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could_use_a_snack t1_jdouxsh wrote

Reply to comment by segelnhoch3 in ELI5 How does a “website” have so many employees? by [deleted]

>janitors, etc.

As a custodian, thank you for remembering us.

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BrevitysLazyCousin t1_jdpfkq2 wrote

When I was in third grade I asked my teacher for some extravagance like an ice cream party. The teacher said "You'll get your ice cream party when pigs fly". My mom was also a teacher so I hung out around the school once the kids left.

I cooked up a plan with the head custodian which included drawing a pig with wings on paper twice, stapling the two pigs together with cotton balls stuffed inside and coloring it pink. Then Melvin and I hung the flying pig from a long piece of twine taped to the side, GOT ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING, and swung the pig back and forth in front of my teacher's window.

She correctly concluded that pigs had flown, our ice cream party was arranged and Melvin got the first bowl. He retired as a much loved member of the community and I get to remember that here was a time like 40 years ago when some adults would help kids do cool shit.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jdprvdv wrote

Wow. I'm sure he would be extremely grateful to know he is still in your memories.

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Hugh_Mann123 t1_jdpywrk wrote

Good thing your teacher wasn't like Mr. Burns

It's just a little airborne, it's still good, it's still good

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amanuense t1_jdp4v91 wrote

Unsung heroes. I have the habit of spending time with janitorial staff in the places I've worked. Honestly I have met only good people and I'm sad to see how a lot of people just ignore them and belittle them.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jdpe799 wrote

>Unsung heroes

True. For the most part. But you can always leave us treats. 😁

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amanuense t1_jdpnli8 wrote

Sadly not possible in my office. Janitors are not allowed to touch anything unless it has to be cleaned or thrown away. One of them told me they couldn't accept stuff from the engineers just in case someone thought they stole it.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jdps1yz wrote

A sticky note on the trash can saying 'thanks for keeping my area clean' works too.

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TooSoonTurtle t1_jdpq31g wrote

To be fair most companies don't employ their own custodians. They would contract a facility management organization which would handle all the custodians, groundskeepers, HVAC maintenance etc.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jdps85m wrote

That's true, but they are still worth noticing. Without them you'd have to clean up after yourself. Lol.

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