Solid Work Ethic

Have you watched the show “Dirty Jobs” where the guy goes on location and tries his hand helping people who are bat cave scavengers and hot tar roofers for a living. The host’s name is Mike Rowe.  Mike recently shared a list of 12 life rules he wrote entitled “The S.W.E.A.T Pledge.” This list contains his version of words by which to live and work.

THE S.W.E.A.T. PLEDGE

(Skill & Work Ethic Aren't Taboo)

1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.

2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that "happiness" and the "pursuit of happiness" are not the same thing.

3. I believe there is no such thing as a "bad job." I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it's up to me to make the best of them.

4. I do not "follow my passion." I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.

5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can't afford.

6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in "compliance" does not necessarily mean I'm out of danger.

7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.

8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.

9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free.

10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn't do.

11. I understand the world is not fair, and I'm OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.

12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.

I recall working with a chronic whiner in an early job. She was one of those people who could win the lottery and still find something to moan and groan about. “Well, Uncle Sam will take half of it…” She was my first Eeyore.  One day, she was verbally expressing her desire to be anywhere but at work when another co-worker walked by. He was a classic baby boomer, raised on elbow grease, determination, and second-hand tales of WWII and the Depression. 

His response to her statement, “I need some motivation to be here today…?”  “Unemployment.”  Pure and simple.