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Generally speaking, there are quite a few professions that are not really liked by people. Am pretty sure we have all grumbled, “Ugh, cops!” or been intimidated by them when we see them. The truth is, no matter what, we still need them.

That’s not the only profession with which people have a ‘hate but need’ kinda relationship. When Reddit user Spektakles882 asked, “Everyone hates me until they need me.” What jobs are the best examples of this?” folks had numerous answers ready. You might relate to a few of these careers, so just scroll down to check them out!

More info: Reddit

#1

Person cleaning a theater floor with a vacuum, highlighting a profession often overlooked until needed. I was a janitor for 7 years. “Ewww you have to clean all the puke and s**t, that’s so gross!” Yeah well I’m trying to get through school and make a couple bucks on the side so I can have a beer and a meal every now and then so thanks.

makinglunch , cottonbro studio Report

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285q6dgq6d
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our school custodians were vital and amazing! As a teacher, I relied on them so much. Not just to clean, but our kids loved them!

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    #2

    Woman cleaning a window with a spray bottle and cloth, representing undervalued professions. Housekeeping. People were such a******s to the housekeepers at the hotel I worked at. To them they were a bunch of foreigner skum, personal servants, and thiefs. In reality those girls were the hardest workers I’ve met, and for little pay in return. They had a lot of integrity. They could find a diamond ring and every single time when they could pocket it they are turning it in to me so I can call its owner. If you accuse a housekeeper of stealing with no proof otherwise, you’re an a*****e. Years in the hotel industry and I’ve only ever seen one person steal. A manager.

    ageekyninja , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    Rachelle
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my gap year I worked at a very hoity toity/famous hotel in Banff, Alberta. I slaved as a housekeeper for exactly one day (moved to front desk after they found out I was multilingual). Things discovered in that day: rich people have no qualms about sh*tting in the bathtub and leaving it there. Massive amounts of d***s just left lying around. People treat hotel rooms like their personal garbage. People trying to trick housekeeping into taking money by leaving some on the bed in plain view WITH a note that says: "TIP" - confirmed with other staff members that this happens frequently & if they DO take it the "guest" will call management and tell them the money was stolen just to get comped rooms and services. That was ONE day! From there on out I've treated hotel rooms better than my own. Housekeeping is RIDICULOUSLY underpaid!!

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    #3

    Person typing code on a laptop, illustrating one of the professions people often roast until they need help. IT.

    When everything is working? "***Why*** do we even have IT?!"

    When something is broken? "Why do we even ***have*** IT?!".

    anon , Lukas Report

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    285q6dgq6d
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. My husband is in IT and it is exactly like this. He only gets praise and thanks from people in his field.

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    As you scroll through the list, some of you might be working in these fields and might even be nodding your heads in approval. Despite your dislike for these career fields, you need them and not the other way around. To be honest, it's a little ironic when you think about it, isn't it?

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    To get a deeper insight into why particular fields draw more hate from the public, Bored Panda reached out to Apoorva Kale, an industrial and organizational psychology practitioner. She explained that ⁠the negative perception of certain jobs often stems from social psychology and equity issues.

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    #4

    Child writing on a whiteboard in English class while a teacher supervises, illustrating professions people often underappreciate. Teachers. Apparently, currently teachers are grooming children and letting kids use litter boxes, but then I remember once the pandemic hit everyone was calling teachers essential because people were forced to deal with their evil spawn they spewed onto the world….

    rubrent , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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    Single Spinner
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha ha, teaching, alongside nursing, must be one of the most rewarding, and thankless jobs.

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    #5

    Construction vehicles lined up on the road, surrounded by orange cones, ready for essential repair work. This is a bit niche, but since I work in the field: road maintenance. People get so inexplicably furious when they’re mildly inconvenienced due to us fixing stuff, but God forbid there’s a pothole, or a tree goes down, or it snows. Then we’re all buddy-buddy again.

    The amount of times I’ve almost been hit by cars who don’t want to stop/slow down, or given the finger and screamed at for holding them up is insane.

    HakunaMatataNTheFrog , David McElwee Report

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    Single Spinner
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t know what country you’re in, hope it’s not Australia. I’ve always found you helpful and polite.

