Every now and then I come across some wonderfully humorous job humor blurb printed on vintage postcard photos (most of them with the inclusion of an inapropriate word or two). They’re funny because despite their sarcasm, they exaggerate the pain we feel, or think we ought to feel, at our “menial” and uncreative jobs. 

Most of these vintage postcard photos feature women, (apparently we are more disgruntled than men), and may include doing dishes, vacuuming, laundry, cooking, typing, (in other words, women’s work).  Mind you all these women are smiling, and one would think from the postcard photos, that these laborers were genuinely happy at their jobs.  However if you look close enough, in these photos and illustrations, the women depicted have a look in their eyes that isn’t quite all there, if you know what I mean. Most are 1950’s advertisement inspired.

For example:

Oddly enough, the jobs that can’t be glamorous in almost any way seem to be the ones where women are actually not made fun of, such as welding and other men’s work situations.   This breathes volumes into the air of our society, where brawny “men’s” work is still emotionally thought of to be at higher standard of seriousness, despite the blue collar stigma.

Sadly many womens jobs (in other words chores, or, things that have to get done because they simply have to get done - and yes, typing, filing, etc. all seem to me to fall into the chores category if you think about it) are not even acknowledged.  This is because these jobs are so easy, brainless, and take but a moment of time - if they get done at all. Ahh little do they know.

For example:

True, it’s not so pretty to be in a job you don’t enjoy for one reason or another.  It is, however, pretty, to be in one that delights you, one with freedoms and challenges that you look forward to. This job of yours may very well be a woman’s chore job; so be it.  Personally, I love making the house look beautiful and know that it’s clean by my hand and not someone elses, not to mention the fact that I do windows and move the furniture. 

Whatever your job is, a wonderful smile on your lips, however small and simple, is even prettier than admitting you like your job.  How so? Smiling makes you happy, and when you’re happy your happiness inspires everyone around you which in turn inspires you. 

Fact of the matter is, every job can easily be one you enjoy and love.  All it takes is a bit of self expression, and, sometimes, meditation and dreaming.  It all boils down to motivation.

Who knows, these vintage postcard photos could very well be of women who are genuinely happy with their jobs and those that really do sit around all day drinking coffee.  And, yes, truth be told, a new vacuum does make me happy, but only when I buy it because I want it.