September 2, 2026

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On The Upside with Marley

The Satisfaction of a Job Well Done

With Labour Day approaching, we tend to think about work in terms of jobs, careers and paycheques. But there is another side of work that deserves celebrating—the simple satisfaction that comes from doing something well.

It might be building a deck that is perfectly level, preparing a meal everyone enjoys, helping a customer solve a problem, planting a garden, organizing an event, repairing something that was broken or finally cleaning out that cupboard  and washing the windows you’ve been avoiding for three years.

There is something deeply satisfying about stepping back afterward and thinking, “I did that.”

Not every worthwhile accomplishment comes with applause, recognition or a paycheque. Much of the work that makes our homes, families and communities function happens quietly. Someone volunteers at an event. A neighbour helps another neighbour. A parent spends an afternoon fixing a bicycle. Someone stays late to finish a job properly even though nobody would have noticed if they hadn’t.

Doing something well also changes the way we see ourselves. Each completed task becomes a small reminder that we’re capable. We learn something, improve a skill and gain confidence for whatever challenge comes next.

Of course, perfection isn’t required. Sometimes doing our best simply means giving something the attention it deserves rather than rushing through it to get it off the list.

So whether your work involves an office, a workshop, a kitchen, a classroom, a cash register, a garden or simply helping someone who needs you, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished.

There is dignity in almost any job when we care enough to do it well.

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Jobs That Have Almost Disappeared

The world of work has changed enormously, and many occupations that were once completely ordinary have nearly vanished.

Knocker-Ups were once hired to wake workers before alarm clocks became affordable. They would walk through neighbourhoods tapping on bedroom windows with long sticks.

Lamplighters walked city streets each evening lighting gas street lamps by hand, then returned in the morning to extinguish them.

Telephone Switchboard Operators manually connected telephone calls by plugging cables into large switchboards. For decades, making a long-distance call required another human being to physically connect you.

Bowling Pinsetters were often teenagers who sat behind bowling lanes and manually reset pins between turns before automatic pinsetting machines became common.

Ice Cutters harvested enormous blocks of ice from frozen lakes during winter. The ice was stored in insulated icehouses and delivered throughout warmer months before electric refrigeration became widespread.

Technology eliminated most of these jobs, but each was once an ordinary part of everyday life. It makes you wonder which common jobs today might sound equally strange a hundred years from now. Particularly with the advent of Artificial Intelligence.

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Why Do Leaves Change Colour?

September brings the first hints of autumn colour to Ontario, but those beautiful reds, oranges and yellows have actually been hiding in many leaves all summer.

During spring and summer, leaves contain large amounts of chlorophyll, the green pigment plants use to capture energy from sunlight. The green is so strong that it masks many of the other pigments already present.

As autumn approaches and daylight becomes shorter, trees gradually stop producing chlorophyll. As the green fades, yellow and orange pigments called carotenoids become easier to see. Some trees also produce red and purple pigments called anthocyanins.

Temperature, sunlight and weather conditions can influence how brilliant the autumn display becomes, which is why the colours can look spectacular one year and less dramatic the next.

In other words, many autumn colours aren’t suddenly appearing. They’ve been there all along, patiently waiting for the green to step aside.

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What Was That Restaurant Called?

Two older couples were having dinner together. After the meal, the women went into the kitchen while the two men continued talking.

One said, “We tried a new restaurant last night. It was excellent. You really should go.”

“What was it called?” asked his friend.

The man thought for a moment.

“What’s the name of that flower people give someone they love? It’s usually red and has thorns.”

“A rose?”

“That’s it!”

He turned toward the kitchen and shouted, “Rose! What was the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”

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Not Looking So Good

A man visited a horse breeder and spotted a horse he wanted to buy.

The breeder warned him, “I should tell you, that horse isn’t looking so good.”

The man bought it anyway.

The next day he returned angrily.

“You sold me a blind horse!”

The breeder shrugged. “I told you yesterday—the horse isn’t looking so good.”

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The Psychology Lesson

A teacher decided to put some of her psychology training to use.

She stood in front of the class and announced, “Anyone who thinks they’re stupid, please stand up.”

The room remained silent.

After a few moments, one student slowly stood.

The teacher asked, “Do you really think you’re stupid?”

“No, ma’am,” he replied. “I just hated seeing you standing there all by yourself.”

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The Talking Millipede

A lonely man went to a pet shop looking for some company. The owner suggested something unusual—a talking millipede.

The man bought it and took it home.

That evening he leaned toward the box and asked, “I’m going out for a drink. Would you like to come?”

No answer.

A few minutes later he tried again.

“I’m heading out. Do you want to come with me?”

Still nothing.

Finally, frustrated, he leaned right over the box.

“I SAID, DO YOU WANT TO COME OUT WITH ME?”

A tiny voice shouted back, “I heard you the first time! I’m putting my shoes on!”

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The Missing Husband

A woman went to the police station with her neighbour to report that her husband was missing.

The officer asked her to describe him.

“He’s six-foot-four, athletic, dark wavy hair, beautiful eyes, soft-spoken and wonderful with children.”

Her neighbour stared at her.

“Your husband is five-foot-four, bald, overweight, loud and constantly yelling at the kids!”

The woman nodded.

“I know. But who wants him back?”

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Editor’s Quote Book

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

— Thomas Edison

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

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A Great Reception

Two television antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married.

The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent.

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The Termite

A termite walked into a pub, looked around and asked,

“Is the bartender here?”

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Chess Club

A group of chess players were thrown out of a hotel lobby.

The manager couldn’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.

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Dickens Orders A Drink

Charles Dickens walked into a bar and ordered a martini.

The bartender asked, “Olive or Twist?”

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The Composer

What happens to composers after they die?

They decompose.

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Marley’s Video Pick

Why Leaves Change Colour in Autumn

Those brilliant reds, yellows and oranges that begin appearing every fall aren’t simply decoration—they’re the result of some fascinating changes happening inside the tree. In this Canadian video, dendrologist Ken Farr visits Commissioners Park in Ottawa to explain why leaves change colour and what happens as trees prepare for the colder months ahead.

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The Last Word

“Whatever your work happens to be, there is satisfaction in knowing you cared enough to do it well.”

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