personnel. Now numerous factories and manufacturing industries are thinking of doing the same.
Those companies must think twice before they make any decision in the future. Blue-collar employees are much more accustomed to working in those uncomfortable areas where people are even afraid to go right there. If the human element is removed from these areas, it is most likely to happen that these machines will not last longer due to lack of human governance. Blue-collar people are well-accustomed to these areas and can easily tell if these AI-powered machines will work or not. Instead of laying off these workers, try to utilize them by combining their experience with the machines.
3. They have no worth in the society
Blue-collar workers are worth every dime they deserve. Without their existence, the livelihood of society will be very difficult. Imagine a society without any houses, hospitals, buildings, schools, colleges or universities. It is more of a barren land we are living in or speaking technically, we will be living in a modern stone age with danger of anti-social elements lurking around.
Blue collar workers are the worthy ones and the society owes them a lot. Without their contribution, a lot of us would not have gained as much in our lives.
4. Women do not belong here
It is one of those mentalities that are still prevalent in today’s society that women cannot handle a man’s job. Women are weak physically but if they are trained in a proper way, they can become equal as men.
Blue-collar jobs have numerous jobs that give women a sense of meaning and identity. The job of a nurse is an example how women have made into the blue-collar job sector. They are given the task of taking care of patients, giving medicines and observe their health. Nurses are the second doctors in a way. Florence Nightingale also known as the Lady with the Lamp is a prime example who changed nursing as a profession.
E-commerce giants and food delivery services are also hiring women for their services in delivering food and daily use items. Even in news we have heard that women are also working as bus drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers.
5. They have no ambitions
Blue-collar people are often viewed as unambitious and lack of interest in learning. They often tend to be lazy. It is absolutely not true at all. Blue-collar people are one of the most hard-working and committed individuals who often try to survive in the harshest of environment.
There are numerous stories popping each and every day in news articles how a blue-collar worker has achieved his/her dream of becoming a civil servant by cracking the UPSC exams. Many of them try out government exams based on their merit and hard work.
6. White collar is superior than blue collar
This is where the comparison and all the superiority complex issues enter. White-collar people or people working in offices are well to do and have achieved the highest levels of success in life and career. It is an unnecessary provocation to people who are working in those sectors.
The truth is that both white-collar individuals and blue-collar individuals are earning their way in both normal situations and bad circumstances. There could not be any comparison between these two sectors or the people living in it. Each industry has its own merits and demerits. People are just simply working there to earn their livelihood.
7. Blue collar jobs are extremely dirty and risky
There is a certain level of risk in blue-collar jobs. It is partly a myth because nowadays the industries are bringing in safety protocols to ensure the safety and security of their workers.
Accidents and haywire situations are part of this industry and the companies are using training methods such as careful handling of machines, wearing helmets, wearing mask when working in a gas related environment or wearing eye protection while working with welding because the sparks created from welding possess the potential to destroy someone’s vision. This is a new age in which safety protocols have become a compulsory obligation for manufacturing companies.
