This week I was eating lunch with one of my granddaughters at Taco Bell (yes, it’s easy for vegetarian grandkids). Sitting nearby were two overweight workers, with names and company represented clearly on their shirts. Another guy walked in, recognized them and asked, “Hey, how’s it going?”
To which Lee responded:
“I’m working just enough to look busy and then I go home and knock back a few beers. I’m living the American Dream man!”
The next day I had two young workers here at my office doing some rearranging on our irrigation system. They both complimented me on the beauty of our place and noticed the special touches we’ve done to make it a Sanctuary. Alex from Green Scene asked what kind of work I do. When I told him I help people find or create work they love he said. “I tried working in a factory, lasted two days. I love being outside, working on landscaping and irrigation. And now I’m part owner of the company as well. I love that I can choose the work I love.”
Alex then made some suggestions for how he could make our irrigation system work more efficiently and reach some plants that I’ve always had to hand water. With my approval he dug in immediately to make those changes – obviously increasing his profits.
Two 23 yr-old guys – both able to choose their work. One sliding by doing as little as possible and just hoping to keep the paychecks coming – and one going above and beyond what’s expected, doing work he loves. Where do you think these two guys will be 10 years from now?
How do you define living the American Dream?