WORK ETHIC….a belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities.
Do you possess this thing l described as a desire to do a task well, being vigilant and organized? If you do, “kudos” to you! There seems to be a considerable loss of people who adhere to this belief. I read on many social media platforms about people who are dealing with this malady in the private sectors as well as in business. I can’t pinpoint when this conundrum began as to work when you would take a person’s word that they would do a certain job for you and then not show up or do a “slipshod” effort that leaves you disappointed in the job or just plain mad in general.
I believe that some things that caused the problem might be our government outreach to help those who they deem needy or neglected. So much money has been given to some that they feel they deserve the handout without working in any way to earn this compensation. I believe that lots of this mentality came from the effects of COVID and our little knowledge of the repercussions of this new virus. My parents worked hard with an excellent work ethic, but we were not wealthy by any means. Yes, we sometimes needed help in certain situations, but we made do with money earned.
We have been in the retail grocery business for the past sixty years and we have never had the difficulties that we have experienced over the past five years. Like other businesses we have trouble finding people who want to work. The work is there but no takers. It’s the same problem with all industries. Again, where is the work ethic?
We were raised, in my generation, to earn what you need and give to the needy if there is abundance and that’s what we have always done. I went to work at the age of fourteen and I have never felt deprived of things others may have had. I was taught from an early age, to be accomplished I would have to put forth an effort just as most of my generation learned. - Work ethic.
With all this said I would still be careful to judge someone before I know their full story. I just want to say to you, “Don’t entertain laziness.” If you can earn you and your family’s livelihood, then practice good work ethic.
During the lean years of my family and my growing up years my mother could stretch a pound of hamburger meat to feed several people when I now use a pound for three hamburgers. Here’s one of her recipes.
SATURDAY NIGHT HAMBURGERS
One pound of hamburger meat mixed with ½ pound of pork sausage, 2 pieces of light bread soaked in milk, one egg, salt and pepper. Mix all well and shape into six small patties. Fry on the stove or grill. (We had no grill, but these were delicious, and I have such great memories of Saturday night hamburgers.)
