We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic come from? Is it something we learn from our parents, or are we born with it? Do our friends, work environment or the city we reside in impact it? We asked some of the hardest working folks we know to share where they think they get their work ethic from.
Anna Greene
As an International, I feel like it’s kind of just in our bones. I am fortunate that my family are all hard workers and all have their own businesses, and so I grew up watching my parents work hard and putting in the time, blood, swear and tears and I watched them succeed. I also think it’s a South African thing. South Africans work hard. I have never met a South African that just sits back – we work for what we want and we will stop at nothing until we achieve it. And I have had that mentality since I was a little girl. I was a very hard worker in school and I worked to get 90% and up for my subjects. It was fun for me. Read more>>
Mary Claire Aaron
I get my work ethic from watching my parents work hard from a young age. I grew up with three sisters and two working parents. Our family was a very busy one. We were all involved in sports and several extracurricular activities. My father had a very demanding job as an assistant district attorney and my mother was a teacher. My father often worked late and on the weekends. My mother did a lot of extra work out of school hours to plan lessons and went above and beyond for her students. My parents always prioritized our family, putting our activities first. Read more>>
R’kiyah Scott
My work ethic comes from my mother. As a child growing up, I have always admired her for her hard work. Raising myself and my older siblings she and my dad have always taught us to be disciplined and responsible. Observing my mother work in the school system for the past 30 years, I have learned the value of a strong work ethic. Witnessing her journey from a school bus driver to now an area coordinator has taught me the importance of integrity, professionalism, and going above and beyond. Read more>>
Sabrina Player
Growing up in New York I was surrounded by the hustle & bustle vibe. Everyone around me always seemed to move with a purpose. I use to go to work with my Grandmother when school was out and she was always early and she always seemed to be working really hard and how she did her job mattered to her. My mom, was a force in her careers. She seemed to always be the first to do that or the first to do this, etc. She was always receiving promotions and her colleagues and bosses loved her. She always talked to me about how to be in a work environment and how to navigate, communicate and defy the supposed odds. She also taught me how important punctuality, working smart and competing with myself is. Whether it was when I was in school or a job; my Mom would always say, “ do better than you did yesterday”. “Focus on what you’re doing”. Read more>>
Carmine Prophets
My work ethic is most likely rooted in a hereditary way. Both of my parents are immigrants that came to America for more opportunities compared to where they were from, my parents always had instilled the philosophy of working hard to get what you want. I’d say my parents as well as some other relatives had told me what the “American Dream” is all about, that was very important to my family because they had to experience the hardships of poverty. Read more>>
David Mazur
Where do I get my work ethic from? Ha, I love this question so much!
Some people talk about work ethic just to throw it on a resume… but I really cherish great work ethic. I feel like you can tell a lot about a person based on their approach to work. Read more>>
Amy Cortez James
Hi, my name is Amy Cortez James, the owner of Amy’s Social Butterfly handmade greeting cards. My creation of greeting actually came after learning about scrapbooking, I soon ventured off into making greeting cards for fun and as time went on I began giving them to people I worked with. These same people soon began paying me as I began getting more creative with them and once I realized how much joy I was able to bring to people with my card I decided to form my company Amy’s Social Butterfly. Read more>>
LaKeisha Trimm
The question asked where do I get my work ethics from, well it was my parents that not on taught me but also showed me. My late mother was a beast in working she never gave up on anything she did nor did she get upset about doing it. She taught me by example of being that employee that was very edger to learn more and productive in all her skills. My father taught me how to do your job and do it as well as you would want someone to do if they worked for you. He always say no matter what others do, you do your best to be positive productive in your careers. Too many times I have seen my mother and father be taken advantage of because of their different work ethics and how they kept a positive attitude through it all. One time I knew someone had lied on my father about doing something that he did not do, but he just kept his head up and stayed positive. He never let it distract him from what he had to continuing doing for his job. My mom had so many treat her wrong but she also stayed positive and productive. In my own career I look/remember the examples that were showed to me of how to handle disrespect,discrimination and jealousy. I deal with each of those with a short handle spoon as a the older people would say. I don’t let the negativity that’s around me affect me. If it’s not hurting me or my job I stay focus on ME. Read more>>
Corey Sievers
I developed my work ethic through a combination of my upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up in a lower middle-class family with three siblings, we didn’t have a lot of extra money to spare. If I wanted things like name brand shoes, jeans, or a fancy BMX bike, I had to take matters into my own hands. Read more>>
Bryce Cobbs
I definitely get my work ethic from my parents. For my entire life they both worked extremely hard to provide a supportive lifestyle for my siblings and I. Even now as we’re all adults, they still have not lost a step and continue to be active members in the community as well as strong members of the family, providing support in any way necessary to ensure everyone around them feels loved and well taken care of. Read more>>
Marianna Fiorin
My work ethic is a tribute to the values instilled by my parents and my brother, who works with me. Respecting everyone in the professional realm, clients, and suppliers alike, is the cornerstone of a peaceful heart at the end of the day. Read more>>
Janet Nwachukwu
