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.
CJ Catapia
I believe I got my work ethic from my parents. Being a first generation child has really instilled a self-starter, opportunity-seeking, hard working spirit in me. Seeing what my parents have built in a place where the system is designed against them has opened my eyes to the uphill battle that is making it in America. I’m very blessed to have been born here and with that said, I started at the top of the hill. I knew that I could either continue going up from here or go downhill. I made it my mission to continue my uphill journey in hopes of giving back to my parents that endured all the hardship and struggle just to get here in the first place. Read more>>
Vega Smith
It comes from being taught at an early age what hard-working people look like. My father used to show me the money he made in his own hustles with plumbing and electrical work because the regular 9-5 was just not enough to take care of a family. He got me my first client cutting grass on the weekends at 10 years old that I would save so when I wanted to go to the movies get a game anything like that I could do it myself instead of always needing to ask him. Read more>>
James Harris
Most likely my parents and their generation. My father would work two jobs sometimes. Also, my environment. I grew up in Massachusetts, which is very cold in the winter – if you didn’t chop the wood in the summer, you wouldn’t have any warmth in the winter. Read more>>
Kait McKay
I get my work ethic from my parents and if you’ve worked with me then you likely have noticed that I work really hard. They set a great example for me and even as a child I understood and respected the value and importance of having a strong work ethic. My dad was always in management and my mom was a labor and delivery nurse for 40 years (talk about dedication). Often both of my parents’ jobs called for them to be out the door before the sun rose and each day they worked hard for their family and to make their workplace better. Read more>>
Linda Vasconi
My work ethic comes from my father. He owned his own construction business. He would work from dawn till dusk year-round. I was his “helper” during the summer from ages 13-17. He would push me to keep up with him and work just as hard as he did. There was no complaining or being lazy. Time was money and money was time. He suffered from Lewy Body dementia. As the disease progressed, he eventually forgot who I was when I would visit him in the nursing home. Read more>>
Carmel Mercado
My parents had set the example for how to work hard and be disciplined when working towards a goal. We were immigrants to the United States and we started from nothing when we got here. I remember my parents worked around the clock to make a living. They sacrificed the comforts of their previous life, including status and a support system to start anew and make the most of it here. I learned from early on how to set a daily schedule and timeline for myself to complete tasks, which as a kid, was doing things like my homework. Read more>>
Robert Bedont
Hard work has always been a legacy of both my father’s and mother’s side of the family. Growing up on a hay farm, we learned that we had responsibilities at a very early age. We worked along side my parents and grandparents tending the garden, feeding the animals, mucking out stalls, milking the goats, and (when we were strong enough) bucking hay. Read more>>
Austin Roberson
When you find what you love, you never work a day in your life. I have been very fortunate and blessed to have found a career in something that I love and can truly say that I’m making a difference in peoples lives. I love building wardrobes for clients and what their confidence build through the tool of clothing. I love knowing I help men change the way they look at themselves. Read more>>
Mary Kate Farmer
From a young age, my parents instilled and blessed me with the knowledge and the drive to work hard for what I want in life. If you’re going to dream, work so hard that your dream is your reality and when it starts to come to fruition work harder. Never back down or give up just because something is difficult or you don’t think you have the means or the ability to do it. My parents taught me that work ethic and faith will take you further than anything else in this world. They taught me what it means to be a hard worker but more importantly a follower of christ, a sister, a daughter, a mother, a friend, and what it means to love unconditionally. Read more>>
Courtney Segrest
When I was in my first beginning ceramics class I remember absolutely hating it. Working with clay was frustrating, it cracked, it broke, and it never came out how I expected it to. My initial drive was inspired by the irritation that I could not do it and it eventually grew into a desire to understand this new medium. The more I worked in clay, the more I came to respect the patience and dedication it takes to nurture a piece from its pliable state into the stone-like properties it ends with. It’s a slow process with many rewarding transformative stages within the cycle. Read more>>
