02/06/2022
Here are 6 things to know about funeral directors and what you can learn if you get to know them, too:
#1: First off, they aren’t who you think we are.
Funeral directors aren’t trying to steal your money, scam you, or throw your loved one’s remains into a creepy looking freezer full of mutated limbs. They are normal (whatever that means) people just like you, with families, lives, and yes – even feelings, too.
#2: They aren’t rich, either.
Every time people say they work in the funeral profession, someone always say something along the lines of “at least you’ll never have to worry about going out of business” or “everyone’s dying to get into your funeral home”. As strange as it sounds, this is far from the truth. Many funeral homes lose money everyday.
So don’t think your local funeral director is sitting behind his desk, rubbing his hands together behind a huge pile of money. In fact, the funeral professionals whose businesses are on a decline are trying with all their might to adapt to the changing needs of people today in hopes of saving it. Do them a favor and try and connect with them. You’ll be surprised. And it will be worth it.
#3: What they do is not easy.
You may think a job in the death industry is just like another 9-to-5 job, but it’s not. In fact, it’s far from it. Funeral directors have to make themselves available to work all hours of the day – whether its 4am or 11pm. It doesn’t matter if they’re at their daughters dance recital or at their own family funeral, they still have to drop everything they’re doing to help families who just lost a loved one. A career in the funeral profession is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for people who aren’t willing to put everyone and everything before themselves.
#4: They not only care, they care too much.
Even though funeral directors deal with death all day, everyday, they are people, too. When you share your feelings of grief with them, they not only recognize them, but they often take them on. When you cry, they want to cry too. When you really miss your loved one and want them back here, they want that, too. Their own emotional needs often get swept under the rug so they can better serve you.
#5: Your genuine appreciation makes their job completely worth it.
Just like teachers, funeral directors efforts are always remembered, but seldom expressed. Their satisfaction comes from knowing that they did the right thing, and in a (near) perfect way. With that being said, something as simple as a “thank you” is what makes their day. It’s what helps them know that they’re doing this for a bigger cause than money. It’s what makes them get out of bed every morning. So next time you are grateful and happy with your funeral home’s service, give your funeral director a big hug and a thank you. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it.
#6: They are morticians, but not magicians.
They’ll do everything in their power to see that the loved one’s service is as special as they want it to be. They truly try to do their best every time, but sometimes things don’t work out exactly the way you want them to. They will, however, find a way to make you happy, because that’s what they were put on this earth to do.
One last thing…
Unlike any other job in the service industry, a funeral director sees their job as their calling. It’s what defines them. In fact most funeral directors will tell you that they didn’t chose the funeral profession; the funeral profession chose them.
