The article portrays the life of a pest control worker post-bedbug scare, highlighting the stigma and challenges faced when performing services. The narrator recounts their struggles and feelings of being an outcast or "persona non grata" within the business community, compounded by the residual fear from the bedbug panic. They navigate through a tense exchange with a bakery owner who is anxious about customer perceptions while they diligently perform their pest control duties, demonstrating dedication despite the social stigma associated with their profession.
"During the bedbug scare, I earned a premium for same-day service, gaining respect from panicked clients. Now, I’m the Grim Reaper with a cartoon rat on my truck."
"He doesn’t care that it’s cold outside... He cares that customers will see me in front of his establishment - who can blame him?"
Collection
[
|
...
]