Blue Collar, White Collar

My two vocational worlds collide every day.

In one I work at UPS - a LARGE corporation that is mainly blue collar, union backed workers who deliver packages all over the world, and I dare say has drawn the ire and/or admiration of each person reading this post - depending on whether or not UPS was able to keep their on time delivery promise. I am part of management, technically white collar but in reality I am more a part of the blue collar workforce. These people are the backbone of the company. If I could take you on a tour of our unload process that occurs five EARLY mornings each week you would be impressed with the sheer immensity of the task as well as the off-color atmosphere we live in. Most of these people live paycheck to paycheck and have a limited or interrupted education. Most are congruent - you know how they feel on the inside because they tell you. They commiserate together and provide support to each other in a variety of ways - some illegal some not.

The other world is very white collar - I am a REALTOR. The company I work for is the oldest in the State of South Carolina - Eulalie Salley. In this world I brush shoulders with the movers and shakers of the community and those who are financially secure or moving in that direction. I have clients who are millionaire developers as well as struggling young couples trying to buy their first home. I am in this venue from 11 am to 4 or 5 pm each day. The environment is elegantly decorated and being constantly massaged to appeal to the "first impression" of those seeking a real estate transaction. Typically, these people are NOT congruent. They do not tell you how they feel on the inside. In their world, to be that transparent would invite attack and overthrow. There is usually no support from your closest acquaintances and you deal with your shit in private - it seems to be a lonely place.

Funny thing - I exist in both worlds. My greatest challenge is to try and be redemptive in both worlds. How does a person bring the Kingdom to these worlds? How did Jesus do this? I can tell you that it is easier for me to communicate the basic values of respect and mutuality in the Blue Collar world. In fact, as I read the early writings if the first century, I find that Jesus seemed to have an easier time connecting with the Blue Collar World that the Professional and Rich. Interesting.

Here is the dilemma - I am actually trying to work my way out of the UPS world and into the REALTOR world. There are many reasons for this, good reasons actually. Once this transition takes place how do I maintain a "Blue Collar" mentality in a White Collar environment?

Lord have mercy.

WH