A Busy Week(s)

It's been a very busy couple of weeks. It felt like I was barely keeping ahead of everything. I am sure many can relate as we all seem to add more and more to our plates.

This week was my son's fourth birthday. He is pretty proud of the fact that he is four now. He told me in four more years he will have a job too and he will drive me around in his car!(sounds good to me)

It made me think about his future and about how I raise him now.

There has been a lot of coffee talk and social discussion about the country's economic situation lately. Some say we are in crisis, some in recession others not worried about it at all. I believe we are in a stabilization phase. Anyways, this is not about debating economics or politics, its about the effect it has on people.

Not too long ago the province was going gangbusters and labourers, trades and professions were crying out in desperation for people. Signing bonuses were offered, all traveling expenses were paid, company vehicles, standards were lowered, etc. Don't get me wrong that is still going on, however, its not just everybody and anybody with a pulse that is getting hired now...and I think that is a good thing.

When things are too plentiful and handed to us without effort the appreciation is lost. Work ethic suffers or becomes non-existent.

I work in the Aviation industry and the biggest complaint of many Employers last year was the "whats in it for me?" attitude. People not showing up for shifts, dictating what their job description was going to be, forget about overtime and there is no way they were sweeping the floor.

Here I go, sounding like my grandmother but its true... I remember graduating from SAIT in 91'. There were 5 people for every 1 position available in the industry you chose. Very competitive.

I remember offering to work for free for a week just to get my foot in the door. You took all the crappy jobs and cleaned up after everyone because you were "low man on the pole" and maybe after that you would actually get to touch an aircraft.

This builds character and gives you an appreciation for what you have and what you can achieve through hard work.

So now I come back to the present day, my son is 4 and before I know it he will have his first job (maybe not at 8 years old like he plans).Since he is an only child I worry about handing him too much. He will always get what he needs but he needs to work for what he wants.

Sifu Masterson

Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta