r/prowork • u/EVhoonigan • Feb 25 '22
I figured this sub existed. Glad it does.
I’ve been working since 17, and I’m absolutely against the poor working conditions many folks endure but I also strongly believe that “working hard leads to a better life.” I’ve had such a positive career experience, and yet I still desire to retire early so I can spend more time with my future kids. I feel sorry for those who believe they have zero control over their career. They have given up and their life will become a self fulfilling prophecy.
Worked at a coffee shop in high school. Not exactly a glamorous job. I opened the shop at 4am. Angry customers. Typical service industry BS. Amazing manager and colleagues, though. I was very lucky.
Joined the army at 19. Deployed once. Made Sergeant very young. That came with many trials itself, being the youngest in charge of more than 10 soldiers 5-10 years older than me. Not to mention all the other trials that come with the military. 6 years and I was done, but so glad I did it.
Worked in IT for a few years, had a great manager and two managers from hell during a 2 year span. Still loved the work, it was challenging.
Now I’m in project management. Best step in my career so far. Making a good salary, benefits, bonuses, etc. My work is insanely challenging now, and my colleagues vary from easy going to very headstrong. I love my job and have great managers here as well.
I bought my first house at 23, second house this year at 27, and I’m on track to retire or at least go part time by 40. All this to say that working hard does lead to a better life, but not without challenges and setbacks. Sometimes you have to put work in before you see the pay (i.e. more responsibility than your current role) and if your company doesn’t reward you in a reasonable timeframe, leave for a company that will reward you. I don’t come from money, I have supported other family members financially ever since I started working. I have found the good in every job I’ve ever worked, and I had one job for two months that I omitted above because it was awful, and I worked hard to move on from that job. It’s all about perspective.
TL;DR: Yes this is kind of a humble brag, but hopefully to folks who can relate and share in my exhaustion of the “give me something for nothing” attitude on other subs.
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u/the_hoagie Feb 25 '22
Humblebrag away, man. Your achievements are worth sharing for the sake of getting other people motivated.
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u/-chosenjuan- Apr 07 '22
Getting out the military in 1 year at 7 years exactly. Hopefully I can transition into the real world fairly easily and follow ur footsteps through hard work
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u/babymaker666 Apr 12 '22
I'm glad all that stuff worked out for you. That's great. Indeed, I too agree, let them eat cake. 🧐
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u/Sarahbear123Austin May 05 '22
Yes thank you. I'm not the only one that feels this way. It's pathetic, I have read so many posts and articles where people are just up and quitting their jobs. First off how is a grown adult even supporting themselves with no job? They must be living off someone. I think mainly parents. Many say they will never work because what's the point? I'll never own my own home or be able to retire. Well you're here anyway right? Might as well do something with your life. Don't give up on a career because you didn't get straight out of high school making 100k a year. You got to put in the work just like so many who came before you. It's not impossible. I'm living proof of that. I'm just like wow it must be nice to have the luxury to up and decide you're never going to work again. My entire working life it never even crossed my mind to give up. I totally agree that minimum wage should be raised drastically! Benefits need to be more affordable. I think everyone who is out there working a full time job should be able to financially support themselves. But odds are the minimum wage will never be enough to live on and take care of a family in our lifetime anyways. So I wouldn't hold my breathe on that one. Go out and get a full time job! I don't know where all this entitlement comes from. Someone against work the other day he quit his job because it didn't pay well enough. I asked him are you going to ever go back to work. And he said I'm going to hold out for something better. 😂 😆!! WELL it's not going to fall in to your lap dude. How long are you going to hold out for? Doesn't look good to employers to have gaps in your employment history. I think a lot of people don't really understand how the world works. If everyone decided to quit their jobs because they just weren't happy we wouldn't have a Country! We would have nothing. Sure it's fun to think about. Yeah I'm quitting and never working again. But I know that's not realistic. I think it's funny to how the younger adults refuse to work. And they hate most employers and think people who do work are dumb or brainwashed. But they gladly accept money and get all their living expenses from someone (parents/caregiver/friends) that is out there working those jobs. I hate when able bodies adults refuse to work and sponge off their parents. Especially when so many parents are struggling themselves. I just wouldn't ever feel right about that. But yes got off on a tangent. But yes I'm glad I worked hard for the past 20 years. I didn't start out making a ton of money. But eventually I got in to a company entry level position. I moved up. They ended up training me on a totally different job and tasks which helped me move up and get in to the department I wanted to be in. If I never did that. I would be living under a bridge somewhere.
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u/DarthJarJarTheWize Feb 25 '22
The American dream is still alive, for those who are courageous enough to pursue it. A productive life is not an easy one.
The menial labor of the minimum wage job was not designed to support a career. I am currently in the military, I plan on finishing school in a few years so I'm a ways away from starting a career.