We had a plan: All 13 Colorado Millers would head to downtown Denver for a special Easter brunch at The Capital Grille. We even thought ahead, securing reservations weeks ago!
On Thursday night, however, child #6 of our seven—age 18—learned she was scheduled to work at King Soopers Marketplace on Easter afternoon. Employed since June, she has worked there throughout her entire high school senior year.
Bummer, though—because nobody wanted her to miss out. We all felt crummy about it.
But, she worked. While the rest of this crazy clan enjoyed food, fellowship, and fun, she did her job.
That’s life.
Sound harsh?
Maybe “that’s life” has an edge to it, but, um, well … that’s life!
In the real world, there is no one to make it “fair,” take away the inconvenience and hardship of daily living, hand out free stuff, and cover for us when we tire of earning a paycheck.
Successful, accountable living is not about doing what I want, doing what I feel, or getting a trophy for just showing up.
Our daughter entered into an adult-adult contract with her employer. Financial rewards will come her way when she arrives on time, stays to the end of her shift, and while there, takes care of customers, smiles a lot, and does her best work.
I guess she could’ve lied and called in sick. But, funny, that option never crossed our mind. Just as you’d never encourage someone to cheat their employer.
But, from what we’ve learned, Soopers must see a bunch of that. So often, I guess, that if you call in sick on a weekend, you must produce an old-fashion “doctor’s note.” If you don’t, you’re written up for not showing up.
Sadly, it’s a consequence put into place by an employer because too many team members come down with the I-Don’t-Feel-Like-Working blues between 5pm Friday and Sunday eve.
Anyway, we missed having #6 join us on Sunday afternoon, we really did. And #5—our 20-year-old—had to leave the party early to get to her Olive Garden job on time. Another bummer.
But we’re proud of our young, accountable Millennials who are learning about commitment, caring, and contribution because … that’s life.
9 Responses
Good raising, Mom & Dad Miller – so very sad that many Millennials didn’t have that good raising so they don’t have good work ethic or ANY work ethic for that matter. Kudos!!
Rhonda, very kind. Thank you!!!
John, You are right…your daughter has an adult to adult contract. As you and I have discussed before, in my mind it is a two week contract. She meets the expectations of the job, and they meet their financial obligation to pay her. At the end of the pay period both sides are even and the contract renews for another pay period. In our case the statement is “every two weeks we’re even!”.
Amen, Michael … Amen!
So true. Just think about those that have to work on holidays to serve those who rely on them regardless of the day; hospital staff, restaurant workers, airline personnel and the list goes on. Sometimes it seems that we need to remind ourselves of the obligations and contracts we really have with others as we live and participate in society.
Michael, couldn’t agree more! Thanks for chiming in!
Hi John,
Love this post! Have been working since I was 15 years old. Now 50.
In addition to be being a contract, work is also a privilege.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work, and count it a tremendous blessing. I actually enjoy my work and often find myself looking forward to it. Most days. 🙂
Thanks for the terrific post!
Renee, thanks for the note! Glad you stopped by. Yes, work is good … whether 15 or 50!!!
Woo-hoo for numbers 6 and 5…and the rest of the accountable Miller clan. There is joy in honoring a commitment and being accountable instead of entitled!