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Where did you get your work ethic from?

By
Industry Observer with Vacant Land Solutions NMLS #241036

Recently, I was going thru some really old family photos and realized that in almost every photo of my Grandparents - they were working. My Grandmother ran a small rural country store; my Grandfather was a journeyman carpenter; they were always working, either on their jobs, on their house or in their yard.

As I think back, I realized that they had an incredible work ethic and were probably the reason that I began developing my values, beliefs and work habits at a early age. For example:

At age 7, I was collecting used newspapers and selling them to fish markets to support my comic book habit.

At 10, I moved up to selling Grit (a national newspaper) and my local Dillon Herald. (Mom freaked when she found out that the reason that I was able to sell so many papers was because I stood on the yellow line at the traffic light in the middle of a six lane highway!)

Since I was big for my age, at 14 I was able to finagle a job at the local movie theatre (the other guys were afraid to climb the ladder to change the letters on the Marquee three times a week).

Thanks to a older cousin, when I turned 16, I was able to get a job at 16 at the South of the Border tourist complex as a gas station attendant (Yes, they actually had guys who would pump your gas, check the air in your tires, and clean your windshield)

I have never been without a job for a whole week since I was 7 years old.

What's my point here?

That something so invisible and intangible as your work ethic can affect you (positively or negatively) for most of your adult life .

Some people are lucky enough to inherit it... (I think I got it from my Grandfather, who died on his way to work)

A few people learn it..

A lot of ActiveRainer's have it...(Those who have it recognize it in others)

Many people never get it...

Who did you get your work ethic from?

Comments (2)

Debbie Summers
Charles Rutenberg Realty - New Smyrna Beach, FL

Hey Bobby - Where?  I've been working since I was 12 years old...

Humble beginnings and a desire for the "good life" drives many to work more than 12-14 hours a day to build the life that they have wanted since they were 12 years old.  I've never "not worked"...  I won't be satisfied until I have the life that I dream of.

Great post... In these tough times, you have to do even more to stay in the game!

Oct 26, 2008 02:55 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I know I got mine from my parents as I don't remember them ever calling in sick as a kid. I also remember my dad working 2nd jobs to make ends meet, he did what it took to make sure food was always on the table.

I have been working since age 11 myself and like you started my first business shortly after that, I didn't like working for other people.

Todd Clark, Helping Families Home - www.IFoundYourNewHome.com

Oct 29, 2008 04:26 AM