This may surprise you, but I think America’s work ethic is alive and well. Let me tell you about two young men, one today, one later in the week, that have convinced me.
Early one evening, last week, Mary and I were leaving our local grocery, not a Mom and Pop, but one of a large chain. I had seen the young man at the check-out counter many times, but had not really spoken to him as a person. That day my wife asked him if he was having a good day. “Always do!” He responded with a smile.
“Great,” my wife replied, but then added like any good “mother” would. “You look a little tired.”
“I guess I am,” he admitted. “Had to go to my other job at seven this morning, then I came here. I’m more hungry than tired. I only had a time for a slice of pizza all day. But, I’ll live!”
Now this curious old man picked up my ears and asked, “Where else do you work?”
“I work days at Xxxx (a large, nation-wide electronics store) and evenings here. Puts bread on the table!”
“Good for you!” I said approving and trying not to sound condescending. Then I added, “Don’t forget to take some time off to enjoy life!”
“Don’t worry about me! I have a great live. And besides, I love it here.” he answered. “I make good money, and best of all this store is employee owned!”
“Really, I didn’t know that!” I admitted.
“I think it makes everyone work better and makes us happier, too.”
“That explains why everyone here is so nice.” Then I noticed a crutch leaning against the counter next to his cash register. Is that stick yours?” I asked.
“Just for a few more days. I only use it when my ankle starts to really hurt.”
Always more curious that courteous, I continued. “How did you hurt it?”
“A truck driver, out back, started the truck before I was out so I jumped. Guess I landed wrong. But it will be OK in a few more days.”
We continued to chat for a few minutes while I swiped my card and signed the bill. I hope he will be off of his crutch when we see him again.
Don’t you wish you had an employee like him? I am no longer an employer, but I would be very happy to have had him work for me, and very proud to have him as my son! Two jobs, working with work related, injured ankle and best of all, happy! I’m betting he won’t be a cashier for long, but will soon become a very effective manager and eventually have his own business where he will be as great of an employer as he was an employee!
Three cheers for our young, working men and women! They are the people who will change the world for the better!
I’ll tell you next time about another young fellow with the same attitude. Then, I want to talk a bit about work and work ethic. I think you’ll enjoy these stories.