"Workin' 9-5. What a way to make a livin',"

I don't know if it's my southern roots and the fact that summer is six months out of 12, at the least, but I love my tan. I'll bake in the sun all day with a good book or a cold one by my side.
In China, the majority of women carry an umbrella for shade when it is slightly sunny. They also use whitening lotion, whereas many Americans prefer self tanner.
They strive to have the fairest skin possible. This comes from old standards when those who were fair skinned usually signified wealth. And those with dark skin were typically laborers and poor to middle class workers.
Being from the South we praise farmers. And being a girl with a hardworking middle class father, I praise laborers.
My dad has worked at the same factory for 35 years. When he was 18 he started at Libbey Glass, and at 52 years old, 34 years later, he still punches the clock every day by 7:00 a.m.
Even today, many people encourage education and higher degrees for success. Study hard and it will pay off, in material items.
Many people today find themselves "too good" for blue collar work. I disagree. Whatever work you do, you make it yours. And you make it yours with pride.
I've often asked my dad if he hates his job, or if he's tired of it over the years. My daddy, being the realistic, practical man he is, basically said no because it provided a comfortable life for himself and for us. Like any job, though, it has its good days and it has its bad days.
I'm writing about this today because on my hour-long subway commute I'm listening to Taylor Swift. Yes, Taylor Swift. Her song, "Never Grow Up," has always spoken to me. The line reads:
"Memorize the sound when your dad gets home. Remember the footprints, remember the words said." 
This song was on an album that came out when I was in college and living on my own for the first time, so it has always resonated with me.
You do remember this. If your pets don't turn towards the door first, you recognize the feeling almost instinctively when your parent arrives. My dad drove a single cab '93 Silverado until my brother turned 16 and he gave it to him. That 'ol Chevy had a distinct muffle as it pulled into our drive every day.
I remember the sound, and to this day I recognize my dad's odor as he came in from work. It smells of oil, outside, the factory and sweat. The combination of all these scents means nothing more to me than love. That no matter the season, or the temperature, my dad works eight or more hours each day to ensure we were all well tended. And we were. I've never wanted for a thing in my life. Not of the necessary kind, anyway.
I've noticed while in China how many of the workers are peeking at elderly and still hacking away in the sun (or smog) each day.
I have seen one man under the age of 30 working a laborious job since my arrival here seven weeks ago. I see roughly 50-100 workers daily, depending on the day and my location.
Men and women of all ages over 45. Street sweepers, garbage collectors, construction workers, etc. They wear orange jumpsuits... like American prisoners.
And I fear they may be prisoners of a stereotype, not only in China, but throughout the world that blue collar is more lowly than white collar.
Important doesn't even begin to describe the way education is viewed in China. Not only do my students take English, but some take additional Chinese lessons, math, and other subjects and languages.
I'm not saying education isn't important. It is, and I'm a big fan of it. However, I enjoy education. I enjoy learning and reading and experiencing. Learning isn't for everyone.
Remember that Ferraris, $500 million dollar homes and designer brand clothing and accessories aren't every persons idea of wealth.
Many find wealth in a life where they can provide a healthy life for their family, food on their table and a roof over their head. It's just a bonus if you own the roof and can put food on a table at a restaurant. Many find wealth in simply living happily. And when you struggle in life, is where gratitude plays a role. There is always someone who has it worse than you. Always.
My dad tried college. He said it wasn't for him. There are plenty of people who don't enjoy it, nor succeed academically. It doesn't mean you can't succeed in life.
You don't need education to be successful or happy; you need motivation.
And for those of you with a degree, and no career, it'll happen. Meanwhile, the next time you're working your job as a cashier, secretary, bartender, server, etc., and someone suggests you go back to school, just flip 'em the bird and call it a day. :)