She starts work at 4AM. HBU
She starts work at 4AM. After 8 years, what keeps her going?
This was the final question I asked Queenie in our Q&A.
When people hear “embalmer”, they might imagine that the job is simply about embalming and preparing the deceased.
But after hearing Queenie talk about her day-to-day life, I realised there is so much more that people don’t see.
⏰ Some days start at 4AM.
⌛ There can be a lot of waiting in between.
🌙 Working hours can be unpredictable.
🤍 And every person she cares for belongs to a family going through one of the hardest moments of their lives.
It’s not an easy profession.
So after 8 years, I had to ask her:
“What keeps you going?”
Her answer is what made this final part of our Q&A especially meaningful to me.
Because behind every profession is a person.
We see someone’s job title.
But we don’t always see the sacrifices, the difficult days, the quiet moments—and the reason they continue showing up.
Maybe that’s what keeps all of us going in our own careers too.
This is the final episode of my Q&A with Queenie, an embalmer with 8 years of experience.
If you’ve followed the whole series, I’d love to know:
What keeps YOU going in your work? 💭
Starting work at 4AM as an embalmer is not just about following a tough schedule; it's about embracing a profession that demands both technical skill and emotional resilience. From my experience and conversations with others in the funeral service industry, the waiting periods can be mentally taxing because you must always be ready to respond to calls at unpredictable times. The job requires a continuous balance between maintaining professionalism and offering compassionate care to grieving families. Queenie's story highlights how meaningful it is to hear thanks and appreciation from family members after embalming, which provides great motivation despite the challenges. Many embalmers share that the emotional rewards of easing a family's burden during a difficult time serve as a powerful source of strength. It's also important to recognize that embalming involves more than the physical preparation of the deceased—it involves preserving the dignity of loved ones and providing a sense of closure for families in mourning. This responsibility can lead to long, irregular hours and demands significant emotional energy. From my personal observations, maintaining such a demanding schedule requires a strong support system, moments of self-care, and a clear understanding of the value of the work beyond just the tasks. For those considering this career path, it’s crucial to recognize that the role goes beyond what many perceive, involving deep empathy and commitment. Ultimately, what keeps professionals like Queenie going is the knowledge that their work makes a profound difference. Their dedication helps families through one of life’s toughest experiences, enabling them to find peace and remember their loved ones with respect and honor.