A Papa Johns pizza maker was told to ‘get a real job.’ People love his response.
Jacob Bartoli, a Papa Johns employee known as Doughtoli, has sparked a viral conversation about the value and respect of so-called 'real jobs.' Often questioned about his career choice, Bartoli's earnest response highlights the dedication and skill involved in food service roles. His video, viewed millions of times, challenges societal norms that undervalue manual labor and celebrates the dignity of all work.
Bartoli's stance resonates deeply with a broad audience, many of whom shared their own experiences of working in demanding yet underappreciated jobs. His message underscores a broader societal issue: the need to redefine what constitutes meaningful work and to respect those who perform it, regardless of title or pay. This story is a reminder that true worth lies in the passion and effort we bring to our roles, not in the labels others assign.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The societal devaluation of manual and service-oriented jobs.
- The actions
- Bartoli uses his social media platform to advocate for respect and recognition of service workers.
- Evidence of progress
- His video has garnered millions of views and widespread support, indicating a significant public resonance with his message.
- What we can learn
- Communities can benefit from celebrating all forms of labor, recognizing the skills and dedication involved, and fostering respect across job sectors.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 7
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 8
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 7
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Courage
Bartoli challenges societal norms by publicly defending his job and those of his peers.
Perspective
He offers a thoughtful critique of how society undervalues essential, yet often invisible, labor.
Kindness
Bartoli advocates for respect towards all workers, regardless of their job, emphasizing empathy over judgment.
Try this today
Consider the next time you interact with a service worker. Acknowledge their effort and express gratitude. Reflect on the skills required for their work and how it contributes to your daily life.