While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that everyone is just ghosting their lives away, we’ve seen countless examples of how strong the work ethic is on every street and in every neighborhood in America. Hard work is alive and well and we asked some of the hardest working folks we know how they developed their work ethic.
Caity Zagar
It’s funny—I never really considered myself a disciplined or hardworking person until people started pointing it out to me. In recent years, it has become one of my most recognized strengths. I’m often complimented on my ability to stay motivated, work hard, and stay organized. Read More>>
Roza Marchenko
My work ethic comes from discipline, purpose, and faith.
Music was my first teacher. As a classically trained violinist, I learned that progress isn’t always visible, but persistence matters. Mastery is built through repetition, refinement, and patience. The violin demands honesty—either you put in the work, or the music reveals the truth. That discipline shaped the way I approach everything in life. Read More>>
Suzanne Foley
My work ethic came from my parents. My father was an entrepreneur and my mother was a nurse. They both worked so hard, while also balancing raising a family. I also follow my passion to be creative and independent. I enjoy working for myself. Read More>>
Anshul Katkar
Being an athlete in high school was where I really developed my work ethic. Through early mornings, tough practices, and competing under pressure, I learned the importance of discipline, even when I didn’t feel motivated. There were times when I’d rather skip a workout or take it easy, but I pushed through, knowing that being consistent was more important than anything else. Read More>>
Dan Bower
My mom, she works hard and never gets discouraged, she has a positive attitude about her work, taking care of her family, and taking care of the house Read More>>
Ashley Crowder
My work ethic comes from my ambition. I have an internal drive for success that pushes me forward regardless of external reward. I don’t rely on outside validation to stay motivated; my determination comes from within and pushes me. I do at times struggle to balance my drive as I know if I continue like this, it could lead to burnout. Read More>>
Xavaire Parker
My friends and family. My family ain’t shy of hard work, we put in the effort to get what we want. Read More>>
Brielle
My work ethic certainly comes from my family. My parents and brothers are incredibly hard working people and I am so grateful for the examples they set for me. Read More>>
Nicole Brown
My work ethic comes from a combination of passion, perseverance, and the values instilled in me growing up. I’ve always been driven by my love for beauty and the ability to help people feel their best. From a young age, I was playing in hair and makeup, and that early passion turned into a career when I started LAFAYE BEAUTY. Read More>>
Vanessa Cordova
My work ethic comes from both of my parents. They are true examples of hard workers.
My dad at one point had multiple jobs and would take care of my sisters and I during the weekends, while my mom worked as a bedside nurse during the weekends. Read More>>
Shari Bingham
I believe my work ethic comes from a mix of influences. Those being what was modeled for me by my parents and my role as the oldest child.
My parents never married and separated when I was about five years old. I watched my mom juggle single parenthood, school, and full-time work while raising me and my younger sister. Many weekends, she would bring us to her office just to catch up on work she couldn’t finish during the week. Read More>>
Victoria Schultz
My father 100%! He has been working since he was 14 years old. He was on active duty Navy for 30 years and then worked at a power plant for another 15 years before be finally retired. He has always taught me that to make it in life you have to work very hard, be kind, always do the right thing, and treat everyone with respect and kindness. Read More>>
Orange Streetwear Osw
Motivation to have something of our own! Read More>>
Kevin
Getting my work epic I feel like you know just being born and raised in a Mexican family and being Mexican American having parents that came from their country with nothing really showed how anything is possible even when you come with nothing to a new place my parents always grind always worked all the time even in the weekends I remember they used to take me and my siblings to make house call sales because my mother used to sell a lot of stuff outside and around the community so she used to go door by door to do sales so I remember she used to take us and I feel like growing up like that I was able to soak and absorb some of that work ethic not giving up and keep working no matter how hard it gets. Read More>>
Keira James
If there’s one thing the Navy taught me, it’s how to work under pressure, adapt to difficult situations, and push through even when I’m running on fumes. As a former hospital corpsman, I wasn’t just clocking in and out like a traditional 9-5. I was handling crises, managing personnel, and learning what it meant to have real discipline. Read More>>
Jesus Eduardo Rodriguez Millan
When talking about work ethic, the first thing that comes my mind is the phrase “doing things right.” I’ve always been convinced that ethics is based on two precepts. The first is the moral aspect of whether something is good or not so good, and the second is discipline, or the commitment to doing it. Both concepts merge in a symbiotic relationship, which in turn are intertwined with the fundamental values and principles that govern me as a person. Read More>>
