Quote:
Originally Posted by Dantilla
At 12-13 years old, I thought it very unfair that while my friends were playing ball after school, I was working at my dad's jobsites. At the time, I thought he just wanted the cheap labor.
Now I see he was instilling in me a very strong work ethic. One that has served me well.
Without the strong foundation my dad gave me, I could easily have turned out to be one of those lazy guys who complains that life isn't fair.
Thanks, Dad.
|
Dantilla, same here! My older brother and I, along with my dad:
(1) Installed an inground pool and did extensive landscaping to our backyard.
(2) Built an addition to our house.
(3) Built a cottage from the foundation up.
This went on from ages 10-20. The rule was that we had to put in at least 1.5 hrs schooldays and 4 hrs per day on weekends and days off, then we were free to hang out with our friends. In fact if my friends ever showed up at our place my dad would try to put them to work as well! So, as a result of that, my buddies would not to set foot on our property for fear of "old man Wilson" putting them to work!
I'm trying to instill the same work ethic in my son but, man, he can sure be evasive at times. Funny, when I told him about my teenage years, working for my dad, he asked me how much my dad paid me? I said "son, do you see this mark on my back, just behind my left shoulder?" "Ya, sort of.." "That was my paycheque...a pat on the back!"
As a result of my upbringing I've very much turned into a DIY guy....I too am pretty cheap though as I'd rather figure out how to fix something than pay someone to do it. My wife cringes sometimes though, as whenever an appliance in our home breaks down I give her two choices....SHE can buy a new washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc OR I will repair the old one for FREE!....we've had the same washer/dryer for over 20 years now...looks like hell but they still work!
Thanks Dad....and RIP!