The One About The Time You Put In

Dave sez,

I learned my work ethic from my parents, just like Cathy did from hers.

One of the best reminders came when I changed careers and started in broadcasting. One of the instructors said to be indispensable. He told us in class that if one of the personalities was looking for something, like say a Sharpie, for instance, be the person with the Sharpie. In other words, be the person with the thing that everyone else needs when they need it. I've always taken that instruction to heart.

Last summer, Justin went around the neighborhood asking our neighbors to mow their lawn. A couple of them were very generous.

A friend of his told him about the new law, where kids under sixteen can work a limited schedule at places like McDonald's and Wendy's. On his birthday, I went with him to McDonald's and sat with him while he filled out an application. He had an interview a couple of days later. It was his first official job interview. I'm not sure who was more nervous, him or me. I asked him how it went. My son likes to project this image of being tough and cool. He's not alone. Ethan and Bella like to project an image of cool and calm confidence. That they are in complete control. I was amused to hear Justin use the word nervous describing how he felt in the interview. He was nervous about the questions he would be asked. I told him to be himself and be honest. It's been a over a month and he hasn't gotten a call back. I'm not so much worried about that. He's more focused on school. Cathy and I told him homework and grades come first.

As an aside, Justin was determined. One of his friends had told him about working in the food service industry. So, Justin was determined that he was going to do the same thing. Cathy's and my reaction was to remind him of his priorities. School comes first. He dug his heels in. It was only when we embraced the idea and supported him in his quest that things changed.

From time to time I encourage him in the job he already has. Chores around the house. Gentle reminders that he shouldn't need gentle reminders to do his chores. Thursdays are garbage days, gathering up all the trash bags from the trash cans around the house and putting the can out at the curb for Friday pickup. That's a joint project that he and his brother, Ethan, work on together. Weekends are for cleanup projects around the house. All three kids work on cleaning up after themselves, doing their own laundry and putting their clothes away.

Justin has a regular appointment to mow the neighbor's lawn. I reminded him that if our neighbors are paying him to mow their lawn, they shouldn't ever have to do it themselves.

Be the one with the Sharpie when someone needs a Sharpie.