Last I checked I worked for money...

I know the world economy is in a scary state these days. I also know if you have a job, you're amongst the very fortunate. But, last I checked, I actually worked for money. My philosophy is simple...you pay me, I show up. You stop paying me. I stop showing up. You get to own said % of my time that I give you in exchange for money. If you'd like to own more of my time, you have to pay me more money. I don't consider work, a charity where I donate my time.

To that point, I often hear folks lamenting about work and how they don't like it; or it's not fulfilling; or it's not challenging; or it's too challenging. So, here's my take on that...you're not necessarily supposed to like your work. That's why they call it work, and they pay you money. (See paragraph above on the rationale behind work and money.) If you happen to like your work, that's most certainly a bonus, but mostly not a pre-requisite. What you are supposed to like is something called a hobby. Hobby's are fun and most people don't get paid to do them. If you do get paid to do them, you may want to find another hobby and just slot that under work.

Lastly, I wanted to address people at work. Deep sigh. Yes, this economy will bring out the worst in people. Those that are cutthroat will just be more so. Those that are given to kissing up, will be inclined to get on a ladder so they can reach better. But mostly, I think if you're not these people, you just need to do your work, ignore them and learn what you can. For one thing, knowledge and skills are something you take with you when you leave said work for other work. Growth is actually a good thing. And even in bad economies there's always room for growth and money.

Luck has nothing to do with it

Samuel Goldwyn once said, “The harder I work the luckier I get.” And I have to say that I agree with him. That quote often comes to mind, when I hear whining about how lucky "so-and-so" is, followed by a self pity session. Here’s a news flash, self-pity will get you no where, but working your ass off will. That’s what makes this country so great. People who barely speak English, coming here, working really hard (without complaining) opening up businesses and fending for their families (read: any Greek diner owner.) So, I have very little sympathy for folks born here with an education having issues. It really wasn’t luck when that person was working 18 hour days as a dishwasher to learn the business and save to open his own. So, at any rate, I thought I would share some pearls of wisdom to help those folks who want to get lucky from some of the old school family members that have graced my life.

1. Work hard and don’t gripe. Now you may think you already work hard and aren’t getting anywhere. But, if you look around your current work situation, there’s that one person busting his butt a bit more than you. Work harder than that guy.

2. While you’re working hard be smart. Now this doesn’t mean politicking, this means LEARN the job and do it better than anyone else. Knowledge you can take with you. A jerky boss you can leave behind. So make the best of the situation while you’re there and LEARN.

3. Be honest. Integrity will let you sleep at night.

4. Have a plan. It’s important to think long term. Where do you want to be and where do you want to go. The dishwashers wanted to own diners, so they learned and worked their way up. What’s your plan?

5. Save your money. Don’t be an idiot and spend it on useless things. Because as my mother always says, “No one will give you money. They might give you a meal. But not money.” So, put back those 12th pair of black shoes. You don’t need them.

6. Don’t even say the word “retirement.” If you’re thinking about retiring, then forget all the other steps. Folks who make it never retire. They’re always building new plans.

So, here are just a few steps to help you get started on being "lucky". You know what they say, if you can’t beat them, join them.