When I was growing up…

When I was growing up I watched my parents go on job interviews. I would listen as they discussed what they liked or didn’t like about the perspective company they had interest in. When I became old enough to work, my parents imparted their employment wisdom to me, which they had gained over the years. “Always show up five minutes early.” “In interviews, tell them you’re a hard worker and a quick learner.” “Smile and say thank you, always.” “Only call in sick, if you really are.” The list goes on and on. My parents taught me the value of not wasting someone else’s time. If I couldn’t make an interview I was supposed to call, but I really never should miss an interview. Having a job was one of the most important things I could do with my free time. Making money, saving money and having responsibility where the top three “how to be an adult” choices for us kids. It’s just a shame not everyone has had parents teach them those values. I can’t believe how many managers I have heard grumble they were short staffed because someone called in sick or just didn’t show up. Perhaps they hired someone and that person had worked for two hours and then decided to quit. An employee went on break and never came back. Interviews were set up and the prospective employee never showed up. What a waste of someone’s time. Ironically, the people who really suffer are the ones who skip out of their responsibility to work the most. The guy who sits down and demands immediate service at a restaurant is the same one who just called off work because he didn’t “feel like” going in. The girl who gripes because her paycheck is so small is the same girl who called in sick two days in a row without really being sick. People who complain about what little time they have are the ones who generally waste it the most. It’s sad that we have made handouts so easy for people that they have forgotten what it means to really work and be a responsible citizen for this country. Where is the sense of pride in taking money you didn’t really earn? Can we really brag about skipping work or being unemployed? When I was growing up I never realized how careless people could be of others. I was naïve to believe that all people earned what they had by working hard for it. Although I still believe there are people who feel like I do so all of my hope is not lost. I see all kinds of signs throughout our community that agree with my belief. Seymour grows because of the hard work and dedication of others. It’s just another thing that makes our community great.