Do you prefer a blue collar or white collar job?

Answer 1

People working in either "area" would be served by learning from the traditional strengths of the other. Very little in today's market (America) is low-tech, and I can think of very few fields where having a background in interpersonal skills and customer service would be a hindrance. Think how much difference a receptionist (or doctor) with the time senstitivity of a diner waitress, at the doctor's office, would make in the quality of your visit! I became a veterinary surgeon partly because of hand-eye coordination skills I picked up making jewelry, and hands-on attention to minute detail I learned working as an orchards laborer and later farm market manager. Now reverse it and think about the people who make it to supervisory roles in the blue collar world- they are typically the ones who can adapt to the changing cultural and human resource oriented values traditionally associated with white collar workforces. The floor worker who understands that everyone's role at the company is important, not just complains about his/her own position in comparison with someone else's, is the one who becomes the manager.

I am very happy to have had equally challenging and rewarding opportunities in both. My personal strengths suit me better to white collar at the moment, but I have sought ways to utilize both sets of skills.

To people who look down on doctors for not having "worldly" experience, I invite them, for one month, to deal with as much red tape and pressure as a doctor does, while drawing on the level of knowledge that doctors must, with the level of responsibility for one's actions. See how you do with the pressure.

To those who grew up sheltered in the suburbs, and who engage in vicious diatribe against the waves of immigrant workers who seek a better life in the US, I invite you to spend one month working 14 hour days harvesting tomatoes when it is 95 degreees, for $5/ hour. Try having any energy left at the end of the day to then care for your family, and even better, try having the resourcefulness to cover your living expenses while sending money back home to your family members who cannot get work.

Only with experience in both, I think, do you truly value both your medical care and your food.

Answer 2

I have done both but I prefer white collar jobs.

Answer 3

I'm white collar all the way. Call me spoiled, but I like predictable hours and weekends off. I have nothing against physical labor, as my hobbies require it (light carpentry, furniture restoration, stained glass, running). But to have it as a regular feature of my employment, I'll pass. Nine-to-five weekdays is a really good thing.

Answer 4

i've done both and i've got to go with white. better benefits. more vacations. expense accounts are nice plus networking can be a lot of fun. lots of headaches but a lot fewer backaches.

Answer 5

Whats the difference??

Answer 6

White...but, I think blue is very important.

Answer 7

i can do both.