“Respect is Mutual” An Ordinary Job, An Extraordinary Commitment

I am a public security officer from Hunan province, and I am 43 years old. In 2015, a relative introduced me to this line of work. He encouraged me to “give it a try,” and since then, I’ve continued in this field. My first job was as a night-shift security officer at a factory. I worked 12-hour shifts, sleeping during the day and working through the night. It was a tough job.

Over the past nine years, I’ve had to take breaks from work due to family responsibilities, often returning to my hometown. After the COVID pandemic, I stayed at home for about a year before resuming work, this time in a residential compound where I’ve been employed for three to four years.

Many people misunderstand the role of a security officer, often comparing us to “watchdogs.” In reality, without security officers and other essential workers, a compound would descend into chaos. Trash would pile up, order would collapse, thieves would roam freely, and countless problems would remain unresolved.

One incident that stands out involved a resident with severe mysophobia. He always carried tissues to avoid touching surfaces and would use them to press elevator buttons. One night, around 11 p.m., he asked me to leave my post to help him open a door and the elevator. When I refused, he threatened to report me. I calmly told him, “You can do whatever you want, but I won’t leave my post. See you tomorrow.” Surprisingly, he now greets me with a friendly “hi” whenever we cross paths.

On the other hand, there have also been heartwarming moments. During one exhausting night shift, an owner who went out to buy breakfast at 6 a.m. brought me a cup of soy milk. She said, “I got a few extras, and you should try this—it’s great.” At that moment, I felt my heart melt.

This job has taught me an important lesson: focus on your work and treat others with respect and care. While I can’t always be perfect, I’ve realized that kindness and professionalism earn acceptance over time. Even the resident who once threatened me now greets me warmly. Respect is mutual—when you treat others with care, they often respond in kind.

- Anonymous

Hunan, China

邓易洋｜Content curator

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