We often place certain professions on a pedestal—doctors, lawyers, and even priests—while brushing off others. But when it comes down to it, service is service, no matter the setting. Whether you’re a priest, a cashier, a barista, or washing cars, you’re helping someone else get what they need. And that’s a noble thing.
Here’s the problem: we diminish the importance of these everyday roles. We say, “She’s only a cashier,” or “He’s just washing cars,” as if those jobs are somehow less valuable. But the truth is, these are professions—and they deserve to be treated as such. They deserve respect.
When I was in Italy recently, I noticed how bartenders and waiters are treated with reverence. It’s seen as a true profession, something to take pride in, not just something to do on the weekend. Why don’t we treat service roles the same way? We manage them with command and control, rather than lifting them up and recognizing their importance.
It’s time we rethink how we view service jobs. These roles deserve respect, not just from customers, but from managers and businesses as well. Let’s treat these jobs like the professions they are, rewarding what’s done right and supporting people in doing their jobs better. There’s nothing wrong with a life in service—it’s a noble thing. And that’s why I believe in mystery shopping: to measure and elevate the standards in these essential roles.