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    #6

    Police officers inside a patrol car at night, highlighting a profession often underrated until needed. Cops.

    clearyvermont , cottonbro studio Report

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't hate cops, I hate crooked cops and those who abuse their power in law enforcement.

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    Apoorva further stressed her point by elaborating that while people rely on laborers, housekeeping, or domestic workers for essential tasks, they frequently view these professions as lacking respectability due to the stigma associated with their perceived value.

    "In contrast, high-status careers like doctors and engineers are seen as more desirable because of the education, skills, and economic contributions they represent. This disparity can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and how they are regarded in the workplace, affecting their job satisfaction and productivity," she added.

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    #7

    Person shopping in a clothing store, surrounded by racks of clothes; profession often underrated until needed. Retail workers. We were “essential workers” during the pandemic but before and after were unskilled workers. Also daily, if we can help a customer find something, we’re good but if it’s not available, the amount of verbal berating we take is absurd.

    allanon1105 , Korie Cull Report

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If an item is not in stock, don't shout at the shop floor workers, just thank them for taking the time to check.

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    #8

    View from inside a car following a truck on a winding road, highlighting professions often underestimated. Truck drivers. People will always complain about them when driving near them but they’re the reason why stores can always be running stocked with items.

    J120101 , UHGO Report

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    Rumile
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I only complain about them when they're tailgating me at 70mph then get in the far left lane(illegal) to pass

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    Our expert also emphasized that the factors that contribute to the public’s negative perception of essential but unpopular jobs are based on societal status hierarchy, stereotypes, or historical devaluation. She claimed that blue-collar jobs are usually associated with undervalued skills, less recognition, and lower status; these are shaped by social, economic, and cultural influence.

    Speaking about this unfair disparity, she mentioned, "I/O Psychologists or HR professionals can work towards creating a systematic solution, creating and implementing policies that discard societal norms, and encourage employees to practice professionalism and respect their peers/colleagues despite their hierarchical position."

    #10

    Security guard on duty in a public area, monitoring surroundings, highlighting professions often needed for safety. I work in security, so me. We're the ones who have to tell people no and make their task more difficult/time consuming because of policies and whatnot.

    Like I'm sorry, man, but I can't just let you in because you tell me what company you're with if you're not on the list. It means someone didn't submit the request properly so that's not on me, if I start letting people in I WILL lose my job.

    SenorDangerwank , Mihaela Claudia Puscas Report

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    Tele Avision
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Security Officers are like a step-parent for a society of adult children.

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    #11

    Food vendor handing a sandwich to a woman at a food truck counter. Food service workers. People seem to hate them *while* they need them.

    RainMan915 , Kampus Production Report

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    superfluous
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't like businesses (restaurants) that don't pay servers a living wage. Or politicians who back laws allowing sub minimum wage for food workers. Also, servers who are FOR the tip system because they rake it in. Other than that, I don't have a problem with food service workers.

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    #12

    Woman in customer service role, smiling with headset, working on a laptop. Administrative assistants. We do a lot of things that people just think magically happen.

    Obi1NotWan , Jep Gambardella Report

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    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they keep adding stuff to the job description like financials. No, get a book keeper

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    "Workers in undervalued jobs prominently face psychological challenges: low self-esteem, low job satisfaction, disassociation, and working conditions, causing negative effects on their physical well-being and social perceptions; discrimination, and embarrassment," Apoorva noted.

    She also believes that these workers don’t receive recognition or appreciation for their work and are often taken for granted, resulting in demotivation and less job satisfaction. According to our expert, the societal conception that these jobs don’t need real skills and that they aren’t really important will affect their self-esteem, while they view themselves as lesser in society.

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    #14

    Person typing on laptop beside a paper with an insurance logo; professions often undervalued until needed. The opposite is insurance. Everyone is fine with it til they need it and realize how much they s***w you in every possible way.

    ghostbusterbob , https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-paper-beside-a-person-typing-on-a-laptop-7688374/ Report

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    Single Spinner
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve paid into my medical insurance for YEARS, but now I’m older it doesn’t cover me for any old age problems.

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    #15

    A family consulting with a professional, emphasizing the value of often underestimated professions. Children services. Everyone hates us and has an opinion.

    Of course - if there's a child being locked in a basement then we get called.

