Workplace Challenges
Top 10 least trusted professionsEverybody’s heard jokes about the crooked car salesman or the shyster lawyer, but are these stereotypes completely accurate? |
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 [ 2007-12-21 ] |
How can you say no to that face? (comstock)
Well, yes and no. Unfortunately there isn’t a hard and fast rule on the matter, but stereotypes do exist for a reason — they’re all based on some kind of fact.
One thing we can agree on, however, is that certain professions receive an amount of notoriety for having unethical workers. Whether or not they deserve it is a completely different matter.
So with that in mind, here are the top ten least trusted professions.
This list tries to express an overall societal outlook and will hopefully dispel certain misconceptions along the way.
10. Police Officer
In a perfect world, police officers would be nowhere near this list. After all, they are charged with upholding the law and protecting the innocent.
However, the world can be a crazy place and many people wouldn’t believe the cops if they argued that the sky is blue. With stories of corruption and certain officers abusing their power in the media, everyday is a challenge for the police to connect with the citizens they aim to protect.
Being an officer of the law can be a very rewarding profession, but it’s also one that earns its workers a lot of disdain, regardless of their intentions.
9. Journalist
Hopefully this shows there’s no bias around here.
The perception that journalists are unethical is no doubt exacerbated by the Hollywood image of the slimy reporter who will do whatever it takes to get the hot scoop.
Truth be told though, there are a number of journalists who give the profession a black eye. (Sports reporter fired for plagiarism)
Most, if not all, journalism courses include classes that cover law and ethics. Despite this some reporters still find their way over to the dark side and ruin it for the rest of us who are just trying to get our two cents in on Britney Spears’ meltdown.
8. Celebrities
Speaking of Britney Spears, society has a real problem when it comes to the rich and (in)famous.
It seems some people will listen to everything they have to say, regardless of whether or not they’re even well-informed. Wait, does that mean Bono shouldn’t be telling Canada how to handle its foreign policy?
Actors and actresses are especially difficult to see through. Unless they’re named Keanu Reeves, it’s their job to act well. How can you tell if they’re being sincere?
Though there are many professionals who live normal lives and simply aim to perfect their chosen craft, they are immediately overshadowed when one of their own breaks into a drug-induced rage at a night club.
Society should ignore these troublemakers, but, like a car wreck, we just can’t look away. Besides, if we can’t live vicariously through others, what else are we supposed to do with all our free time?
7. Handymen (with sticky fingers)
Regardless of how well you treat your pad, things are going to need fixing sooner or later. And, if you’re home owner, chances are you’ll want to renovate at some point.
The matter of who to hire for such a task is always a tricky proposition. Get a skilled, honest worker and the job will be done well, on time and for a good price. Pick the wrong one and your home will turn into an all out war zone and it will cost you an arm and a leg.
Though some people give the profession a bad name, skilled tradespeople are always in demand. If you can build a reputation as an honest and efficient worker, you'll have clients for life.
6. Agent/Manager
Celebrities in both sports and entertainment have gained a certain amount of notoriety for being egomaniacs. Maybe some are born that way, but many are perceived to be changed by a sleazy agent.
If you had someone constantly telling you you’re God’s gift to the planet, chances are it would go to your head.
Truth be told, though, being an agent is a incredibly competitive occupation. When the only two options are sink or swim, you better believe most will do whatever it takes to survive. Even if it means screaming “Show me the money!” at the top their lungs.
5. Telemarketers
It’s hard to trust someone who’s literally paid to bother you at the most inconvenient of times. You’ve worked a hard day and are just getting ready to enjoy a nice meal with your family when someone calls you up for donation money.
It's both obnoxious and effective.
However, being a telemarketer is a difficult job to have without developing some kind of hatred towards mankind. Think about it, who else has to deal with more angry customers than a telemarketer?
4. Lawyer
Despite providing a necessary service to society – everyone deserves a fair trial – lawyers have managed to secure themselves a bad reputation. Again, films and television play a big part in this stigma.
Lawyers are often portrayed as blood-sucking monsters who only care about money and winning at all costs. Not to mention they have to defend some pretty shady characters and portray them as saints.
While this can be true for some, others truly believe in the nobility of their craft and the right to due process.
3. Mechanic
Ever taken your car in for an oil change only to find out you now ‘need’ new brakes? You’re not alone. Ask any car owner and they’re bound to have at least one horror story about a crooked mechanic.
Reality TV hasn’t helped honest grease monkeys much, either. It seems at least half of all “caught on tape” shows feature a greedy mechanic taking a sledgehammer to a taillight.
For some, finding a reliable and honest mechanic can be more difficult than locating the Ark of the Covenant. So remember, if you’re lucky enough to have one, hold on and don’t let go!
2. Politician
Politicians are often seen as people who will do or say anything to gain support, regardless of whether or not they’re sincere.
Actually, that’s a difficult point to argue. Moving on.
1. Used car salesman
The used car salesman still remains the measuring stick for all professions that are frowned upon. Society views these individuals as sleazy shysters who will do whatever it takes to get you into hunk of junk.
Many people won’t even go near a used car lot for fear of being ripped off.
Also, being swindled by a shady used car salesman is the only instance in life that, when given a lemon, you can’t make lemonade.
Are you aware of substance abuse in your workplace?