I work in a hostel for homeless guys. I made all the dinner with help from my workmate and the thanks were along the lines of "Aye well that was nice hen but you'll be getting paid double time for this" Is it me or does anyone else feel deflated by the whole Christmas "thing" now?
2007-12-26 04:03:42 · 8 answers · asked by lavender blue 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
as a former homeless person myself i am thankful that there are folks out there like you prepared to help
i am now happily married with a family of my own but way back when i had a teenager take me home to her parents - and they liked me enough to have me stay despite the fact i was in a very deep and long term depression. (i am fine now BTW)
the thing is that you aren't doing it because of the thanks you get from the homeless but because you have a calling on your life to do that and you are honouring that
I have an on line friend who i have known for about 6 years or so through thick and thin and he has just come through a years-worth of intensive rehab and has recently got back in touch with me to let me know that he has been dry for over a year now and has his own place and has got his own business up and running as well as seeing a counsellor regularly
without folks like you people like my friend would never get the help they need
so take it from me
THANK YOU for all you do
2007-12-26 12:37:43 · answer #1 · answered by Aslan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for working in a thankless job, and for doing it when it's neither comfortable nor convenient for you. I am very glad you are doing this for people who need it, even though they are not highly appreciative of your efforts. Please try to remember that these people who are homeless have not had all the same training in graciousness and just plain good manners that some of the rest of us have received. This kind of training seems to be becoming rarer, though, even among the privileged these days.
I'm sorry if this sounds harsh. Sometimes you just need to know in your own heart you really are doing the right thing, even when those for whom you're doing it don't seem to appreciate it -- or you -- at all.
IF (and only if) it is true, you could tell these gentlemen that you're here by choice, and no amount of money could pull you away from your family on Christmas. Otherwise, it might be a good idea to find another response that lets the men know you're not just here for the cash, but really do care about them.
2007-12-26 04:17:05 · answer #2 · answered by thejanith 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you should be very proud of yourself. You've made a difference to those people's lives by being there for them on Christmas Day. Even if they don't seem to appreciate it.
I know how you feel though. My partner used to work in pub. He used to work 12pm - 1am or 2am on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of December, 12pm-2pm on Christmas Day, 12pm - 1am or 2am Boxing Day and then the same right the way through to New Year's Eve!
He left the pub back in this summer and now works for a car hire firm. This year he worked 8am -12pm on 22nd, day off on 23rd, 12-3pm on 24th, day off Christmas and Boxing Day and will be working 8-3pm for the rest of this week.
Its wonderful! He actually got to spend this Christmas with me and our 1 year old son. I feel very emotional this year because its the 4th Christmas we've spent together but its the first time we've actually been able to have a proper family Christmas. My son was just 3 weeks old last Christmas but my partner worked the whole time so I didn't see him at all, it was lonely and exhausting. This year has been so much better.
2007-12-26 07:36:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our community would not work if everyone had very day off.
Transport, Power, Police, Hospitals, Ambulance, Prisons, Airport, Communications, Entertainment,, the list is not endless but is quite long.
Yes, it is a gut wrench, especialy if you have your own children, do not expect appreciation from all.
Someone had to do it, it is your turn,
if you got paid, that was some recompense.
Reward yourself with a cheary
Good Job Done, Merry Christmas Hen.
2007-12-26 04:17:51 · answer #4 · answered by jimgdad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We helped out a "needy" family for Christmas buying shoes for their children & then found out that they had just bought a new pick up, a ATV for their teenager & was going shopping for $85 boots for his wife. That is a better Christmas than I ever had. I try to give with an open hand asking nothing in return. When I do that, I don't have to resent those who misuse my gift or my good intentions. Keep up the good work & don't let the uninformed masses get you down.
2007-12-26 04:16:16 · answer #5 · answered by Danny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yup to me it just feels like its all about money and what you can get. I spend the last few weeks at school ( i am a teacher) working like crazy to produce Christmas cards calendars etc with the kids for presents for their mums. producing the typical Xmas play attending fairs etc etc and when i am completely exhausted i get the holidays then have to start for my own family by the time the day arrives i am fed up and sick of the whole idea. whats it all for please tell me!
2007-12-26 04:17:04 · answer #6 · answered by sabrina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe people didn't show appreciation, but you know you did something that made a difference and that's what counts.
2007-12-26 04:14:07 · answer #7 · answered by Rachel C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well.
when you take a job in a hostel you have to accept unsociable hrs
2007-12-26 04:13:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