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June 17, 2005
Work Lessons from Dad
In May, I wrote about my mom's contributions at home in honor of Mother's Day. This Sunday is Father's Day, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention what I've learned from my dad about work. After all, he was my family's sole breadwinner for nine years so my mom could stay home with my brother and me.
My dad is a bit of an anomaly in today's world of work -- he's been with different incarnations of the same company for 25 years. He works in electronic security, installing and selling the equipment that monitors places like ATMs, colleges and hospitals. He takes a lot of pride in his work and often points out places he's installed equipment when we're out and about.
Through his example and teachings, my dad instilled in us the very New England values of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, a tireless work ethic and being accountable for your actions. The latter is a Monster value, expressed here as "do what you say." As for my dad, he says, "Always keep your word, because if you don't have that, what do you have?"
As I've mentioned, my grandfather worked for the same barbershop for more than 40 years until he was 80, only retiring because of illness, so I know where my dad got his drive and work ethic. I hope I can pass the torch to my own kids so they learn to understand the value of work when they grow up. In the meantime, thanks, Dad, for helping to make me the worker I am today.
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Posted by Christine on June 17, 2005 at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
Thanx Chris
Dad
Posted by: John Ferrara | Jun 20, 2005 4:38:35 PM
Chris, when I read this line you wrote, I thought of my dad...
"Always keep your word, because if you don't have that, what do you have?"
My dad gave the same advice, worked 30 years for the same company and did not call out, not once!
There were times you would have expected him to just that, but he never did. For weeks he went with a cast on his arm and years later, a head bandage after a car accident. :)
The work ethic passed on to my daughter. She started working part-time at age 16.
I believe your children will pick up the same value due to the great examples set for them.
Thank you for writing and good luck in all your future endeavors!
Posted by: Sylvia | Jun 25, 2005 6:27:01 PM
Yes, you should keep your word, and continuity in a work environment would be lovely. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous bosses out there who network their way into positions of power in companies. After gaining power, suddenly some of the more dependable and experienced workers are found to be less than desirable. They are replaced with less-experienced workers who stay long enough to learn how hopeless the situation is before taking their knowledge on to other workplaces. The workers who ask for benefits are those who are targeted first. The ranks of the unemployed are full of workers in this situation.
Posted by: Madera | Jul 15, 2005 3:56:36 PM
Please note, I'm brand new at Monster and its blogs so I apologise in advance if this is not received by the Dad/Work lessons group. I find your comments are slowly going out of style in todays world. As I experience it, the majority of children are no longer being raised with such honorable work ethics and morals. Whether their predecessors either lost theirs or were never fortunate enough to have been taught and blessed with them.
However, I experienced and learned my Father's blood, sweat and tears, showing and teaching me the honor of hard work, giving and gaining trust by his "word" and "actions". I'm terrified to even think of what a disaster I could be today if not for such lessons. Not only to me but to you. Thank you for giving me hope for our future generations and reminding me how valuable, if in the right hands, a simple handshake is.
Posted by: A | May 20, 2006 12:08:03 AM