    Jordantrolli , bearfotos Report

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    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a thankless, depressing job. An overload of cases. Judges that still think the child is better off with biological parents. Some years ago, in my town, a CPS worker was shot and killed in the parking lot of the CPS office by a mother with mental problems that wanted her teenage daughter back.

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    Lastly, she also expressed that there is a lack of awareness and empathy in society that could lead to isolation and disconnect, resulting in depression. "Organizations can support these workers by implementing cultural recognition, career growth opportunities, fair compensation, and mental health resources," Apoorva concluded.

    That does sound reasonable, doesn't it? After all, these are simple individuals, just like you and I, who are trying to survive by doing their jobs. What are your thoughts about it? Also, if you can think of any other fields like these, let us know in the comments!

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    #16

    Tow truck carrying a classic car on a city street, highlighting professions that people dislike until they need help. Hate them until you need them? A tow truck.

    mastercylinder2 , Sami Aksu Report

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Roadside assistant is the best. If I had to hire a tow truck locally it would be around $50-100USD to get my car home but if I pay for insurance with it included it costs like $20 and I have three free uses per year.

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    #17

    Veterinarian examining a dog's eye with medical equipment in a clinic setting. Veterinarians and vet techs are a fun example of people hate us when they don’t need us, and they hate us even more when they do need us. Spoiler alert, we aren’t getting any of your money. Dunno where it goes, but not to my pockets.

    rosegoldeneyes , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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    #19

    Professionals collaborating over blueprints at a table, with a blue hard hat and calculator visible. Quality management.

    PqqMo , Pixabay Report

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    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d say the public loves quality control, but corporations don’t.

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    #20

    Person working at a desk with a calculator, papers, and a laptop, representing professions often underestimated. CPAs but accountants in general. No one wants to talk to us or hear about our work until it’s imperative. And then at least some of them are astonished by standard market rates and feel they’re being fleeced.

    lake_effect_snow , Mikhail Nilov Report

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Bean-counters". They were the bane of our existence in my first factory job. We had a couple of certified inventories per year for the first couple of years. Holy cow, some of those guys were nightmares.

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    #21

    Three professionals in a serious discussion in a library setting, showcasing essential but often underappreciated professions. Lawyers.

    Aromatic-Home9818 , August de Richelieu Report

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    Russell Bowman
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “The first thing we do, let’s (unlive) all the lawyers.” Henry VI Part 2

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    #22

    Two surgeons in operating room, wearing masks and scrubs, focused on a procedure, exemplifying professions often needed. Surgeons. I read a lot here about how they’re a******s.

    remoteworker9 , Павел Сорокин Report

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends. The surgeon who sorted out my fibroids was an absolute twatbasket in his manner, but he did a fine job.

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    #23

    Forklift unloading at a warehouse dock, showcasing essential professions in logistics and delivery services. Shipping and receiving depts at any company.

    anon , ELEVATE Report

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    superfluous
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hated? I must have missed that at the companies I worked at.

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    #24

    A focused doctor in a lab coat, pen in hand, contemplating medical notes. Doctors.

    Artistic_Fun_9293 , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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    #25

    A bouquet of lilies on a gravestone, with people standing around, highlighting professions that provide essential help. Funeral Directors.

    BrisbaneBrat , Ivan Samkov Report

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    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure there's any hatred towards them. It seems a creepy and weird job to do, but not someone I'd hate - they don't cause inconvenience to anyone apart from driving slowly.

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    #26

    Two women in discussion on a couch, one holding a tablet, symbolizing often overlooked professions. Welcome to Human Resources.

    Wonderful-Isopod7985 , cottonbro studio Report

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    Dori
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this is because everyone hates corporations these days and loves the underdog.

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The name probably doesn't help. It implies a herd of humans that needs to be wrangled.

    Warren Peece
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Employees used to be people. Now they have been dehumanized into a "resource" like the equipment or the building or the vehicles.

    Peeka_Mimi
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HR protects the company not the workers just like Patient Advocate they protect the hospital not the patients. I think they deserve the hate they get.

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HR gets a lot of hate but their job is to protect the company, same with the legal team. I mean, I get that they can be quite annoying but that's just how the system is made to work.

    Fuhleeheece
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, too bad they don't protect the workers, but try to s***w the employees so that the company keeps making money for the bosses.

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    Poll Question

    Which profession do you think is most commonly criticized but highly needed?

    Lawyers

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