Hustling for More Hustles

I wanted to chat today about the benefits of being a hard worker and always be willing to pitch in to get things done, and how that does pay off in the end!

I'm one of the people who is one who really enjoys working, to an extent of course. I would rather spend time with my wife and son if given the choice but there are things that are important such as making money regardless of what we would like to do. When we have to though, we take on work so that we can make the money which enables us to live more comfortably in the long run.

_{Hard working bears fruit over time!}

I've got a few jobs when it comes down to it. I have my primary job which I work business hours M-F every week which is something I certainly enjoy. There is also the second job that I have where I work when I can, with the shifts that they offer. Sometimes it's a shift that conflicts with my normal job so I choose to take a day off from my job to work at the side gig. I enjoy that because I am able to double dip, get paid twice! Nothing wrong with that for sure.

When I was working at my side gig recently, I was very fortunate to be offered an opportunity to work for another side gig company which is just starting out. I don't know if I would have been offered to work for this new company had I not been what I would consider a hard worker. I don't want to sound arrogant for sure, but I don't sit there while others are working. I have a specific role that I fill for the company but if I'm finished with my duties and I see some of my colleagues working, I walk on over to what they are doing and offer my services to just help keep things moving. I think this is a crucial mindset to have, because it shows teamwork and collaboration. It also shows people that you're willing to pitch in whenever possible so it builds a nice sense of comradery among the team.

I think this mindset has benefited me in a number of ways but most recently it's benefitted me in the manner that I was offered another job out of the blue. A lot of times these days, it's not just about what you know but who you know. I've worked with this company for 10 years now and I will continue to work for them as long as I am able to which is a lot of fun. With the company being in a specific field, that means the people I work with tend to be in the "know" of the new things going on. When people open up new companies or businesses, and they've worked with us before, they tend to try and reach out to the people you used to work with to see if they have anyone they know who wants to work and then it becomes a great network of colleagues.

This benefitted me most recently where the guy I worked with for about 10 years now, heard of a new company that was starting up and paying well. They were looking for people of my experience and skills so he asked me if I was interested in signing up for some work, which I said abso-fucking-lutely! I think that if I wasn't one that was willing to get into the trenches with everyone and do whatever we need to in order to move things forward, I don't think I would have gotten this new offer. I think that work ethic is so important these days, in days where a lot of people are on the lazy side right now (although I don't think the youngest generation, those recently turning 18-21 are not in this cohort) it's important to be able to have a solid work ethic.

The cool thing about the ability to work for multiple places at once is that you develop quite a substantial network of acquaintances and colleagues, who can at one point or another benefit you and you benefit them. I've had a number of times where I've had people reach out to me to see if I can help guide them in a direction similar to what I've done and it's because they were good people to work with that I helped them. I certainly offer anyone I've met or networked with some tips on the direction that I've traveled in my career but the people who I've worked with and are good people to work with, skilled and hard working, those are the people I give the most detailed advice to.

I think this has paid off for me in this other realm, where I've worked well with this guy and helped him out whenever I was done, and he was still working and he's the one who found out about this new company so he let me know when I saw him. These types of things are important to have, as you never know what something will turn into later on in your life. The opportunity to get this new job was 10 years in the making but the company opened just 3 weeks ago, so getting into it right off the ground floor could be a huge opportunity. I wholeheartedly plan on bringing the same work ethic to this new company, where I do what it takes to get the job done until we are all finished, or I get dismissed for the day (which sometimes happens, since I cost more than the other staff that are more ancillary than I, fine with me sometimes lol).

I'm looking forward to the opportunity, and will be eagerly looking for the ability to make some extra money!