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submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by Ragdoll_X@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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[-] ImplyingImplications@lemmy.ca 38 points 10 months ago

Most of it. I went to college for Funeral Directing. School will tell you it's an ancient and honourable job of serving people in a time of need. 50% of school is learning "the art" of embalming and the other 50% is rules and regulations.

In real life, embalming is becoming a rare option, so most funeral homes have one or two directors on staff who can easily do every embalming the business gets. The other directors are essentially just salespeople. Most funeral homes are now owned by a few large corporations who don't run it like an honourable service but rather like a used car lot. These corporations have found every trick to skirt regulations meant to protect consumers and drive up prices while lowering quality of service.

It hasn't gone unnoticed by the consumers, who will take out their anger and frustrations on the overworked and underpaid funeral director who are not in on the take. Directors are typically paid for 40 hours a week but are required to take on all clients who call. It's rare that a director can handle every client a week in just 40 hours. All places I worked were severely understaffed and burnout was incredibly common.

I eventually got burnt out myself and switched jobs. I would not recommend funeral directing to anyone. College acts like you'll be treated like a doctor or lawyer but they must just mean the gruelling hours because funeral directors get none of the pay or respect.

[-] can@sh.itjust.works 10 points 10 months ago

Are people embalming less because cremation is increasing in popularity?

[-] ImplyingImplications@lemmy.ca 17 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Yes. The places I worked had about 80% of clients choosing cremation. I assume it's mostly a cost decision. Cremation does not require a casket or a cemetery plot, which are two very expensive items.

[-] can@sh.itjust.works 13 points 10 months ago

Even if I could afford it I'd feel bad taking up the land.

[-] walden@sub.wetshaving.social 11 points 10 months ago

I agree, it always seemed selfish to me.

this post was submitted on 22 Dec 2023
88 points (98.9% liked)

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