THE jobless rate has been increasing steadily because of the economic slowdown.

Those who are still employed should be content with their jobs, difficult though they may be.

Despite the fact that work is hard to come by, some people take things for granted, and do not treasure their jobs.

Early one morning, I was at a neighbourhood supermarket, where a worker in her 50s was stacking fruit and vegetables. I politely asked her about the price of a carton of oranges.

When she ignored me, I repeated my request. What annoyed me was that instead of answering politely, she looked daggers at me, then spluttered out the price with her back to me.

I later learnt that her unbecoming behaviour was due to her heavier workload during the Chinese New Year period. However, she should not have vented her frustrations on me.

After all, customers like me are the reason for her job in the supermarket.

I know of some retail workers who feel down when their shops are empty or when they have little to do.

Being busy is a sign of good business, which in turn can help a company retain its employees. Alas, few people recognise this logic.

I feel uneasy whenever I notice counter clerks working at a leisurely pace and chit-chatting among themselves while customers are waiting to be served. Jobs are currently a big concern, and those who want to remain employed should help their companies help them.

Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

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