As someone who was designated an "Essential Worker" early in the pandemic, I just want to say that I have always resented that term.
All workers are essential. It's the bosses that are useless.
I always felt this term was propagandistic and elitist and of course my favorite Podcast Citations Needed eventually got around to doing an episode on just this issue.
I highly suggest you listen with an open mind.
Citations Needed is the only podcast you're likely to ever see me plug. Everyone, regardless of their "politics" (scarequotes intended), should listen to this podcast. It speaks truth to power by analyzing tropes in media.