What makes a job respectable?

In our society, certain professions are automatically considered "respectable" — doctors, engineers, high-ranked government officials, and corporate executives. Parents take pride in announcing their children's careers in these fields as if job titles alone define success. But what indeed makes a job respectable? Is it salary, social status, or something more meaningful?

A few decades ago, career aspirations in Bangladesh were simple: You either became a doctor or an engineer or went for a government job. Anything outside these fields was often dismissed as "not good enough". The rise of multinational corporations expanded these choices, but social perceptions remained rigid. Even today, despite economic and technological changes, these biases persist.

When I started my career in a not-for-profit trust, my parents struggled to explain my job to others. It was not a corporate role, nor was it an NGO. Moreover, the organisation worked on a relatively unpopular concept called corporate social responsibility (CSR) — something people were not familiar with. 

It is time to redefine what makes a job respectable. It is not about how much money it brings or how impressive the title sounds — it is about the value it creates, the ethics it follows and the satisfaction it provides. Perhaps we should stop asking, "What do you do?" and ask, "How does your work make a difference?"

Their discomfort disappeared only when I became a regional trainer on CSR for a UN project and started travelling abroad. Suddenly, my profession became "respectable" because it involved international exposure. They began introducing me as someone working for a research firm — though that was not the case.

This experience highlights an uncomfortable truth: In many cases, the respect a job receives depends not on its impact but on how easily people can categorise it into existing social hierarchies.

My father began his career as a college teacher. As he became a principal and later the chairman of an education board, his respect grew. But I noticed something troubling.

During the first day of college, the guardian of a student learned about my father's position. Instead of recognising his educational contribution, he immediately asked, "How many flats do you own?" The assumption was clear — many in such positions accumulated wealth, often through unofficial means. The fact that we owned none seemed unusual.

This moment made me question how society defines respectability. If power and money are the primary measures of success, where does integrity fit in?

Factors that make a job respectable

A respectable job is not about wealth or social prestige. Instead, it is defined by certain elements.

Impact: A job is respectable if it contributes positively to society. Teachers shape young minds, social workers support the underprivileged, and small business owners create employment. If work improves lives, it deserves respect — regardless of title or salary.

Integrity: Respectability comes from honesty. If a high-ranking position is achieved through corruption, should it still deserve admiration? Someone who earns a modest living through honest means deserves more respect than one who gains wealth through dishonest practices.

Passion: People thrive when they love what they do. A respectable job brings fulfilment and allows a person to contribute meaningfully rather than being just a means to an end.

Growth: A respectable profession challenges individuals to learn, innovate and improve. Whether in academia, business or the arts, any career that fosters continuous growth is valuable.

Underrated jobs in our society

Many professions in Bangladesh help our country grow, but they often do not get the respect they deserve. 

Take farmers, for example. They are essential for our survival. They work in harsh conditions to ensure enough food stocks yet remain underpaid and undervalued. In contrast, wealthy businessmen who profit from farming often receive much more respect.

Then there are teachers who shape the future of our nation. They work hard, but many earn low salaries and face poor working conditions. While university professors receive some recognition, schoolteachers, especially in rural areas, often go unacknowledged despite their essential role in early education.

Doctors in top hospitals in Dhaka and abroad are highly regarded. However, doctors in rural health centres have fewer resources and work hard to care for underserved communities. They often go unnoticed for their contributions.

Many NGOs and social organisations aim to improve education and healthcare and reduce poverty. Professionals in these fields work tirelessly but often do not receive much respect because their jobs may not come with flashy titles or high pay.

In today's world, journalists risk their lives to report the truth about corruption, crime and injustice. They deserve great respect for their efforts, but society does not count it as a great job. Meanwhile, they often face threats and harassment.

The list goes on and on. It is time to redefine what makes a job respectable. It is not about how much money it brings or how impressive the title sounds — it is about the value it creates, the ethics it follows and the satisfaction it provides.

Perhaps we should stop asking, "What do you do?" and ask, "How does your work make a difference?"