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.
Tuyana Chimitova
My work ethic comes from my upbringing and my dreams. Growing up in the village of Aginskoe, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My childhood was filled with lessons on the love for work. For me, work is not just a task—it’s a form of rest and a way to grow. My parents always supported me, and now my ambition to succeed inspires me every day. Read more>>
Karen Fitzgerald
I was born and raised on a family dairy farm in the Midwest. From an early age, we all had chores to do. I liked being outside; my parents gave me chores that helped my brothers. As I got older, I worked alongside them. When I was young, playtime depended on chore time. Getting the garden weeded came before playing. These were wise and efficient lessons to learn at an early age.
Farming is weather-focused. The old adage, make hay while the sun shines, is true. A lot of farm work has to be done when the weather is right. When we were haying, I would unload the wagon, putting bales on the elevator that took them up to the mow where my brothers stacked them. It was hot, exhausting work. Read more>>
Richart Ruddie
My exceptional work ethic stems from a combination of internal drive, learned behaviors, and a deep-seated desire for continuous improvement. My original driving key factor that contributed to my success is my work ethic and mindset of always having extremely high expectations. Read more>>
Scott Forchette
I think it is a combination of things. I believe we are all a product of our environment and the life experiences we go through. I grew up lower to middle class. Parents divorced, mostly raised by a single mother. We struggled financially my entire life. I lost my father at a young age. I was forced to grow up and I think it made me understand that the amount of time we have here is short. I have a huge chip on my shoulder and that’s where my hunger comes from. Read more>>
Tim Schmidt
When someone asks where I get my work ethic from, I usually trace it back to a combination of influences. First and foremost, it comes from my family. Growing up, I saw my parents working tirelessly to provide for us. It wasn’t easy, as I have a mentally disabled brother who needs 24 hour care. They never complained and always approached their work with pride and determination so our family could live our best lives. That instilled in me the value of hard work from a young age and from a young age I always juggled multiple jobs and side hustles. Read more>>
Chris Bowen
My work ethic originates from a deep-seated desire to support and provide for my family—my wife and three kids—coupled with the invaluable lessons in diligence and perseverance instilled in me by my mother’s example. Growing up in a household where she was the primary breadwinner, I witnessed her navigate her career with unparalleled commitment, eventually rising to an executive position at a Fortune 500 company. Her journey demonstrated not just professional excellence but also the importance of hard work, determination, and the resilience required to balance responsibilities and aspirations. Read more>>
Jess Curtis Blevins
I get my work ethic from being raised in rural East Tennessee, where I grew up on 40 acres of land. My days started early with chores before school and ended with caring for the animals before bed. This routine taught me the value of hard work and the importance of taking pride in what you do. Whether it was feeding the animals, tending to the land, or tackling odd projects, I learned that contributing in tangible ways is deeply rewarding. Read more>>
Caleb Jerome Morales
I always say that in the music business, my work ethic is unmatched because it was developed outside of the music industry. From five years old, my parents structured my days around three fulcrums: Work, Fitness, and Passion. From 7am to 3pm, I was in school, performing at a high level as the top student through eighth grade, top 20 in high school, and top of the University of Florida Marketing graduating class of 2016. After school, I returned home to practice piano and/or guitar for an hour or attended band rehearsal before going to baseball practice or the gym after that. Read more>>
Cybur Fox
My work ethic comes from my parents who worked hard to provide for my sister and I. We wouldn’t see them as often so as siblings we’d rely on each other for company. Although there were plenty of unhappy times, I never faulted my parents for not being there because they took care of us in their own way. They taught me to work hard, keep pushing and all good things will come eventually. Patience is key. My ambitions and drive towards my career also influence my work ethic. The excitement to keep learning new techniques, color theories, different styles. I love seeing the growth I have done and looking back at the challenges I’ve overcame, it’s very inspiring. I’m very grateful to be a career where there is endless amounts of knowledges. Read more>>
Jt Hillier
My parents, absolutely. My Dad grew up with six brothers and sisters in what was basically just an unfinished basement, and my Mom was the first in her family to finish college. So, both of their backgrounds demanded work ethic in order to be successful. Without decent work ethic, I think you’re really just limiting yourself. Life’s hard enough, even if you are a self-motivated person. But I’m really thankful that my parents didn’t let me victimize myself when I was growing up, it’s always helped me whenever I’ve pursued a personal goal. Read more>>
