The kid drying cars at the car wash in July heat is doing honest work. Never treat a job like it’s beneath someone.

No job is beneath a person, only badly paid and exhausting. Somebody drying cars in July heat is doing work that has to be done, in conditions most people avoid. Looking down on the task slides quickly into looking down on whoever holds the towel. Dignity is not distributed according to job title.

Watch how you talk about work this week, including your own shift. Thank the person who handed you the tray or bagged your shopping, out loud, looking at them. And when somebody asks what you do on Saturdays, answer without apologising.