Work and Attitude

I was just sitting in a luncheonette talking to a podiatrist and a few other people about different topics. During our conversation we drifted into the topic of ATTITUDE and its effect on the work place.

In retrospect the other day I was in a restaurant by Newark Airport and I heard a truck company owner make the comment that the foreigners when they come to this country will work just to work but when they are here for two generations than they expect to be paid top dollar- when they become Americanized.

The reason why so many immigrants are succeeding in business in this country is because they are taking advantage of the LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND. The majority of Americans feel that it is beneath them to perform certain manual labor jobs or other jobs that may not be what they want or feel they should or could do.


I remember a situation over 35 years ago whereby I was having a financial problem, was very well educated, was out of work for 2 years, and was told I was over qualified for every job I applied for. A very wise professional told me " It doesn't matter if you have to shovel shit in a barn as long as you can pay your bills". That gentleman had a profound impact on me at the time. It is amazing that after all these years thoughts of his comment came out in a conversation today on the topic of Attitude in the Work Place.

Therefore before we start throwing stones and wondering why immigrants are working hard and succeeding maybe we should re-evaluate our priorities and attitute as Americans and then maybe the rush to come to this beautiful country will stop.