I would say I get my work ethic from my parents. My parents are the inspiration behind my hard work, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the sacrifices that they have made and continue to make for me. Leaving home at such a young age forced me to grow up quickly and stand on my own even when I didn’t know how to. My work ethic comes from the wisdom my parents instilled in me, the challenges I’ve faced, and the experiences I’ve encountered on the journey called life. Everyday is a lesson and my goal is to become better each day. Read more>>
DeMarcus Morrow
My work ethic came from my mom & grandmother. Growing up, I always watched how hard they worked for to make sure I went without. It was always gas, no breaks and that’s why I’m the workaholic I am today. Read more>>
Christopher Yungchriisbeats
My mom man, growing up with a single mother was definitely not easy, watching her day after day just grind for my sister and I learned and development grit, and till this day if my mom did it, so could I. but besides watching her, she taught me the importance of believing in yourself and going after your dreams. Read more>>
Adina Doss
Growing up with a single mother and 1 sibling, my mom worked hard to provide us with the life we grew up in. Nice house in the burbs, nice schools, cloths on our back, shoes on our feet. Her idea of family vacation was camping at the lake and I grew up water skiing. We had the things we needed and most of the things we wanted. Things were different then, I didn’t want a lot of things. As I got older and wanted to DO more things, I was old enough to get a job. Well kind of, I got my first job when I was 15. I wanted things my mom wasn’t willing or able, I’m not sure which, to pay for. For me if I was old enough to get the job than I was absolutely going to get one. Read more>>
Missy Baker
I am honored to say I acquired my work ethic from my mom! Growing up it was just her. My dad left when I was two years old and my mom had to do everything on her own. She worked a full time job, raised my younger brother and myself, ran a household, and tried her best to give us everything we needed. Read more>>
Melissa Schwartz
Both began their professional journeys at a young age, displaying unmatched resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering spirit of determination. My mother was not only an entrepreneur who took her business from a single-employee venture to a flourishing enterprise but also showcased her versatility by transitioning into the medical field. Her drive led her to further her education and reinvent herself multiple times, culminating in a successful stint as a project manager. Similarly, my father’s narrative is one of perseverance. Read more>>
Nathaniel Nicholas
If I step back and self-assess, I find my work ethic is driven by my tenacity and character. Growing up my parents would tell me, “you can do what you want to do in life as long as you’re willing to do what is necessary”. I was raised to be honest and to put my best into whatever work was in front of me. My work ethic is a result of the lessons I learned as a child and my tenacious passion towards entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Ray Trimm
My work ethic was derived from my grandfather’s on both sides of my parents. They worked copious hours to provide and never waned, despite the pressures and conditions to provide for their families. They were the benchmark for consistency, hustle, grit and how to ameliorate a situation. Read more>>
Aimee Lee Kinssies
I think my work ethic comes from both of my parents. They raised my brother and I to always work hard for whatever we needed. They taught us routine by us always having hobbies that we practiced from the age of 5, like music, sports, or riding horses. We also had structure like weekend chores that had to be done right after Saturday morning cartoons, and time to do our homework, right after school each day. My brother and I both had our own horses so we also were responsible for taking care of them like brushing and bathing them, feeding them, and cleaning their stalls. Read more>>
Rita Patel
I would contribute my mom for my work ethics. My mom worked until her retirement age. She never backed down from a job or challenges she faced during work. She kept hope and positivity all throughout her career. I’ve been working since I was 16 and my first job was McDonald’s. I worked toward saving for a trip to go back to my home country the United Kingdom. I feel like working towards a goal gives me motivation to work hard and strong. So every time an opportunity arises I find something I’d like to work for and I swear it helps me set my work ethic for that goal and give it all I got. I’m grateful for each opportunity. You don’t always succeed but learn from those losses, and gain a perspective as to how to face challenges and improve work ethics. Read more>>
Cedisha Steverson
Having a strong work ethic is an admirable trait that can lead to success in various aspects of life. It is not uncommon for me to have learned this trait from my parents, who serve as role models and provide guidance throughout my years. Parents who possess a strong work ethic often instill the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance for my sister and I. They may have taught us to prioritize responsibilities and to work diligently to achieve their goals. Observing them as parents’ work habits and the positive outcomes that come from their efforts can motivate me too emulate similar behavior. Read more>>
Samuel Worku
Growing up, I always admired the relentless work ethic of my mom and dad. Their dedication and determination, come rain or shine, demonstrated to me the true essence of hard work. It was through their tireless endeavors that I learned the invaluable lesson that hard work is paramount, not just for success, but for the wealth of experiences and lessons it brings along. They often told me that it’s through challenging times and persistent efforts that we grow the most, both professionally and personally. Drawing inspiration from them, I have inherited a strong work ethic, understanding deeply that the richest experiences come from dedication and perseverance. Read more>>
Trenton Tanner
I was a football player growing up and from a very early age I had a very hard work ethic. I pushed to be a leader and strived to be the best I could be. I have taken all those years of being a hard worker in sports and put it towards my music and it has done me very well so far! Read more>>
Nicole Devine
I get my work ethic from my dad. He has always been the hardest worker I know. He works in logistics and is often working way past a standard 9-5 schedule. He makes sure that his customers are always getting what they need. He does a great job with every aspect of his role as he handles everything from “cradle to grave” as he calls it . He taught me from a young age that if you want to be successful you have to put the work in. He is an awesome role model. Read more>>
Dub Shakes
In one word, Grandma.
