Even a Poor Job helps to build Self Respect

‘A person should rather engage in work that is beneath his dignity than rely on charity.’ (Bava Basra 110a)

Earning one’s own living brings a level of self respect that means more than the work itself.

In other words, it doesn’t matter how demeaning a job might be, the fact that it is a job and a person is contributing, makes it less demeaning than relying on the charity of others.