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Forum Post: "making it" Is not about working hard....

Posted 11 years ago on April 14, 2012, 9:24 p.m. EST by Craiggiedangit (99)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

It's about trying hard.

I've never had a day of public education in my life. No one has helped me out. I forsook public assistance when I could have used it because I didn't want to steal from others.

I have never been to a movie theater. You could count the number of times I have been to a restaurant on both hands. I don't have a cable subscription.

While you guys were doing those things and having fun, I was studying and working. Now I have some marketable skills because of it.

I am by no means rich. I am younger than 30. But I wouldn't have it any other way, and it looks like I am going to be in a pretty good position.

It is about trying hard and working smart, not working hard.

61 Comments

61 Comments


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[-] 2 points by amanofnoimportance (82) from Orlando, FL 11 years ago

What is productive in saying this?

This is but a finger-wag and self-praise, signifying nothing but a display of an ego unchecked.

You have been acknowledged, now what could you possibly offer? Or have you only come for what you are being accused of?

[-] 1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Nope. I am no better of a person than anybody else. I am no smarter of a person than anybody else. I have not been given any opportunities that anyone else has not, except for rare cases. Working smarter does not require above average intelligence, merely stronger dedication.

I am not bragging, or boasting, about anything I have. I have no knowledge of celebrities or pop culture. I know little about homemaking. As I stated in the OP, I have never been to a movie theater. I have missed out on a lot of things many of you all have. I don't mind.

All I am doing, is outlining some of the dedication that is required to get ahead financially. Are you willing to sacrifice some fun so you can gain financial benefit? The system is rigged, for sure, but it is not impossible to get rich if you work at it. Or at least, have a very comfortable life. Are you willing to work at it to win?

[-] 1 points by amanofnoimportance (82) from Orlando, FL 11 years ago

Very well. It should lead to something good.

[-] 1 points by jssk (170) from Naperville, IL 11 years ago

Isn't that the same thing?

[-] 1 points by SPAR23 (25) 11 years ago

Very smart, this guy has sense

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Why???

He'll be a bitter, dried up old prune by the time he's 50.

Plus, he's a rather dull boy now.

[-] 1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

I have no idea what I will be like when I am 50....

... I sure as heck hope I am not lurking on internet message boards insulting and calling names at strangers like you... lol

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

You're doing it now, so why not?

I'm not lurking, just passing time in between duties and housework.

Beside, I actually support the movement this forum is named after.

How about you?

It would seem you're the lurker, as you don't support OWS.

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Oop- add to the list, making assumptions about strangers.

No, I don't engage in name calling, unless it is started by someone else, in which case it is extremely fun.

Also, you defended yourself against the troll, which is something you are never supposed to do. I didn't actually think you were "lurking", it just sounded like a nice response to your attack. Now when you defend yourself like that, it sounds like you were offended by it.

And, furthermore, I really don't insult people all that often. I invite you to provide an example of someone I just attacked out of the blue.

And yes, I did consider myself a supporter of this movement until I realized all any of the main members of the site wanted to do was bleat out the partisan lies of their emotional masters. Until then, yes, I was a supporter of the movement.

[-] 1 points by SPAR23 (25) 11 years ago

He worked and tryed for his money, he isnt crying like a bitch and crying for a handout

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

I did that for over 45 years, and still had some fun in my life.

Now all I see is teabaggers and (R)epelican'ts trying to take as much of those earnings away, just as fast as they can.

I hate adages, but here's one for you.

"All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy."

[-] 1 points by SPAR23 (25) 11 years ago

Exactly how are republicans atking peoples money away? Democrats want to raise taxes, Republicans are against taxes

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Oh? Teabaggers aren't (R)epelican'ts???

(R)epelican'ts haven't been pushing hard to limit benefits?

(R)epelican'ts don't cut funding to education????

(R)epelican'ts don't fully back the medical insurance corporations that take away my money and limit my benefits.

(R)epelican'ts never raise fees, that are defacto taxes??

(R)epelican't have raised taxes numerous times in my life, and about the only time I hear them rail about it is when the country is in dire straights, or there happens to be a Dem in the White House...........

That's about as phony a claim, as the one that says they are all about small government.

(R)epelican't and their teabagger buddies are nothing, if not the original consummate liars!!!

The original treasonous bitches!!!

"I am not a crook!" Yes you are!!!!

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Wow. Calm down.

I haven't really seen Repukes cut much into education, they raised funding for it during the Bush administration (No child left behind). You are right that Repukes are not for small government.

