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.
Deandria Thomas
My strong work ethic came from watching the best to ever do it, my mother! Growing up in a single parent home I watched my mother work so hard to accomplish her goals and provide for us. For as long as I can remember my mother, Lisa, always worked two jobs and went to school to further her education. She always expressed to us how she wished she could have spent more time with us, but she had no help. Read more>>
Charles Southward
I established IN GOD’S HANDS GARDENS in 2014 at the Bell shelter for the homeless, while I was a client at the shelter. After volunteering at their community garden (Grow Good Farm) for a few months, the Director of the shelter at that time, Mr. Steve Lytle allowed me to occupy approximately 600 square feet of land to grow produce for the shelter kitchen. Read more>>
Lioness Palmer
I believe I get my work ethic from the women in my family. The women in my family were strong black women who worked and earned everything they had. My family is from Gary, Indiana, right outside of Chicago, and is a place that can be challenging to thrive and live well. It’s a place that forces you to think outside the box, hustle, and come up with your own way. Read more>>
Tully Twiford
Work has always been a big part of my life. Work is really one of the biggest joys I have to live for. My dad has always said to us “if you work and stay focused your opportunity is limit less”. I also believe work ethic is not only about working hard, bur working hard in a smart way with a plan of action. when you have a plan and goals for your future work ethic will come naturally to you. Read more>>
Chloe Tang
I have been working as an in house graphic designer for over two years so my work ethic comes from working with other people in a professional environment and having to meet deadlines. Read more>>
Nadia Jimenez
I would have to say, I get my work ethic from my mother. As far back as I can remember, my mother has always been a very hard working woman. Always providing for her family and making sure everyone is taken care of before herself. Always working and being committed to her work as a mother and as an administrator or whatever roll she was ever in, always striving and excelling in it all. Read more>>
Krystian Rutledge
My journey to becoming a Kinder TA and a UX Designer specializing in EDTech has been a transformative one. Reflecting on my past, I wasn’t always driven; school was a challenge, and I barely scraped by in High School, prioritizing socializing over academics in college, leading to academic probation and eventual disqualification. However, a pivotal moment arose when I assumed the role of head manager for a child enrichment program from 2014-2020. Read more>>
Amanda Coelho
I started working at age 14 – not typical babysitting or neighborhood odd jobs, but a behind-the-counter job at a locally owned pharmacy. Let’s just say I had an early penchant for brand name clothing (darn you Jordache and Sergio Valente!) and my parents weren’t willing to support that habit. So I learned the value of an earned dollar from a young age. I continued to work at different jobs throughout high school and college – I really loved being part of a team (and the extra cash!). Read more>>
Kathy Bull
That’s easy…from my father. He was always piddling with something and loved to stay busy. Early in life, he taught me that nothing in life is free and that you truly have to work for what you want. And I was always an organized child…not sure where that came from if I’m being honest. No one in my family is very organized; however, somehow I got that skill and it has suited me in more ways than I can explain. Read more>>
John Varkados
I would have to say my parents. I was adopted from South Korea and grew up in the Poconos with my 3 older sisters (2 also adopted but from Oregon) and a little brother (who has high functioning autism). Read more>>
Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin
My work ethic has always been integral to my creative practice and I get it from my mother. She has always been the hardest worker that I know and did whatever was needed to give me the opportunities I needed to be successful in life. I apply that same approach to my art and to life in general, putting in that extra bit of work to perfect my craft and differentiate myself has definitely paid off over time. Read more>>
Sophia Murphy
I believe my work ethic is two fold. I grew up in a large family where helping each other out was our way of life in order to maintain the chaos. I babysat my younger siblings, worked at an agricultural farm starting at the age of 14, and was a teachers assistant at a local art school in high school.This was all while dancing 4 nights a week, finishing high school and taking college courses. Read more>>
Cassius Butts
My work ethic comes from my late Father, Courtland A. Butts, Sr. My father was always the first one up and the last one to go to sleep. He never complained and always focused on accomplishing his goals. Read more>>
Paulishia Augillard
My parents instilled a consistent and driven work ethic in me since I was a child. Both of my parents worked hard in rearing 3 children while working long hours in transportation and healthcare field. I admired my parents even more as I became a working adult. Balancing work and home life can have its challenges and I was blessed to learn from the best! Read more>>
John Parra
My work ethic comes from my parents. Growing up in Southern California I began working for my father’s landscape construction business around the age of thirteen. Landscape work is not easy. It is a physically demanding job done outdoors in all kinds of weather. I had to balance school, friends, life, art, and helping my dad. But working with him was rewarding. Read more>>
Jennifer Zamora
‘Choose something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’- that’s what they say. So I say, what I do isn’t work. I love everything about newborn photography. From the handmade props to the lighting skills and getting to know my amazing customers, I love it all. My desire is to capture the images that you continue to share and love forever. Read more>>
Debraeyia Drayden
From life experiences. Honestly, it’s not a trait I inherited but learned. I discovered that if I repeatedly failed, I only had myself to blame, so ultimately future failure was never an option. As a Mom to three boys, it’s imperative I teach them to keep pushing and that hard work will pay off. Read more>>
