Understanding the "Little Guy"

Throughout my life, I have often found myself empathizing with the “little guy.” For many years, I embodied that role, observing both how low-ranking employees are treated and how we manage those situations. Interestingly, we weren't always the victims; at times, our own attitudes contributed to the challenges we faced. This dissatisfaction often created a cycle that couldn't simply be broken by finding a new job.

Consider my daily routine: I make a point to visit Anytime Fitness every morning—without exception.

This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.

Despite the struggle, I push through. Each morning feels like waking a rhino from surgery, but exercising is essential for maintaining my sanity and health (writing for a living doesn’t do your abs any favors). My local gym is unremarkable—a renovated warehouse that’s perpetually dim and kept at a steady 75 degrees. Large industrial fans whir from the high ceilings, providing relief while I tackle the stair stepper.

The clientele is a subdued mix of individuals aged 30 to 70. We are all business at this gym; there’s no room for flirting, fashion shows, or selfies. The owner, Mike, is a muscular man in his 40s with outspoken conservative views. His father, known affectionately as “The Silver Fox,” occasionally helps maintain the equipment; he’s a retired mechanic who volunteers his time.

Mike typically requires at least one full-time employee to assist him, or else he becomes a permanent fixture at the gym. Over the past eight years, I’ve witnessed several staff members come and go.

The most recent addition to the team is quite the character. He shows great diligence when Mike is present, but that dedication vanishes in his absence. Just last week, he was caught shirtless, filming himself bench pressing while neglecting multiple gym phone calls. When he isn't recording, he often shuts the small office door and spends his day watching videos on his phone, completely ignoring the equipment in need of attention and the disarray of dumbbells scattered across the workout area.

However, as soon as Mike walks in, this employee transforms into a model worker, embodying the classic “Quick, the boss is here! Look busy!” mentality. It’s only a matter of time before Mike learns of this behavior and takes action.

In contrast, three blocks south at a convenience store, there’s a young Indian-American student in his early 20s who embodies a remarkable work ethic and an infectious positivity. Every time the customer bell rings as I enter, he greets me with a warm, genuine smile. Even in moments of fatigue, his energy remains high.

Just a month ago, I witnessed him handling a difficult situation with a homeless customer who was shouting incoherently at him. Yet, when I reached the front desk, his demeanor was unchanged—still all smiles.

There’s something truly inspiring about an employee who maintains a positive attitude without the lure of tips or incentives. In these small moments, I’m reminded to be grateful—not just for a good job, but for any job at all. It’s easy to overlook this perspective.

If more people appreciated their work instead of taking it for granted, like the gym employee, they might discover more joy in their roles. A mindset that views oneself as merely a “grunt worker” fosters resentment and laziness, which can lead to micromanagement or even termination. At best, it results in dissatisfaction.

During my time at Crate & Barrel, I often observed these contrasting attitudes among coworkers. Some embraced their roles with enthusiasm, while others merely counted down the hours until their shifts ended. Retail is a true test of character; it exposes you to a wide array of customers, and the days can feel long, especially when business is slow or if you're facing a nine-hour shift.

One day, I asked a coworker named Linda—a 60-something former high-powered lawyer who had earned a substantial income for years—why she chose to work there. I left the unspoken assumption that we weren’t making much money hanging in the air, knowing she was perceptive enough to understand my implied question.

Her response was enlightening: “After undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, I realized I didn’t want a high-stress job consuming my life. This role allows me to stay active for 20 hours a week in a healthier way.” Her positive attitude reflected her outlook, and she outshone younger colleagues who resented their roles.

Linda was grateful to be alive, having survived when so many hadn’t.

Whenever I watch house tours on YouTube of immaculate mansions, I remind myself that those homes likely house just as much unhappiness as any average townhome.

Perspective shapes our happiness, and the lens through which we choose to view our lives directly influences our overall attitude. Most rational individuals know how to view their circumstances positively; it simply requires the choice to do so.

Ultimately, many of us enjoy better circumstances than we often recognize.

Join 10,000 Subscribers to my newsletter for more free content.

Chapter 2: Attitudes in the Workplace

Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Scores Explained - This video provides an insightful overview of how patient satisfaction scores are measured and their significance in the healthcare industry.

Charting Survey Results in Excel (Visualize Employee Satisfaction results) - This video guides viewers on how to effectively chart and visualize employee satisfaction survey results using Excel.