While the spotlight often shines on actors, athletes, politicians, and tech innovators, everyday workers rarely are noticed. Among these overlooked professions are janitors, individuals who play essential roles in maintaining buildings but are often undervalued. Despite being seen as an entry-level job, many janitors have shown that dedication and resilience can lead to remarkable success.
Here are three inspiring stories of former janitors who achieved greatness:
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, the beloved star of films like Dumb and Dumber, Liar Liar, and The Truman Show, didn’t always lead a life of luxury. As a teenager growing up in Canada, his family faced severe financial struggles. They were forced to live in a van and camp in parks. When his father found work at a factory, Carrey and his siblings took on janitorial jobs at the same facility to help the family. By the age of fifteen, Jim left high school to work as a full-time night shift custodian. This was a challenging chapter of Jim’s life, that gave him a resilience and work ethic that helped shape his rise to stardom.
Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington, known as the first African American to dine with a U.S. president at the White House, was born into slavery in 1856. Following the Civil War, his family gained their freedom and settled in West Virginia. By the age of nine, Washington was working alongside his father in the salt mines, starting before dawn, attending school during the day, and returning to work in the evening.
Later, he attended the Hampton Institute and paid for his education by working as a janitor. His days were long and demanding, beginning at 4 AM and stretching into the night. Washington’s determination and vision led him to establish the Tuskegee Institute. At Tuskegee, he empowered thousands of African Americans through education.
James Croll
James Croll, born in Scotland in 1821, defied the odds to become a respected scientist. He was often described as “a self-educated son of a crofter-stonemason.” Croll’s early life was marked by health issues, financial difficulties, and a variety of jobs. With limited access to formal education, he found a way to learn. His passion for learning led to a job working as a janitor at Anderson University Library.
Over seven years, he immersed himself in scientific literature, using his position as an opportunity to study. This self-taught period paved the way for his groundbreaking contributions to science, particularly in understanding orbital dynamics and ice age climate changes.
When you see a janitor hard at work, remember they may be more than meets the eye. As these stories show, many janitors possess extraordinary determination, untapped potential, and a drive to make a lasting impact.