Kari Barba
My father was always a very hard worker, I can’t remember, if even been missing a day of work, except for one time we went on vacation. They would go every day or sergeant, as long as he could, to support our family. He never complained, but he did always fall asleep on the couch when he would come home or in his favorite chair. I guess that showed me without telling me that working hard can pay off and is what we do to survive. Read more>>
Cameron Alford
My work ethic is something that started at the beginning of my military service. I’ve always had dreams and goals in my life. In order to achieve said dreams and goals, I know that takes hard work. So, every decision I’ve made that impacts my life has always been a decision I’ve felt would get me one step closer to my dreams and goals in life. I work hard for myself. I work hard for my family. I work hard because I have dreams to reach and places to be. Read more>>
Hayley Dohoda
My work ethic is deeply influenced by my mother, who ran and managed my grandpa’s restaurants. While my grandpa began the restaurants, my mom had full responsibility in maintaining the business. Witnessing her unwavering dedication and organizational skills has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and commitment to excellence. Her tireless work ethic serves as a constant reminder to always give my best effort in everything I do. Read more>>
Kidnowo
I get my work ethic from my mom. She has always been someone who if she wants something she gonna get it no matter. Read more>>
Vanessa Venable
My parents are the hardest working people I know, and they showed me how vital determination and perseverance are. Almost everyone says this in an interview, but it’s true. My parents came from a poorer background, and they worked tirelessly to make sure I wasn’t worried about food or the roof over my head. Read more>>
Johane Filemon
I get my work ethic, my drive from being an immigrant. My parents left their country of origin to give us a better life. I feel that I can’t let all their hard work be in vein. I also find that being a parent puts a “fire” under you like none other. I have little people who are dependent on me and I have to be there for them. Read more>>
Johnny Taylor JR
Honestly I get my work ethic from my father. Growing up I watched my father work multiple jobs at while being a full-time husband and father. Read more>>
Alice Nickels
We live in an age of instant results, immediate access, and you can have anything at the touch of a button. As convenient as it is, it has stripped humanity of the pride and joy of being able to look at something and say “I did that”, to go to bed tired after a day of feeling what you accomplished was worthwhile, and the knowledge that you have added something of value, no matter how small or large, to your world. Read more>>
Gayana Innocent
My work ethic stems from a combination of personal goals, experiences and influences throughout my life. I’ve always had a clear vision on what I wanted which motivated me to maintain a strong work ethic. I’m big on being consistent, disciplined and dedicated to achieving my goals, which has placed me where I am now. Read more>>
CJ Kale
I got my work ethic from observation. I have observed in my life that most of the successful people around be have had a good work ethic working hard toward a goal and not giving up. This was even more instilled in me from my time in the US Navy. Everyone in the group needed to work together having a good work ethic to meet our objectives. Read more>>
Morgan Chan
My work ethic on a film set received a huge wake-up call when I found myself on a feature film, about 4 months into my freelance career hoping to be a production sound mixer/boom operator. I was an intern on this particular project and we were dealing with recognizable industry professionals, both in front and behind the camera. This was easily the biggest thing I’ve been on at the time. Read more>>
Kyaunnee Richardson
I received my work ethics from my parents. They showed me the importance of being a hard worker and how procrastinating and laziness was not becoming of a person of excellence. I would not be the person I am today if it was not for the teaching and training of my parents. Read more>>
Abbey Regnier
My work ethic comes from my dad. Watching my dad excel in his career has without a doubt shaped me into who I am today. I wouldn’t be able to do all that I do without the support and love of my husband. He is the calm to my chaos. Every weekend that I get to capture another wedding is a great one as I get to tell another story. I get to be a small part of one of the biggest days of someone’s life and I’ll NEVER take that for granted. Being chosen as a wedding photographer is a feeling I’ll never be able to put into words. Read more>>
Alma Ayon
I don’t know. Does one inherit work ethic, or does one develop it? As a child, I remember my mother would work twelve hour days, everyday. She was a seamstress working from home, but she also took care of all the household chores, including cooking all meals for the family. She had a method, a schedule, and a plan — she also had an incredible work ethic. Read more>>
Kelly Pantaleoni
Growing up on a farm in the Outback of Australia, I was working at a young age. Coming home from school, we would make sure the animals had food before we did and all the chores were done before we could relax. I loved it, and have been working part or full time since I was 14 years old -when I got a job at a local gas station and was paid $5,25 cash under the table so I could have some pocket money and independence. Read more>>
Jason Lee Villarreal
Embracing my role as a dedicated real estate agent in Houston has a lot to do with the values ingrained in me by my cherished elders. I consider my fierce work ethic as an inheritance, lovingly passed down from my incredible grandmother and my steadfast parents. Growing up, I watched my parents and grandmother relentlessly pursuing their dreams and careers. Read more>>
Liz Landeros
My work ethic was shaped by the experiences and values instilled by my parents. Growing up Latina and in a situation where both parents were undocumented and facing challenges emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. The struggle for a better life or better things was so real! but my parents’ example served as a powerful motivator-they showed me diligence, determination, and resilience. Read more>>