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

You know the right wing is trying to take your income away, haven't you heard their constant wailing for higher taxes? LOL

"All work and little play, lets Jack get rich instead of whining to be given the efforts of others"

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Instead of rhetoric, let's look at reality.

Teabaggers, raised my taxes!!!!!!

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Wow. That's amazing, since the Democrats have had control of the house, senate and presidency for a long time, and since the Republicans have had control of only the House for two years. Add to that the fact that there are maybe 30/500 people in the tea party caucus, and you've got yourself one heck of a distortion.

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Oh, dear........

You still think the world of teabaggers and (R)epelican'ts only exists in Washington.

It doesn't.

Teabaggers raised my taxes...............A LOT!@!!!!!

Lying sacks of shit!!!!!!!

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Wow. Such anger. It sounds like they did lie to you, people shouldn't say they aren't going to raise taxes at all if it turns out that them might have to at some point.

Yet all politicians, including the Democrats and Republicans alike, are lying sacks of mess. Obama said he would end the war in Iraq within 18 months. Lol. Bush said some baloney about balancing the budget. Pretty much all politicians are worthless garbage.

Now, as far as Michigan goes, or whatever state you are referring to, since tax increases are off the table completely, would you have wanted to cut spending or let the state go bankrupt?

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Teabaggers are liars!

It's that simple. I get NOTHING in return for the added taxation, nothing.

Taxed

Enough

Already

Their whole premiss is a LIE!

The biggest tax cuts I've ever got, were from Democrats.

If your statement on politicians is true? It's always been true. Accept it, so we can move on.

You don't know shit about Michigan.

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Oh, goody, more anger. The first person to get angry, start swearing and call names in an online discussion is generally the first one to realize they are wrong.

So it's all you, you, you? The tax rate you personally pay is the only one that matters? Why can't we come to some sort of reasonable amount that people should pay, so we can avoid these childish, unproductive and trivial arguments in the future? There needs to be some universal amount, so it won't need to change. Then we can just spend it up until the money is used up, and spend no more. Voila! Balanced budget! How are things going in Michigan?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

not bad

any concrete examples of "trying hard" and/or working smart

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

I can't really prove to you what skill set I have, or how much money I have been able to save by not wasting it buying junk, fast food, and going to movies, without giving you my personal information.

How about the merits? Do you think it is impossible for a person to gain skills through independent study instead of buying fast food, movie tickets, and junk they don't need?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

time is time

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

What is that supposed to mean? Would you mind elaborating any more? You never even answered the question.

[-] 1 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 11 years ago

Interesting take. You are right about the trying hard thing. But with the level of corruption at the top, along with the way the policies are decided, it should be a hell of a lot better.

Some things are just the way they are. But striving for better should never be looked on as something that is a waste of time.

[-] 1 points by craigdangit (326) 11 years ago

Absolutely. I'm not saying there arent major problems with the system we have, but capitalism as a whole does not prevent people from getting ahead if they are willing to try really hard and work smart at it.

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[-] 0 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

What the hell does this have to do with anything at all?

[-] 1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

What does in not have to do with anything?

[-] 0 points by sato (148) 11 years ago

Good luck with your McDonald's career.

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

Made my first million before the age of 25 back in the early 80's... I'm 58 and semi retired. Life is good. Thanks for your concern.

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Please expound on that, if you don't mind. Are you referring to me purchasing a franchise? I have saved up almost enough money to do so, while earning little more than minimum wage. But that is not the sector I plan to work in.

If it was some sort of veiled insult, based on the idea that you consider fast food workers to be low class, I really don't understand why. I see all people equally, every one given the chance to advance themselves. And I don't know why you would choose hate and jealousy over productivity, we have work to do and hating on others is unproductive.

[-] 2 points by sato (148) 11 years ago

Fast food workers are low class. They aren't paid a penny less because it is illegal. The only people that should work at minimum wage are the high school graduates. College graduates should be paid much more. Especially those with technical knowledge.

Anyway, good luck with your minimum wage. I wish you the best. I hope you somehow manage to find a second job to pay your rent. With luck you may even get a third job. If all else fails, make sure to marry a woman that works. It's a winner's advice. Even if you don't love her, she can share the rent. Once again, good luck Mr. Success. I commend to you for having figured life out at such a young age.

[-] 0 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Wow. Such anger and bitterness.

Could this be the emotional product of self hatred? Or just reflections on a life wasted...

I never said I work for minimum wage. I never realized this thread would produce instant class warfare, or personal attacks. I find it quite amusing you would stereotype an entire sector of the work force as being "low class". Funny, I think people who call names and label are low class.

