White collar vs. blue collar?

[daughtersrus]

A friend of ours lost the key to his SUV along with the fob. He was talking to DH about the cost to replace them. DH is an auto tech at a dealership (different brand). DH told him what he thought it would be based on what the dealership that he works at would charge. The friend's comment was "You're a bunch of thieves" DH is upset about this. He's been in the business for over 25 years and is getting tired of people looking down on what he does. He may not have a Master's degree like our friend does but he is very good at what he does. DH's response to him was "what do you guys charge for what you do?" The friend laughed and said that what they do is important. (he works for a company that writes computer programs for the stock market and banking industry and makes over twice as much as DH). DH came back that what he does is important as well because if he couldn't fix the cars, the customers couldn't get to their important jobs.

I'm not sure if this is an indication of a what others think in general or just some rambling from someone upset that they have to spend a bit of money to fix a stupid mistake that he made. I'm leaning towards the later.

 

[golfgal]

Ask the "friend" how important it is that he have a car the works to get him to work every day???? Sorry, a good mechanic is worth his weight in GOLD!!

 

[FireDancer]

The bunch of thieves jab sounds more like an attack on the car industry then your husband personally. I do think that the car dealerships over-charge for almost everything. Oil changes are almost double what I can get them for at the dealership. It isn't the employee's fault though, that comes down from someone on high.

The comment about his job being more important is total crap though. I have a white collar job but don't think those who don't are somehow beneath me. There have to be people who fix cars, lay roads, build homes, and everything else. As long as you are happy where you are it doesn't matter what your job is IMO.

 

[The.Epcot.Man]

The banking industry existed long before computers......the auto industry would not exist without mechanics.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Eh, it is was off the cuff remark that should have been ignored or fired back with "takes one to know one".

Debating a topic like this is a matter of opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

 

[dawson5]

I kind of find it funny that he writes code and the fob he lost probably contains a computer chip with code.

 

[Planogirl]

To me no job is particularly more important than another as long as a need is met. True, some have more complicated jobs or work harder or whatever but that doesn't make them more important. I would only say that those who serve the public in times of crisis might be considered more important overall but even that's debatable.

I've urged DS to look into the trades or things like auto repair as he decides what to do with his life. I just want him to do what he enjoys.

 

[dakcp2001]

I used to date a mechanic that had a degree in Physics. When customers heard that, they often made a lot of derogatory comments like "what are you doing here" or "why would you do this" it happened at least once a day. People do often treat mechanics as if they are less intelligent. You cant change other people, so do what you love and be who you are. Who cares what his idiot friend thinks? I am sure he will think more highly of him when he needs his car repaired.

 

[antmaril]

I really don't have anything to offer, other than I don't think that person is your friend.

 

[lspst8]

Your husband's friend was probably more annoyed that he lost such an expensive thing. I've heard those fobs can cost hundreds of dollars to replace.

I can't fix my own car, so there is no way that I think my job is more important than any type of blue collar job just because I work in an office building. My DH and I were just talking about how the world needs plenty of skilled tradesmen, because all of us office workers can't fix anything. My dad does HVAC work, and I have called him SO many times for air conditioning and plumbing problems.

 

[bicker]

Wasn't it Gandhi who said that, while you're doing it, you realize that nothing is more important than cleaning the latrine?

 

[jazzielady]

I'll admit to being a rehabilitated white-collar, college educated snob. My stepsons chose after high school to attend a trade school. One became an electrician, the other a RHVAC technician. Their education was tough, and I would opine the equivalent of a college education w/o all the humanities. Anyway, they both acquired gainful employment immediately, earning more money than me after teaching 15 years of teaching!

There was a local talk radio host - right leaning - who believed that there was no reason for anyone to not get a college education. Not all people are cut out for college, and there is nothing wrong with blue collar work. Heck, my dad was a blue collar worker in a steel mill.

There will always be a need for electricians, roofers, AC repairmen, store cashiers, baggers, and so on. I make sure to go out of my way to be kind to those people, and others, who have performed a service for me, because I know that often they are not treated well.

The smile that lights up the face of the grocery bagger I thank is all the reward I need.

Like I said, I'm a rehabilitated snob, still working on improving .

 

[Tinkermommy]

I don't think most people have an us vs them mentality.

My DH and I both have white collar jobs. But we have both held blue collar jobs as well (retail, lawn service, lathe operator).

When my DH was between jobs and looking for work he and a buddy put out flyers to do lawn service. He got lots of jobs and made decent money until he got hired for his finance job.

I know lots of people out of a job with a bachelor and/or master degree. But my hairdresser still has a ton of customers!

 

[sbell111]

Eh, it is was off the cuff remark that should have been ignored or fired back with "takes one to know one".

Debating a topic like this is a matter of opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

Agreed.

 

[claudia]

Eh, it is was off the cuff remark that should have been ignored or fired back with "takes one to know one".

Debating a topic like this is a matter of opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

 

[Sparx]

I don't think this person is your friend. It reminds me of the scene in The Breakfast Club where Bender is arguing with Bryan about shop class being "easy."

Bender: Why'd you think it'd be easy?
Brian: Have you seen some of the dopes that take shop?
Bender: I take shop. You must be a [---] idiot!
Brian: I'm a [----] idiot because i can't make a lamp?
Bender: No, you're a genius because you can't make a lamp.
Brian: What do you know about Trigonometry?
Bender: I could care less about Trigonometry.
Brian: Bender, did you know without Trigonometry there'd be no engineering?
Bender: Without lamps, there'd be no light.

Without lamps there would be no light and without cars we couldn't get to our important jobs. Everyone's job is important. Not everyone can be a rocket scientist. If even the 'lowliest' job in our society stopped going to work, we would come to a screaching halt. Imagine if all the santitation workers stopped going to work tomorrow. Those of us in cities would definitely miss them!

 

[cteddiesgirl]

There will always be a need for electricians, roofers, AC repairmen, store cashiers, baggers, and so on. I make sure to go out of my way to be kind to those people, and others, who have performed a service for me, because I know that often they are not treated well.

The smile that lights up the face of the grocery bagger I thank is all the reward I need.

Like I said, I'm a rehabilitated snob, still working on improving .

Not only are these people not treated well, they're not paid well either. Unless they work in a union factory.

The same goes for some office jobs. Basically, a lot of it boils down to education or money. A lot of people who have attained degrees tend to believe they're better than those who haven't. The same with money. A lot of people who make really good money look down on those that don't.


I've had people here on the boards treat me as though I'm stupid just because they have a college degree and I don't. Truth be told, my IQ tests are fairly high, but few people would believe that just because I didn't finish college and don't have a high paying job.

 

[parrothead365]

Tell him to write a program to find his lost key, until then he can walk.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

What DO they say about opinions??

 

[Handbag Lady]

So, a guy who works for and around the banking industry is calling a mechanic a thief?

Priceless.

The friend can walk to work, frankly. He doesn't deserve to drive a car.