I’m a 24yr old guy, I knew I was never going to college so I went to truck driving school & got my CDL. I’ve been a garbage man for the past 2 years and I feel a sense of embarrassment doing it.
It’s a solid job, great benefits and I currently make $24 an hour. I could see myself doing this job for a long time. However whenever someone asks me what I do for work I feel embarrassed. Should I feel this way?
First off, let me say this—there’s absolutely no shame in the work you’re doing. In fact, feeling embarrassed about it is something I want to challenge head-on. Society has this messed-up habit of putting certain jobs on a pedestal and acting like anything outside of those fancy job titles is somehow less valuable. But here’s the truth: a job doesn’t determine your worth. What determines your worth is your integrity, how you show up for yourself and others, and the fact that you’re out there every day doing something that contributes to the community.
Let’s break this down. You’ve got a solid job, you’re earning $24 an hour at 24 years old, and you’ve got benefits. That’s a huge win—especially in a world where so many people are struggling to find work that provides them with basic security. You could see yourself doing this job for the long term, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, that’s stability. That’s smart.
But let’s talk about where this embarrassment is really coming from. It’s not about the work itself—it’s about some societal pressure telling you that you should be aiming for a more “prestigious” job, something with a fancy title that impresses people at parties. And that’s just nonsense. I know plenty of people with big titles and higher degrees who are miserable, stuck in work they hate, and struggling to find meaning in their lives. The truth is, it’s not about the title; it’s about the value you bring to your life and the lives of others.
Think about it—you’re a garbage man. Without people like you, communities wouldn’t function. Cities would fall apart. You’re doing essential work, work that keeps things moving, that allows people to live in clean, healthy environments. That’s something to be proud of, man. You’re not just picking up trash; you’re keeping the world running smoothly in a very real way.
When someone asks you what you do, stand tall and say, “I’m a garbage man.” Say it with pride. Because you’re not defined by your job title—you’re defined by your work ethic, your commitment, and the kind of person you are. You’re showing up every day and making an honest living. That’s something that deserves respect, not embarrassment.
So no, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed. You should feel proud. Proud that you’ve built a solid foundation for yourself, proud that you’re doing meaningful work, and proud that you’ve taken responsibility for your own life. That’s something nobody can take away from you.