My Grandmother was an entrepreneur and buisness owner. She raised 3 daughters by herself and at 42, started a catering business that would employ most of the family. Read more>>
Amber Gress
I think growing up on a farm has really shaped a lot of who I am today. I started working from a very early age, and it was pretty normal for us. It was a very large farm, so lots of people worked there and others lived on the farm as well, and all the kids worked. It was just a way of life. I learned to drive a tractor as a very small child, and I used to drive the tractor while the guys would lay the irrigation pipes between the rows of crops. That was definitely one of the less labor intensive jobs, but we started young. I’ve pretty much been working my whole life. Read more>>
Ora Lockett
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the powerful legacy of strong women who have influenced my life, particularly my mother Barbara J. Henderson, and my grandmother, Ora Lee McClodden, after whom I am named. These remarkable women have instilled in me a profound sense of dedication and determination. I am immensely proud to come from a line of formidable women who have not only demonstrated their resilience but also their entrepreneurial spirit. My mother’s pioneering spirit was exemplified when she became the first woman to establish a chamber of commerce for the city of East St. Louis, Illinois, a testament to her commitment to community and business development. Likewise, my grandmother’s ownership of several businesses, including a hair salon, showcased her entrepreneurial prowess and the importance of self-reliance. Their stories serve as a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the strength and tenacity that runs through my veins, motivating me to pursue my own goals with unwavering determination. Read more>>
John Jigg$
My work ethic mainly comes from my upbringing. I watched my mother work two and three jobs to take care of me by herself. She never really did much complaining, she just made it happen. I apply this same mindset to the music business and any other goals that I have in my life. Read more>>
Priscilla Benewaah
My work ethic comes from my upbringing. I grew up in Ghana West Africa and was raised by a hardworking single mother. She instilled in me hard work and served as a role model while working as a nurse and having a small side buisiness to support the family. Read more>>
Camille Hebron
There’s no right or wrong way to do entrepreneurship, but to just do it. Focusing back on my childhood and upbringing would be my motivation behind my work ethic. Being raised by a single parent which was my late father (R.I.P Rodney) he was the cornerstone to my magic, the secret ingredient to my passion to always wanting to succeed. Watching his drive and ambition was instilled in me at a very young age. Read more>>
Waissa Lawson
Work ethic may as well be synonymous for Lawson. I was taught from a young age about putting your best foot forward and letting my work speak for me. It’s that thinking of, “hey, my name is attached to this. How do I want to be remembered?” For me that is someone capable and dependable. The key is finding what you are passionate about, because then your focus isn’t just on the rewards. I do it to be the best. Growing up in a big family you have this thing called bragging rights and sometimes that’s all you need. So, if you’re going to do it, do it right and do your best. Read more>>
Daniel Fowler
I broadly claim my work ethic from my family and upbringing. My parents started their business in 1995 as computer manufacturers and then diversified in 2000 as a multimedia branding firm. Read more>>
Eric Silver
From both my father and mother. My father started a commercial photography studio which had a very shaky start but over time became one of the largest businesses of it’s kind in the United States. Had it not been for his perseverance and dedication, it would have gone under early on. My mother was a refugee from Europe and endured incredible hardships on the journey to America and after. She survived and created a strong family with my father and later in life, a business of her own. Knowing what they went through, I never have expectations that things will go smoothly straight out of the chute, but I learned that with patience and dedication, you can make things happen, even against all odds. Read more>>
Tracy Murphy
Growing up with a brother and two loving parents gave me an example of an excellent work ethic. My father sacrificed and worked hard to be a great Dad and provider for us. My mother stayed home with us when we were young and then achieved an advanced graduate degree and a successful career using that education. They both worked hard to excel in their fields as well as balancing a great home life. My brother and I have chosen different career paths and timelines, but our parents have modeled an excellent work ethic for us. Read more>>
Melody Kesto
My work ethic comes from my passion behind each and every event. I strive to make sure it is perfect and the client is always happy with the outcome. I like to work hard so that the host can focus on relaxing and having fun with their guests. Read more>>
kevin stahl
I get my work ethic from two places. The first was my father, he worked his whole life until his body would not allow it anymore. He worked every chance he could, taking shifts on holidays and picking up when his co-worked called off or needed time off. He sacrificed his time for our family’s well-being and fortune. He would come home tired and sore, but he would somehow do everything else that was waiting for him at home and was able to make time for his family as well. Many people say their father was their hero, mine really was. I learned so much from him when he was alive, I think maybe I’ve learned more from him now that he is gone. Read more>>
