In this video by Mike Rowe, he explains how and why America has a dysfunctional relationship with work. While I don’t want to believe that is the case for everyone, the point he makes about most people just wanting to take shortcuts these days is a valid point in my opinion. Shortcuts are attractive. He mentions the book, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss as an example of people being attracted to that and since it is next on my reading list and it has been on every bestsellers list out there, that even furthered my interest into what Mike was saying in this video. Is it really true that people have lost touch with working hard to become successful in life and have traded in hard work for taking shortcuts?
In answering this I should take the other side as well. Success shouldn’t be punished. If you are a successful person and can not work as much, then I am happy for you. This reminds me of the saying, “Work smarter, not harder.” There are some things in life that can be done easier than they are and if you can speed up the process, why not? I believe a better way to state this is to say if an opportunity comes for you to take and it is attractive, then take it. That is why preparation is so important.
As John Wooden said,
“When an opportunity presents itself, it is too late to prepare.”
But on the other hand, if hard work is involved to get there, don’t shy away from it. Most things worth having never came easy. Putting time and effort into your work is a rewarding thing, too. Embrace the journey, because you will be better for the hard work in the end. This video from Mike definitely has me thinking about my own life and the hard work in it vs. the shortcuts that I take from time to time. Hopefully it at least makes us all stop and realize that some things just require harder work.
What is something in life that you had to put hard work into to see progress in? You can leave your comment below.
Thanks for sharing this Adam — it’s a video I’ll definitely be sharing with my kids and hopefully some others.
You’re welcome John!
Thanks for sharing this Adam — it’s a video I’ll definitely be sharing with my kids and hopefully some others.
You’re welcome John!
Hi Adam…I loved this post! I have read The 4-Hour Workweek and it is a good read, for sure. But I knew going in (reading it) that I would not end up with a 4-hour a week job. Instead I took all the tools and tips he gives that actually do save time (if used) and attempted to implement some of them. So, like you, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bathwater. In fact, I think people could get into some trouble both emotionally and physically if work went by the wayside. Physical and emotional illness can become more of a problem after someone retires even if they are only in their mid-sixties. Without a plan and a sense of purpose, folks can flounder. Also, about the college education. I know someone who has a 4-years degree in English who cannot find a good job, but he only applies for “clean” jobs, like making lattes or working in retail. He is not able to make a living. The trades are great possibilities for being successful.
Thanks Linda. It is hard to say anything about the book because I haven’t read it yet, but I am glad to see that you had specific productive items to take from the book. I am guessing that is what I would do with the book as well. And good point about having a plan and sense of purpose.
Hi Adam…I loved this post! I have read The 4-Hour Workweek and it is a good read, for sure. But I knew going in (reading it) that I would not end up with a 4-hour a week job. Instead I took all the tools and tips he gives that actually do save time (if used) and attempted to implement some of them. So, like you, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bathwater. In fact, I think people could get into some trouble both emotionally and physically if work went by the wayside. Physical and emotional illness can become more of a problem after someone retires even if they are only in their mid-sixties. Without a plan and a sense of purpose, folks can flounder. Also, about the college education. I know someone who has a 4-years degree in English who cannot find a good job, but he only applies for “clean” jobs, like making lattes or working in retail. He is not able to make a living. The trades are great possibilities for being successful.
Thanks Linda. It is hard to say anything about the book because I haven’t read it yet, but I am glad to see that you had specific productive items to take from the book. I am guessing that is what I would do with the book as well. And good point about having a plan and sense of purpose.
Great video, thanks for sharing, Adam. I didn’t realize how much of a labor shortage there was for skilled workers, and I’m only vaguely surprised that it’s hard finding people that are willing to do the work.
However, I think there is a large pushback among young people and their parents on the idea that a 4-year college is a necessity (especially the debt aspect of it), and that will probably lead to more people looking to fill these jobs after doing apprenticeships and vocational schools.
So true, Ryan. Valid points for sure. I was surprised as well at hearing of the labor shortage at first, but then thought about the jobs that were available and it makes sense that they aren’t being filled because of the points that Mike covered. Thanks for reading and commenting, Ryan.
Great video, thanks for sharing, Adam. I didn’t realize how much of a labor shortage there was for skilled workers, and I’m only vaguely surprised that it’s hard finding people that are willing to do the work.
However, I think there is a large pushback among young people and their parents on the idea that a 4-year college is a necessity (especially the debt aspect of it), and that will probably lead to more people looking to fill these jobs after doing apprenticeships and vocational schools.
So true, Ryan. Valid points for sure. I was surprised as well at hearing of the labor shortage at first, but then thought about the jobs that were available and it makes sense that they aren’t being filled because of the points that Mike covered. Thanks for reading and commenting, Ryan.