Studying this course has positively impacted my understanding of the world from a bigger picture. Through sociological imagination, I can now see how my personal problems and social issues are interlinked, and the presence of one plays a significant role in the establishment of the other. Work has played a significant role in my transformation because it laid the foundation on which I interacted with many factors. In this essay, I will use my biography to discuss how social, historical, and cultural factors influenced my thinking and actions, as well as how I see the world around me.
Work is viewed differently by different people. However, as Vallas et al. discussed in chapter two, work is no longer a means of end to survival (18). My first work was in a coffee shop. At the time, work was a means to cater to daily needs. I had just completed high school and needed my own money. It is worth noting that young people at such age are faced with many challenges, including adventure, curiosity, and peer pressure. Some of my friends were already driving, and I saw it as an opportunity for me to begin working. I got this job through a friend’s referral. My friend was working in the same coffee shop and when they needed additional employees, my friend considered me.
As my first paid work, I drew many lessons. Paid work significantly contrasts with volunteering or helping. First, in paid work, employees have less to say and mainly follow instructions from the employer. This prompted me to learn to be humble and patient because I was not used to strict rules and instructions. I learned that following and complying with the stipulated guidelines and rules reduces the chances of workplace conflicts, especially between employers and employees. Secondly, in paid work, one must be creative and innovative as they may not have all the necessary help at their disposal especially when there are misunderstandings with the customer. It is worth noting that conflicts and misunderstandings are prevalent in the workplace, especially in an industry such as a coffee shop. Sometimes the employer may leave to attend to other errands leaving employees to run the business. In such cases, I relied on my decision-making capabilities which contributed to my growth in terms of independence, critical thinking, and decision-making.
This phenomenon has become a requirement in many workplaces. For instance, in chapter five, Vallas et al. described how the production line of Dell computers requires such skills as critical thinking and creativity to remain relevant, and those who cannot keep up are laid off (80). Moreover, my first job opened my eyes to the broader issue of social hierarchy, power, tasks, and pay. It would be ambiguous if no hierarchy existed, mainly in the workplace. This is because it brings about respect and eliminates chaos and confusion in a business. If everyone had equal power in an organization, no one would be answerable or accountable when adverse events occur. This reflects the need for leadership, power, and control. I learned that power gives an individual control over others, but also it is essential to note that power and control bring about social injustices such as discrimination, intimidation, and exploitation of one’s labor. Ultimately, my first work laid the foundation on which I began learning the interconnection between personal and social factors influencing one’s life.
Human beings cannot entirely prevent socializing or interacting with others as well as their environment creating chances for conflicts and misunderstandings. As such, relationships are created which may positively or negatively impact one’s life. I experienced different relationships in my first and second jobs. My second job involved retail selling, completely different from coffee shops. The two work environments created different avenues of relationships, although they are related in some aspects. For instance, in a coffee shop, I was expected to start a conversation with customers by asking what type of coffee they would prefer. In contrast, as a retailer, customers began conversations and sometimes just passed orders on a list. I feel that working at a coffee shop exposed me to many people of all ages, cultures, and genders. In many instances, I would encounter the whole family coming to have coffee in our shop. In such cases, the language and etiquette I showed parents were different from children and those of my age.
Although I did not experience bullying, most times, I found it challenging to interact with other cultures due to the language barrier. Nonetheless, the takeaway was always to be ready to meet and interact with people who do not speak my language or those who may have different family backgrounds. Not only did I experience relationship change with customers but also within my workplace based on rank and position. I freely interacted with other employees, but leaders expected more formal and official interaction limited to work-related issues. Quttainah and Said argue that formal relationships are based on authority, while informal relationships are based on shared personal and professional experiences (5). They add that both formal and informal relationships occur horizontally and vertically so that a formal vertical relationship is dictated by authority, while a formal horizontal is influenced by equality and reciprocation between people and supervisors belonging to the same level within the organization (5). Overall, changing work environments exposed me to different cultures, social statuses, and personalities contributing to my solid understanding of the factors influencing my life and growth as a person. I learned that I might differ from others on some issues, which is expected because we are from different worlds. This helped me grow my conflict resolution skills and knowledge.
Technological advancements represent a historical development, particularly in the workplace. This is because technology has redefined operational processes, customer behavior, and expectations. It is worth noting that the benefits of technology in the workplace cannot be understated as it has become a crucial component of the contemporary organization’s success. Technology has shaped my work history in various ways. For instance, as a retailer, technology enabled me to reach many customers online at a go. It created an interaction without necessarily being physically present to negotiate prices with my customers. On the customer side, technology enabled them to reduce unnecessary costs by ordering items online. This propelled the growth and expansion of our organization. Additionally, technology revolutionized communication by availing numerous forms and channels of communication, such as teleconferencing, video calls, websites, and other social platforms. Ranta et al. noted that digital technologies are structured in various essential layers involving data collection, integration, and analysis (2). Technology did not eliminate my job but simplified it. However, I had to learn digital skills such as social media management, product promotion, and using various technological equipment to facilitate smooth operations.
Conclusively, work has played a pertinent role in shaping my life. It has helped me grow by acquiring essential skills for social interaction, conflict resolution, and decision-making. I have learned how work can be a foundation for personal cultural, social, and historical factors interactions, and one needs to see work from a different perspective to understand life. Also, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of technological advancements and how they can shape one’s life.
Works Cited
Quttainah, Majdi Anwar, and Dina Sabry Said. “The directional nature of organizational relationships and their effect on individual performance and turnover.” FIIB Business Review 10.1 (2021): 5-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/2319714520972212
Ranta, Valtteri, Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, and Juha-Matti Väisänen. “Digital technologies catalyzing business model innovation for circular economy—Multiple case study.” Resources, Conservation and Recycling 164 (2021): 105155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105155
Vallas, Steven Peter, William Finlay, and Amy S. Wharton. The sociology of work: Structures and inequalities. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.
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