The Dirtiest Job But the Happiest Heart
There is a foreign worker who does all the cleaning in the apartment complex that I live in. He also lives in the basement of the building. I remember him vividly because he is always smiling. During daytime, he would be cleaning up the building or watering the plants. Nighttime, he would wash the owner's car as a side hustle. When it is late, he would be on the phone with his fiancée who is living back in his home country.
Despite the hard life, he is always smiling and well-liked by the community. Occasionally, I would buy some snacks for his team and the security guards. I am also grateful that him and his colleagues keep the building clean and tidy.
His smile is contagious. I too would smile when I see him in the building. Why does he smile that much? Maybe he is grateful for everything that is happening to him. I did not probe about his life. I can only imagine he had it rough. He has to leave his home country to a place that he does not speak the language and do the filthiest job. He is doing the worst kind of job that I am not willing to do but here I am complaining about my life.
Who is more successful? I make more money than him, but I think he has more smiles and appreciation than I.