3 answers
John
Student
3
Questions
3 answers
Jay Woodall
Certified Financial Planner
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Jay’s Answer
John, great question. For most people FEAR is their motivation to work hard. Once you get out on your own, maybe marry, have some kids, get a mortgage, car payments and credit card debt you have little choice but to work your tail off. ... just to stay afloat financially. I am a financial planner. I see people in this trap all the time. They spend every penny they make, so they have to run like a gerbil on a wheel just to stay out of bankruptcy.
But if you can control your expenses and save some money in the bank that gives you some options and some freedom. And if you are lucky you will find a profession that you can be passionate about, doing something that you know really matters. THEN your work ethic can be a positive drive to do something you care about, rather than a desperate sprint to keep up with your bills.
So finding what you love is the key. But if you spend every dime while you are trying to figure it out, and get obligated to big payments, then you are more likely to have to do the job that pays you the most, not the one you love. And you will have little time to find the work you love... because you are working all the time for that paycheck.
So you get to decide if your career - and all the hard work and time that you will put into it- will be driven by a work ethic and enthusiasm for something you care about... or will will it be economic desperation that drives your daily efforts.
I hope that helps.
Jay in Atlanta
But if you can control your expenses and save some money in the bank that gives you some options and some freedom. And if you are lucky you will find a profession that you can be passionate about, doing something that you know really matters. THEN your work ethic can be a positive drive to do something you care about, rather than a desperate sprint to keep up with your bills.
So finding what you love is the key. But if you spend every dime while you are trying to figure it out, and get obligated to big payments, then you are more likely to have to do the job that pays you the most, not the one you love. And you will have little time to find the work you love... because you are working all the time for that paycheck.
So you get to decide if your career - and all the hard work and time that you will put into it- will be driven by a work ethic and enthusiasm for something you care about... or will will it be economic desperation that drives your daily efforts.
I hope that helps.
Jay in Atlanta
Thank you!
Karen A. Larson
20
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Karen A.’s Answer
I believe work ethic is an intrinsic attribute. I take pride in doing a job thoroughly, correctly, and well. However, if you aren't naturally a "hard worker," this is a characteristic you can develop. Apply self discipline to work. Set goals for yourself to work toward. Most employers will set goals for you, but where it makes sense, if you exceed those goals, you will develop a reputation for going above and beyond. And do it consistently! If you are more productive than your peers, this also will help you develop that characteristic and reputation. It's also OK to ask coworkers how they do so well at something so that you can learn to be better. And if you then share that information with other coworkers, your teammates and higher-ups will notice. Good luck to you!
Kimberly Dawson
Mortgage Servicing
8
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
I think you build a strong work ethic by setting goals with milestones and continually working to achieve them. Additionally, I think being accountable to your peers is a key part of a good work ethic.