Arrrgh!!!

I shop at a local large chain store in the Chicago suburbs. The parking lot is immense, and it's frequently at least half filled, even at slow times. The store has employed a man to oversee the parking lot. He's somewhere between 40 and 60 in age. He's slim, and energetic. He dresses appropriately for his work, no matter what kind of weather he has to face. He is the most professional parking lot manager I've ever seen.

Think about that.....have you ever seen someone act professional in a job like that? He hustles to keep the lot tidy. He will collect your cart from you to take it in if things are slow. He always offers my mother assistance, and passes a pleasantry with her. If you are carrying in bags to recycle, he will meet you and collect the bags from you. He makes sure there are wipes to disinfect the handles of the carts, and he polices the checkout area for carts. The other day, I saw him sweeping down the entryway.

This is not a job the average person would look forward to doing. Usually it's palmed off on high school students, who do it half heartedly. But this adult has embraced his job and I've never seen anyone do it better. He has applied a degree of professionalism to a job that normally is given short shrift.

I've wondered about this man. Has he seen the heights and fallen, and is he on his way back up? What has made him so determined to hustle and do this job to the best of his ability? I was discussing the situation with Dear Husband, and he asked if the man was learning disabled. If he is, his disability has not shown itself in the two years I have watched him, and had occasional conversation with him. It's possible that he is overcoming personal problems as he works, but he is so professional about his job that we're likely never to know what those problems are.

He makes me think twice about complaining about trivial problems at work. My work is certainly easier than his. I don't have to deal with the vagaries of weather, and I don't have to dodge cars. I wonder if other people come away from shopping a bit more upbeat after having come in contact with this guy.

When it comes time to take children to visit places of work, this parking lot should be on their list. This guy could teach them some very important life lessons. No job is too lowly to be done well. It's not the job you do, but the satisfaction you derive from doing your job well that counts.

I sure wish I knew his story.

UPDATE: I saw the general manager of the store today, and made a point of telling him how much we appreciate this man's work. Apparently, he gets a lot of compliments for this employee, whose name is Jimmy. Unfortunately, our paths didn't cross today, Jimmy was busy at the other end of the lot, but the next time I can talk to him, I'll let him know we appreciate his hard work. And, I'll put those thoughts on paper, and send it to the company.