The Stigma Of Work Ethic: How I Flipped The Script And Stopped Caring About It
I wasn’t surprised by the response to Friday’s post about work ethic—
It’s one of those things—even amid all the talk about the grind, the rat race and work-life balance—we don’t openly discuss.
There’s a stigma associated with it in our society. If you don’t have good, strong work ethic, you’re worthless. Or, at least, in some corners, thought of as less than.
But … What is work ethic anyway?
It’s really just a dumb jock concept when you stop and think about it. Like no pain, no gain. Or not letting an athlete have a water break or take off their helmet, as was customary in 80-degree heat and 60% humidity when I was kid attending high school football practice.
Somehow, the person who grunts, groans and sweats; puts in more time; endures unnecessary, sometimes absurd physical or mental pain; or otherwise shows how obsessively committed they are is better than the one who quietly does the job just as well, if not better and, maybe, in a shorter period of time.
I don’t get it.
And neither do many of you.
Consider this sampling of comments I received to the above-linked installment—