Audi Aragon
Definitely from my mother and father. They both were hard working immigrants from Haiti. Worked their behinds off to make life easier for us. My mother worked 2 jobs and I never heard her complain. She’s the strongest woman I know. I’m a lot like her when it comes to work ethics, resilience and hard working. Read more>>
M.r. Erfman
I can attribute my work ethic to both nature and nurture. I was raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. My home town is known for many things, but most notably coal mining. I can recall a time in my early adulthood when I was working as a travel nurse and my employer then referred to people from my area as a “different breed”. When I asked her what that meant, she explained to me that every person from my area she employed came into work early, left late, and always got the job done. She called it coal miners blood and said it was something special. To me this is a compliment and testament how a mindset can travel throughout the generations. Read more>>
Melissa Monforti
Oh, that’s an easy one. As a kid, I watched my parents work hard to make ends meet. I’d often hear, “You know, money doesn’t grow on trees.” My mother did everything from house cleaning to home health care during her working years, and still does the odd pet sitting job to supplement her social security income. After returning from service in Vietnam, my father worked for the post office and later worked construction. They were always grateful to have a good job. Read more>>
Stephanie Jenkins
Starting my career in education I cemented a business fundamental that I have carried with me ever since. It’s the little things that make a big difference . I am renowned for my outstanding focus on the minutiae of the a business and my acute problem-solving skills.
I am the proud Founder and CEO of Simplify with Stephanie – home and office reorganization and concierge relocation moving services. Read more>>
Oliver Hall
My work ethic comes from an incredible father. Read more>>
Rahim Jessani
In high school and college, I never considered myself the smartest or most talented person in the room, especially with writing, which eventually became my passion and work. But rather than letting it discourage me, I focused on my shortcomings and built my work ethic around a simple question: How can I get better? I spent countless nights working on my writing, determined to make progress bit by bit. It wasn’t about overnight success but steady, relentless improvement. Using this mentality, I was able to build TUT and continue to develop it—despite the hardships. Read more>>
Deja Gordon
My mother is the embodiment of resilience and determination, and she has instilled those qualities in me. From an early age, she faced life’s challenges head-on, starting work at just five years old, cutting lawns and helping out in stores and around the community. Her work ethic was evident even then, and it only grew stronger over time. As she got older, my mom’s dedication to her work never wavered. At one point, she was juggling three jobs simultaneously—working at a bookstore, McDonald’s, and a community hamburger stand. She managed all of this without the convenience of a car, relying solely on public transportation. Read more>>
Derrius Hall
I Get My Work Ethic From My Dad & Learn My Craft Of Cooking From My Granny … Read more>>
Priya Leildhari
When I look at this question, it’s like looking back at my entire life. My parents are extremely hard workers. They are my biggest inspiration, especially my dad who was a school dropout selling vegetables to having every thing he dreamt of and more. He worked every day of his life, even on the bad days he got up and he made it happen. My mom is a superwoman in my eyes, there’s nothing she can’t do and that right there is my inspiration. I remember watching her thinking “wow, I hope I can be as great as my mom”. She’s strong, hardworking, straight forward, caring, sweet and most importantly the best mom. Read more>>
Topher January
I get my work ethic from my family. Between my mom being a Registered Nurse my whole life working the night shift, and my dad having to used to work for NASA, and a Uncle that has a thriving restaurant in Wisconsin I have never known anything less of working hard. And the start of that is because of my Great Grandmother. We called her “Boots” and she was the first of many things back in her day. When she passed I received some comfort funds and I used her help with that to pursue my dreams to work in the entertainment industry. So once again I have no option to have anything less than an impeccable work ethic. Read more>>
Van Der Megerdichian
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the Armenian spirit and the collective experiences of our people. Armenians have a storied history marked by perseverance in the face of adversity. From the harrowing days of the Armenian Genocide to the relentless quest for new beginnings across Europe, America, and the Middle East, our journey has been one of rebuilding and renewal. Each wave of displacement, whether due to genocide, civil wars, revolutions, or other upheavals, has been met with unwavering resolve and an indomitable spirit. Read more>>
