On the sixth anniversary of my retirement, I reminisce about those difficult and precious years of work. At that time, I was a dock stevedore with a monthly salary of only 36 yuan. Although the salary was not high, we had no regrets at that time, because we understood that sweat-soaked work clothes were a symbol of wealth.
Many people may be skeptical about the level of wages at that time, thinking that I am exaggerating. But in fact, dock workers at that time did enjoy relatively high wages. Compared to other industries, our monthly salary is not low, and even exceeds some workers of the same level. However, such high wages are also based on the heavy manual labor on our shoulders.
The job of a dock stevedore is extremely hard. Every day, we carry our backs and carry all kinds of goods with all our might. Compared to now, the working conditions were more difficult and sweat became a part of our daily life, but we never gave up, because we knew that only by working hard could we buy happiness in life.
Looking back, I have also made some contributions to the development of the company. In the spring of 1986, I wrote an investigative report, which attracted the attention of the relevant departments at the headquarters. This report was not only affirmed, but also asked me to go to the headquarters to revise it. This was my first time traveling, and it was also the first time I came to Hankou to experience a different life.
Time flies, and today's businesses have changed dramatically. While executive pay levels have skyrocketed to jaw-dropping levels, the average employee has seen a much slower pay increase. Such a gap makes people sigh that the years are changing so fast.
After I retired, I still miss my working days. Although that time was hard, it was also full of struggle and gain. Perhaps, it is this experience that makes me cherish my current life more and understand the meaning of labor. May we cherish the past, cherish the present, and cherish every day in the future.