work, work, work
I have been working since I was 15 years old. Not long compared to my elders. Yet, I have put in a good 7 years to “the man”. In the past several years I have had a total of 5 jobs some that I went back for a second round.
Since I was old enough to walk I was told to pick up after myself, do chores, to walk the dog and to take care of my belongings. I have always been taught to work hard, not to slack off and never do anything half ass. I have seen both my parents work late hours, work two jobs and suffer from lack of sleep. I would say that I was taught priceless lessons when it came to work ethic.
I am perplexed by my co-workers work practices. Every weekend I hear of at least two people call in sick on Saturday or Sunday. According to them it’s due to a headache or sore throat. Personally, I think it’s a hang over that my co-worker cannot confess to. Time and time again the managers and shift supervisors are left to frantically scramble for employees to cover their shifts. Often times they are left with nothing.
Now, I have experienced headaches, nausea, sore throats, coughs, burns, migraines, earaches and high fevers. I have also suffered all those symptoms at work. Not to mention traumatic issues that I’ve had to bear through. Might I add, I work two jobs and I hardly ever have a single day off from either location. I recall a particular incident where no one could cover my shift; I refused to let them work without me so I volunteered to work my full 8 hour shift with a 102 degree temperature. Luckily, I was sent home early so I could rest. However, that is not the point. The point is I went in it because my principles have taught me that you shouldn’t leave your co-workers “hanging”. Understanding the struggle that others have to go through to save you essentially should put you in your place.
What aggravates me even more is when someone does not return the favor. Don’t get me wrong, I do it expecting nothing in return. Yet, I feel that as a courtesy it should be equal. I have asked others to cover part of my shift and yet they show up late or not at all. Even when I have been sick no one stepped up to help out. I volunteered to go in still with a temperature.
Where are people’s work ethics these days? Is it due to the generations? My belief is that it’s due to younger and younger generations being placed into the work world. I do not know where it stems from, maybe their parents or the young one’s laziness. However, it is displayed all over retail stores throughout the country.
I tell you this. My kids will never ever be lazy and will never slack off. Their work ethic foundation will be strong and I will make sure of it.
Similar articles that might also interest you:
- Best Pumpkin Carvings of 2011
- Eternal sunsets, from the comfort of your own home
- My favorite Firefox shortcuts
- Get Some Head Next Wednesday
- Stop to smell the roses, damnit
Comments
mose
I can appreciate work ethic, but if one of my people ever showed up with a 102 fever I would throw them out the front door.
1. If they are that sick their productivity will suck.
2. If they are that sick their error rate will be high and their overall judgement impaired.
3. Spreading sickness through the office costs more $$$ than their work that day is worth due to its negative impact on the health of others.
Carol
You really need to take better care of yourself! You’re not doing your employer or work colleagues any favours by showing up for work deathly ill like that (see the comment above).
I also wonder why you would think a job is more important than your health. Your employer will not return the favour should you permanently become too ill to work.
Consider working on your anger issues about your colleagues. Their behaviour isn’t your problem — the way you respond to their behaviour is. There is more to life than your job!
Mike Panic
I look at it from a few different angles, but most companies pay per hour, not for value. That being said, I have often tried to go to work sick as hell and upon arrival told my boss that I made an attempt to come in, I’m really sick and by me going home today I can recuperate and be more productive for the rest of the week, rather then try to be half productive today and half productive tomorrow.
There is a fine line to walk with this sort of stuff, but I’m also a firm believer in staying home when you are really sick. I’ve gotten sick more times then I have fingers in the last two years from employees who insist on coming in sick, sneezing, fevers, etc. because they have used all their sick days can can’t afford to take anymore off. Bullshit, now you are getting me sick and forcing me to take days off which ultimately is causing the company to loose money.