HARD WORK PAYS OFF

RE: Rex, Edmonton – wow, your fat cat baby boomer grandparents is an insult to many, myself and husband included.

Yes, we are now retired and I would say live a reasonably comfortable lifestyle using our own superannuation as our income, but it is far from a fat cat lifestyle.

My husband began working full-time at 12 years old and my

first part-time job was when I was 13, while still going to high school.

We grew up in an era where a high work ethic was valued and respect for our employers ensured we always had a job.

We never had the benefit of a free tertiary education, we never had the benefit of paid maternity leave or the myriad benefits available these days.

We scrimped every cent and had a very tight budget as money was limited; we lived within our means and tried to save a little every week.

So what if you start out making beds or flipping burgers or even washing dishes, these jobs are just as important as any and if you have a strong work ethic you will progress and possibly be offered a traineeship or apprenticeship – but it begins with showing your employer that you are not afraid of hard work, show up every day on time and not hung over, stay off your mobile phone, show respect for your boss and other employees and you will see where that attitude takes you.

If you can’t get a job, offer at volunteer places and get some references as a starting point to your career. With your attitude, you will go nowhere and will be blaming the world for your lack of progress. Excuses are the easiest thing to find and in my opinion are just plain pathetic.

Beth Lavington, Kanimbla