When did I say I had trouble paying my rent? I said I had saved nearly enough money to purchase a retail franchise. I don't know if you have looked into the cost of doing so, but I would be happy to educate you on the costs involved. At any rate, it was merely a metaphor, as I have no intention of doing so. Let's just say I don't have trouble paying my rent.

In addition, I said I do have technical knowledge. I gathered it through hard study instead of reading celebrity tabloids and going to the movies. I did nothing that everyone else cannot do. Is your bitter and angry tone due to self hatred? How many movies have you been to in your life?

The first person to get angry in an online discussion is generally the one that realizes they are wrong

[-] 0 points by Dubya (5) from Chicago, IL 11 years ago

well put. I like the way you think. Looking at the positives and working hard, unlike these Nancies who expect everything to be handed to them without putting the work into it.

[-] 0 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

A good portion of making it is sheer luck as well. While its true some 'luck' can be created by keeping your eyes open for opportunities and keeping your skills sharp.... being at the right place and at the right time plays into making it big time.

[-] 2 points by Pequod (17) 11 years ago

Can you elaborate on the element of luck involved? I can pssibly see some element of luck with a graduate with a history degree making a career, but had they chose to be a veterinarian, where would the luck be? You need a break to get a great job with a history degree. Being a vet us a sure thing.

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

When I consider someone 'making it' its usually in context with starting your own business and being successful. Thats where luck plays an important part.

In the realm of the standard workforce... luck still plays a part. When I entered IT, the prognosis was for 30 years nothing but a growth industry, that was in the late 90's. Since the 2000 dot.com bubble burst, 9/11, and globalization.... I wouldn't recommend IT jobs to anyone. Wrong field to be in.

Nobody can predict the future and know what field is going to prosper or not.

[-] -1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

Stay flexible. Try to be ahead of the game, study the economy and try to figure out what it is going to do next.

[-] 0 points by hotdoghenry (268) 11 years ago

Luck? Are fucking serious? You believe that there is such a thing as luck?

You are an idiot! Go ahead and prove that there is luck. You can not do it.

There is no such thing......... but there is a little man behind the curtain.

Dickhead!

[-] 2 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

Luck is having random events work out in your favor, not by design. Having 6 independent numbers you pick, be the same as a random lottery drawing... yeah thats luck. It exists.

Your mother know you speak with that mouth?

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 11 years ago

it's probability and the house takes it's cut

[-] 0 points by hchc (3297) from Tampa, FL 11 years ago

Yup. Luck = opportunity + preperation

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Preparation?

You mean like making sure your girl friend blows on the dice just right, before you roll them?

Luck is the absence of preparation.

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

you leave out the most important element of "right place, right time".....and that is having the right skills when you arrive there.....and THAT is much more important and the right skills are much more likely to precipitate the "right place' right time" than ANY random distribution of opportunity...

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

I mention skill set in a few later posts. You can't separate out which is more important, that's a fallacy.... you need all three aspects in place to be successful.

And as I also mentioned, how do you know which is going to be the right skill set? Machinists were once in demand... no longer. IT was hugely in demand 10 years ago, no longer since a great deal gets outsourced. Healthcare hirings are up now, but for how long given the uncertainty with the laws and constitutionality being challenged?

What does your crystal ball say?

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

you can separate the right skills, without those you might never recognize a "right place, right time" situation.....

There are no business successes who bumbled into it without developing skills first.....

You don't know, it's a risk, always...but...it's YOUR risk to take, not the responsibility of others to subsidize, and continuous course correction is necessary.....thinking you can ride a "wave" of popular employment might work, might not......it's best to do your best at something you enjoy, and to become the best example living of whatever that choice is.....

Like the OP said, those who make the decision to seek entertainment, diversion, and pleasure will reap the rewards of those pursuits.....those who don't will receive different rewards...

If you can provide an example, I welcome it..... "Reality" Entertainment doesn't count, BTW

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

"There are no business successes who bumbled into it without developing skills first....." Thats true.

However, personally I have had to manage 3 different career paths to get by. There are limits to how many bases a person can cover. Course corrections are one thing, but developing new skill sets because of changing economic conditions is immensely difficult, time consuming and expensive.

It's easy to sympathize with those who begin to wonder if the payoff is worth it if all you are doing is getting by. One injury or serious healthcare issue and you are truly screwed in todays society.

I don't believe that most people are lazy and making the wrong choices.

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

I might agree with your sentiments, partially.....in that most people aren't lazy, and mostly about the wrong choices....

