Be Thankful You're Busy

There is some irony to this recession thing that I keep hearing about on the news. I listen to the candidates for President speak about tax cuts for lower and middleclass Americans who need the break. I agree that the tax system is messed up, and we may in fact be in the midst of a recession, however, there is also something wrong with the work ethic of some people...or perhaps they are not complaining, because they have no work ethic. Either the politicians are speaking for people they really aren't in touch with (probably), or people really don't want to get ahead. We all see and hear it every day. The hourly worker who volunteers to be the first one let go on their shift when it is slow, yet complains they have no money. The salesperson who puts their work out ahead of making another sales call. The accountant who doesn't double check their analysis to make sure the numbers add up.  It's all around us.

My story of the week: I was dropping my car off at the mechanic, and they have this great service where they will drive you to your house, train, wherever. One of the workers just pulls up front, and you hop in and go. Wonderful. As we pull out of the parking lot, I ask the guy how business is. He says it is crazy busy. Believing there is a recession going on from all of the news reports, I said back that he is lucky, and that's great that it is so busy. He tells me not really, he has to work Saturdays, and he'd rather be fishing.

With people getting laid off all the time, the idea that you are so busy I would think would be a good thing. I have worked at least six days a week or an hours equivalent to that for over 10 years. It is how you get ahead. It really is a simple concept. Do more than the person next to you, and A. you stay employed, B. you stay in business and C. you get ahead.

The fact that people are upset that they have to work more when tens of thousands wish they had jobs is absurd to me. I am thankful every day that I have too much work to do; it makes me more valuable to my company!