In a few days, I will be busy washing dirty dishes, taking care of toddlers, and changing baby diapers. And I am actually excited about it. Unlike spending my summer in a fancy internship, I have found that nannying in the past two summers has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, confidence, and love in action.
I believe that all young people should try their hand at manual work, and summer is the perfect time to do so. It doesn’t have to be a full-time job – building a fence, mowing lawns for elderly neighbors, or watching a friend’s toddler for a day can all be rewarding experiences.
In a world becoming increasingly automated, we run the risk of undervaluing manual labor. Young people, especially those engrossed in online activities, can often overlook the value of physical work. Victor Davis Hanson argues that we tend to prefer paying for a gym membership rather than gaining strength through manual labor. However, manual work is essential and should not be dismissed.
If we only focus on intellectual pursuits, we are missing out. All types of work, including manual labor, can bring fulfillment and virtue. Physical work is a unique way to use our bodies in service to others and participate in creation.
We have all benefited from the physical labor that others have done for us. Whether it’s raising us, providing for our needs, or building the homes we live in, physical work deserves our gratitude. So instead of turning up your nose, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
My mother always told me that cleaning bathrooms was the most satisfying job, and I have come to agree. The rewards of manual labor are immediate and visible – a clean bathroom, a happy child, a delicious meal. Through hard work, we make the world a more beautiful place.
Manual labor teaches us resilience. Working through discomfort and challenges builds tenacity. From this tenacity and visible rewards, we gain confidence. As I head into life after college, the confidence I have gained from manual work will serve me well as I face new challenges and tasks.
Engaging in physical labor also teaches us about love in action. There is a difference between writing about love and actually showing love by fixing a leak, moving furniture, or comforting a child. Manual work gets us out of our heads and prepares us for the future in a unique way.
So, I look forward to the lessons and experiences that come from dishes, diapers, and toddlers.