Joseline Hardrick
Growing up in a small town in Haiti, my mother faced countless challenges. Poverty was a harsh reality in our lives, making each day a struggle to survive. Yet, despite the scarcity of resources, my mother never let that dampen her spirit. She always had a strong spirit, and her unwavering faith in God was evident in all that she did. One of the first lessons my mother taught me was the power of sacrifice. From a young age, I watched as she worked multiple jobs to provide for our family. Read more>>
Angel LeNoir
Definitely my mom. I spent a bit of my childhood inside the salon with mother, watching her slay hairstyles all day long. No complaints, no excuses, professional, fun and charismatic, I watched her. I watched how she worked hard to provide for my siblings and I, and I watched how she conducted business. I’m just mimicking her and I say that proudly. I knew could start a nail business successfully because I had watched my mother all those years do it so effortlessly. Hard work, creativity and customer service, all things I feel she’s instilled in me. I’m forever thankful for my mom. That’s my girl. Read more>>
Devon Rowe
I largely credit my work ethic and drive to my parents. Growing up my mom and dad always worked to the best of their ability no matter what. When it came to jobs, home renovations, or any other task that needed to be completed, they’d make sure it was done right. I’m grateful for my parents and the discipline they instilled in me as a young boy so that I could carry it for life. Read more>>
Aaron D. Alexander
My work ethic came from a massive trial and error process. Growing up, but my mother and father, even my grandmother, were beakons of “you’re not finished till the work is finished.” That stuck with me until I felt I knew what was best for me. That mindset of course got me failing in class and in summer school, learning the hard way to do your work to the best of your ability, and leave no room for not trying. Read more>>
Raul (Riff) Cuellar
I come from a family with a strong legacy of hard work and resilience. My parents, who have been the driving force in my life, dedicated themselves to providing a better life for me and my sisters by migrating all around the world. Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing my dad’s unwavering commitment, putting in long hours each day to make our dreams a reality. I also had the opportunity to see my mom’s incredible adaptability as she navigated foreign environments, even when she couldn’t speak the language or find familiar reminders of home. Read more>>
Thomas Crowell
I get my Work Ethic from my natural Drive and Ambition. This also ties into my Creativity as well, I will Elaborate. I have always been a driven and motivated person, especially when it comes to something I am passionate about. Ever since I was a child, I have always been pursuing creative endeavors, as I am naturally a creative and thoughtful person. From making movies as a Filmmaker in Highschool, to pursuing music as a career for myself, I have always enjoyed creating and telling stories. Read more>>
Kalamity
I get my work ethic from my parents. They’ve always been hard workers and have been owners of various businesses. Growing up and seeing them be their own bosses made me want that for myself and I believe that is done through hard work. Read more>>
Sherik Hodge
I learned my work ethic from my brother Jamel, I never realized I had a huge get up and get to it mentality until I got a little older and remembered always watching him as a kid never stop hustling. He never had too much ego or pride to do what he needed to reach a goal. I also have a daughter to provide for, with that came me learning to do what is needed for her. With that said, I had to make sure whatever I am going to be doing I have to LOVE IT; or it won’t work. I couldn’t imagine my life that way. Read more>>
Asha Paul
That is a great question! My work ethic was definitely instilled through my family, watching how they strived to achieve their goals and create a better life for our family. West Indians are born hard workers and innovators, I can’t tell you how many times I have seen my Mother make something out of nothing. That example in my life allowed me to apply that to everything I do and being in the creative world makes it even more interesting. It empowered me to hone in on my skills and also acquire good communication and problem solving skills. Read more>>
Tiffany Matschek
My work ethic comes from watching my grandmother work to provide for our family. My grandmother gave 110% in everything that she did, I rarely heard her complain about how much she had going on or how stressed she was. She was one of 7 siblings and had 6 boys of her own, coming from a large family she really did show us how to balance family, work, and a social life. I got my first job at 14 and have been working in the Food and Beverage industry ever since. I am grateful to have learned from her and watch her work so hard while raising my brother and I. Read more>>
Christopher Sumner