Danny Knust
My work ethic comes straight from the Torah and my upbringing. The idea of “Avodah”, meaningful work, is built into who we are. My father led by example—never cutting corners, always showing up, and doing things with integrity. The Torah teaches “B’zei’at apecha tochal lechem”—by the sweat of your brow, you will eat bread (Bereishit 3:19). Nothing real comes easy, and that’s how I approach everything—whether it’s building a brand, editing a film, or doing marketing for a clinic. Read More>>
Brittany Dorsey
My work ethic was forged through adversity. At just 16, I carried the responsibility of not only providing for myself but also supporting my mother and younger brother. While overwhelming at times, this experience taught me resilience, a strong work ethic, and the importance of working with intention to meet every need. Read More>>
Atziri Angel
My work ethic is based on treating others with respect, which creates a positive work atmosphere. Self-motivation is also important for success. Good treatment of others fosters relationships and teamwork. To maintain a good work ethic, I try to always set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and maintain professionalism. Read More>>
Ling Chua
I get my work ethic from my mom and peers. Read More>>
Jailyn Sade
I get my work ethic from my dad. He’s always been a hardworking man and a constant provider for our family. Even though our professions are different, he’s taught me the values of perseverance and dedication. I admire him for everything he’s accomplished because achieving long-term success, especially with a family depending on you, is no easy feat. Read More>>
Suzie Seerey-Lester
My work ethics started when I was a teen. I was trained to scuba dive by Navy Seals, they have an incredible worth ethic. They taught me your word was your honor. You always show up to work early, and do more than anyone else, and you are the last to leave work. Read More>>
Brooke Holzhauer
I believe that I get my work ethic from a variety of areas in my life. One of those would have to be being a child of divorced parents. Although I was young when it happened, it made me understand and realize mature or adult things that happen in life, such as how a relationship can affect one’s work ethic, as well as how I should always strive to do my best with everything in life. Read More>>
Sherry Steine
I get my work ethic from my father. Growing up in humble beginnings, I watched him work two jobs tirelessly to keep our family together. He was a former military man, and his discipline and sense of duty shaped my understanding of perseverance and commitment. Read More>>
John Morris
I got my work ethic from my parents. My father was from Harlem, a place known for its hustle and go-get-it mentality. He showed me that success isn’t something you wait for, you go out and claim it. Harlem’s energy, full of resilience and creativity, shaped the way he moved through life, and I carry that same mindset with me today. Read More>>
Josh Roman
My work ethic comes directly from my family, especially my parents. Growing up, I watched my dad run his own janitorial supply and carpet cleaning business for over 30 years. He and my mom worked tirelessly to build that company from the ground up. Their dedication, discipline, and determination to provide for our family shaped who I am today. Read More>>
Lashanna Johnson
My work ethic comes from my MOM! My mother has never been unemployed in her 60+ years of life. She still works till today. She has always taught me the value of hard work and integrity and showed me that success isn’t just about talent but also about consistency and effort. Read More>>
Karl Groeger
I got my work ethic from my father Karl Groeger Sr. He taught us at a young age, if you want something you have to work hard yourself to get it. Read More>>
Cheryl Stauffer Stauffer
My strong work ethic was shaped by my upbringing in Paraguay, South America, where my hardworking Mennonite parents dedicated themselves to providing the best for their children. Always wanting to create more opportunities at a life well lived then what they had growing up. Read More>>
Jay Duplantis
My dad Read More>>
Johnny Kera
My work ethnic came from my father who taught me to never give up and always be learning something new. My parents believed in higher education, so I received a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of La Verne. Read More>>
Reese Darlington
My work ethic comes from my upbringing—watching my family work hard, take pride in what they built, and never cut corners. It’s about doing the job right, no excuses. Read More>>
Jason Shapiro
My parents instilled my work ethic along with the appreciation for the “earned dollar”.
I dare to say my work ethic is second to none. (In my respected arenas) Read More>>
Shamika Williams
I get my work ethic from my mother. Read More>>
Alesha Trimble
I grew up with pretty meager beginnings. My parents were blue collar workers in western Kentucky and worked in a local factory in my early childhood. They divorced when I was two, so being single income parents to two kids was challenging. Read More>>
Louisa Swithenbank-Frets
My work ethic was ingrained in me by both my parents’ from a young age. My Mum always taught me how to be independent whilst also working as a team in the household.
My Dad started a burrito stall when I was 12 at a market in London and he needed a sous chef; I was his first choice. Read More>>