I think many don't really make direct choices, they just sort of go with the flow, and end up where the current takes them...in good times, they are OK, but in bad times....not so much...

I also understand those who wonder about the payoff.....in the stories of almost ALL great successes, each one faced those thoughts, and some even went down under them for a time, before rallying back.....

I guess in response to the second paragraph I would only say...so what? to the difficulty, time, and expense.......it's still better than the alternative, and, to be clear.....there are still many trades that pay well and are always hiring....Trucking, Welding, Pipefitting, and others......they aren't as "pretty" and easy as other careers, but they are available and provide good incomes.....

The thing is, and even though it may sound harsh to some, it is a universal truth...if you want to put forth average or marginal effort, it earns you a marginal life......if you choose to live beyond those means via consumer credit or others such means you will eventually live less than average and marginally in life......if you decide to expend exceptional effort then you may eventually be rewarded with exceptional reward......like when you plant a seed, it my eventually produce fruit, and does...more often than not.....sometimes things happen: early/late frost, storms, pests, thieves, etc....BUT, more often than not, if you put forth the effort (the seed) you are rewarded (the harvest)....

It IS mostly up to you, and the cases where it doesn't work are the exception, not the rule.....and people really should embrace that...instead of embracing the excuses and defeatist philosophy that those who claim that success is the exception to the rule.....

It's only the exception to the norm, not to the rule.....because most don't ever make exceptional efforts, whether they do so by direct determination, or indirect decision....

[-] 3 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

I'm 58, semi-retired, made my first million before the age of 25, I'm not worried about me. I know what it takes to 'make it'. I agree with most of what you have just posted.... however,

I have seen a great deal of change over the last 30 years, not good change. We are losing our way of life. I am not blind to that fact that opportunities are not as common as they once were. Trucking, because of rising fuel prices is not a very good avenue to go... Welding and Pipefitting will give a salary, pretty doesn't enter the picture in my opinion, but you better be prepared to move around the country and drag your family with you.

I'm generally an optimistic person. I see our policies as killing that optimism. 10 years of war, hell 30 years of war if you really look at, our relationship with China- bound to each others hip economically, and its effect on our employment situation. These things can't be ignored and I feel are not in our best interests.

It's been nice having a civil discussion on these matters. I don't expect agreement, but I appreciate the respect.

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

I usually don't swing first, so respect is given in kind......

I will agree on a change, but the bad parts of the change, IMO, are almost exclusively precipitants of government intrusion "for our own good"

Trucking is still a good avenue....salaries aren't tied to fuel costs.....rising fuel costs effect the products, not the transportation industry...and with our diminishing manufacturing sector and such will become evermore necessary....and yes, mobility is something that carries a premium to those willing to embrace it.....

I think many younger people cast a disapproving glance at "dirty" jobs...even if they pay well, and even more so to physical intensive jobs...it's sad really....we will always need people to do the physical work...

another difference I see is that people don't know how to do ANYTHING for themselves anymore, and there is a cost (reducing disposable income) for that...simple things like changing (or even "checking" it) oil....changing flat tires, simple wiring, simple plumbing, simple carpentry, etc.....all things both my father and grandfather passed down to me, that save me immense amounts of time and money by knowing how to do them myself.....

I am optimistic too, I am not a Millionaire....my father became one after the age that I am now (42), so that inspires my optimism.......

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

My post on Trucking and fuel expense was for Independent truckers

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

ah, of course.....but that is a business...not a job

[-] 2 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

Independent contractor if you like, close overlap.

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 11 years ago

Slammer, I would like to add to your comments. You are right when you say people don't know how to do anything. Maybe it's because their parents wanted them to have a better life then them but it has its consequences.

When it comes to being successful - you forgot to add - successful people don't take no for an answer. Many millionaires have failed and most have gone into bankrupcy before they made their first million.

It takes determination and the desire to succede. Sure times have changed but there are still opportunities out there.

I started out as a pipefitter - my goal in life was two fold - to learn everything about my trade, and to expand beyond those skills to make myself more valuable to the employer I worked for.

Over the years I accomplished my goals, never been without work and ended up working with a small business managing the company.

If I decided to be just a pipefitter, I would have been out of work more then working. But learning pipefitting, welding, welding inspection, supervision, general management, and broadening my field into HVAC installing chillers, boilers, learning and understanding about hydronic systems along with air distribution system it put me in a position where I was never without work.

It took time for this to happen but I planted the seed when I first started out and made a commitment to myself that I would never be without a job.