My father. He’s retired military so he always made me get up early, work hard , go for yours, get things done. My dad is my hero. He’s the definition of a good man, father and husband Read more>>
Paige Baker
I have had a strong work ethic for as long as I can remember. I come from a family with generations of Entrepreneurs, so the desire to go out into the world and work hard for what you want has always been inside of me. My work ethic began as early as during my childhood with the yearly cookie sale when I was in Girl Scouts and still rings true today with my career in Real Estate. There is such great satisfaction in working hard towards a goal and then accomplishing what you set out to achieve. Read more>>
Ceci Mitre
My work ethic comes from seeing my parents work to maintain a household of 8. I never saw them call in sick, they always went to work early and came home late. At a young age, I learned that good things don’t come easy and easy things are not always good. Read more>>
Chris Grubisa
My work ethic rooted from my parents. My mother and father are both came from families who didn’t come from much. My mother and father parented my sister and I very well, that’s what provided me the option to dream and dream big. Then on to take action on those dreams → turned vision → turned reality. My mother being a teacher and my father working real estate, each in their respective industries. – GET. YOU. WORKIN’. Read more>>
Arica Avery
I draw inspiration from the enduring spirit and unwavering determination of my ancestors throughout history. The African American struggles, resilience, and unyielding pursuit of justice and equality have left an indelible mark on the world. The legacy of those before me who fought for civil rights, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities serves as a beacon of strength for me. I believe in honoring their sacrifices by approaching my work with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around me. Read more>>
Alejandra and Jason Bryant
Our work ethic is deeply rooted in our humble beginnings. Growing up, we faced challenges that taught us to persevere and always strive for excellence. Despite not having much, we had God, our tribes, and an abundance of love to rely on. These experiences remind us of the strength we found within ourselves and each other, and the importance of never giving up. They continue to guide our approach to life and work today, serving as a genuine motivation not just for us, but for our children. Read more>>
Myah Daniels
I did not come from a lot growing up. I was raised by a single mother who worked incredibly hard to support my brother and I by herself. Women have always been the leaders in my family, so I think I naturally took on a lot of work very early in my life because that’s what I saw. Read more>>
Davia Dwyer
I obtained my good work ethic from getting encouragements and constant advice from close family friends and parents. Also by working from a teenager on every holidays And researching on the internet to learn on how to conduct act work. Read more>>
Bernadette Harris
Growing up, I was immensely inspired by the exemplary work ethic of my mother and grandmothers. They were undoubtedly some of the hardest-working women I have ever known. Their lives were a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and tireless dedication to their responsibilities, be it toward family or work. Observing them navigate through life’s challenges with grace and determination has instilled in me a strong sense of duty and an understanding of the value of hard work. Read more>>
Cindy Morales
My father… is the first thing that comes to my mind when I read this question. As a daughter of an immigrant who did more than just conquer his dreams and live the American dream he also was an entrepreneur. At the age of 33 my father was diagnosed with a rare disease and decided to move back to his country (Guatemala) and we had no choice but to come along for the ride. Through his ups and downs he still managed to open up several small businesses be successful. Illness or no illness his work ethic and passion to live a happy life has shown me to live with no limits, no excuses. If he did it, so could I and I know he is up in heaven looking down so proud! Read more>>
Alice VL
I was born in an era when work ethic included respect for your peers, management, and the company you represented. Signs of good work ethic includes placing your company’s needs and your contribution to it first, and completing tasks in an efficient and timeous manner. I was taught that if I’m going to do a job, to do it well and to only stop when the job was done, and not leave anything for later. Read more>>
Apoorva Gaitonde
I take pride in being disciplined in my work and a large part of that comes from my training as a dancer. As a teenager I had to stick to class timings, follow a dress code and dance in sync with my fellow dancers. There are several challenges and failures that are a part of life but you have to be persistent. Animation is a pretty unstable career, so whenever the going gets tough, I go back to the times I couldn’t get a dance step right, and I kept practicing to achieve good results. Read more>>