Continued to improve my skills as Estimator, Operation Manager and eventually worked in conjunction with the owner of a small business managing the company.

Yes, it does take time to build skills and wealth - it has nothing to do with luck and all to do with deternination.

[-] 0 points by slammersworldwillnotbecensored (-184) 11 years ago

thanks...great post, tradesman still are the heart of this country and we don't get enough credit.....

I did the same thing in trucking, started out as a 48 state, out a month at a time, driver, operating Vans, then I ran Doubles, Reefer's, and Tanks.....doing daily P&D delivery routes, Terminal to Terminal Linehaul and cross country deliveries, and everything in-between...moving to managing 140+ drivers in a delivery operation....I also am always looking to increase my knowledge... and...... my self-taught (and partially handed down) knowledge of carpentry sustained me through and extended layoff (6 months.,....nothing like "extended" is now..hahah) in 2000......

Both at work and personally, I am constantly seeking an expansion of my knowledge base and personal network......and the dividends continue to pay off.......working now on my exit from this industry and moving toward a new endeavor......

Thanks for your short story, that is something I truly enjoy, the stories of others and their life experiences in overcoming obstacles....

[-] 0 points by SteveKJR (-497) 11 years ago

Appreciate the comments. It takes determination to succede today. I know a very good young friend, whom I have known since he was around 5 - his mother raised him and I have helped mentor him while he was growing up.

He graduated from college last year - and worked during this time to pay his way - anyway he always worked at different jobs - mostly related to his area of expertise - since his graduation it paid off for him.

He volunteered with the local county juvinile system and now has an opportunity to get on the police force - but they have other ideas for him after he graduates from training.

So, his determination and continued focus on working towards his goals paid off. His sister on the other hand graduated at the same time - no real volunteer work experience.

She always always applies for high paying type jobs because she thinks that a college degree will get her one. However, she has yet to get any responses.

Just goes to show there is a difference between having a college degree and having a college degree with lots of voluntary experience when it comes to getting a job.

[-] -1 points by gforz (-43) 11 years ago

My crystal ball says you first need to decide what type of person you are, what type of life you want to lead, and whether money is important to you, and then gear your life to achieving that life. It's just a fact that certain occupations pay well and others don't. Certain jobs are dead end jobs and others have a career path. In the forseeable future, in order to not be a commodity (that is, a person with skill set so limited that virtually everyone can do their job), people will need to either 1) obtain particular knowledge and/or skills for which there is demand in the market and a more limited supply, or 2) be able to sell. In any economy people who can get others to buy are in demand and are compensated well generally. Business owners are always looking for good sales people, always. This is something that does not take a rocket scientist, and that many could do, but a lot are uncomfortable with. Most prefer to show up to a job and punch a clock, and don't want the pressure that comes with sales. That is OK, that is their choice. Some can't afford to not have some kind of a paycheck coming in. If you want regular work, there are a lot of jobs that will never go away, contractors and repair people of all stripes, landscaping, teacher or coach, policeman or firefighter. They may vary in employment, but they won't disappear. All depends on what type of life you'd like to lead, if you want to travel, if you want to be married or have kids, if you want to be in control over your own hours of work, how much you're willing to sacrifice. It varies from person to person.

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[-] -1 points by j91488 (14) from Menlo Park, CA 11 years ago

its all about NOT working

[-] -1 points by SteveKJR (-497) 11 years ago

Craig - you are one of the few in your age group who understand what it takes to become successful. You are already on the right track to eventually becoming "independent".

If you continue being "frugal" as you mentioned, by the time you are 40 you will have accumulated a good deal of wealth.

As you stated in your post, it takes "dilligence" and having a plan to succede.

That is the attitude our country was built on - it wasn't built on "you have more then me so I want part of it, or "I need the government to pay for my housing, my school and my shelter".

Nowhere in the constitution is that written.

Now, if you can convince others in your age group that they too can do the same without being "negative" and looking for a thousand reasons why they cannot, I will guarentee you in 5 years those who understand what you are saying and follow through will be well on their way to success over a period of time - and it's not "instantenously".

[-] 1 points by Craiggiedangit (99) 11 years ago

And I see someone has downvoted your post already. It is sad to see bright minds go down that drain, but the fact of the matter is you can gain political power by convincing people they have been wronged by not having their neighbor's stuff. People get angry when the truth is told. Props to you and your point has been restored.

To be honest, I didn't have much of a plan. I just didn't like spending my money at stupid movies, and I liked studying industrial science. It's coming together pretty well now, though.