You are defined by your
diligence and hard work

It is no secret that we are in an "employee driven" economy. Business is booming and expanding in most business sectors of our nation. However, with the sustained growth and added wealth that seem to characterize most regions in the United States also comes a shortage of qualified employees.

We have all heard of the concept "supply and demand." When the supply of a particular item or commodity is in abundance (apples, oil or employees), the "price" goes down. Apples are cheaper to buy, gasoline prices go down and job seekers are desperate and more focused in marketing themselves as "the" employee to hire - since the competition for the job is so great.

On the other hand, when the supply of employees seems too small to adequately fill the demands of growth in industry, job seekers seem to have the advantage. In recent months, I have seen more "Help Wanted" and "Now Hiring" signs than I have seen in over 30 years! And these are not just at fast-food establishments or for minimum-wage jobs, but for jobs with many start-up companies and those in the high-tech area.

When this kind of business and employment environment exists, it is easy for employees (or potential employees) to take their situations for granted, not focusing on the need to present themselves positively and perform as dedicated, hard-working and focused employees. In other words - a person can just get lazy!

We should never forget that during such "good times," one's reputation as a worker or employee is still defined by his overall work record, not by how desperate an employer seems to be for a "warm body." How punctual a person is, how well he prepares for the job, how hard he works, how effectively he communicates and how well he gets along with others all make up the "record" of his employment history - and become the way one is defined as a worker or employee. Whether the economy is growing, stagnant or even in recession, our "work records" are being established week in and week out, year in and year out in our working relationships with our employers. We all leave a legacy behind. Our former employers and co-workers will have an opinion about our abilities and our work ethic.

Needless to say, we can all agree that employers desire employees that are dedicated, responsible and hard-working. In the end, these are issues of character that are greatly sought after by employers. Simply put, they are qualities that are hard to find.

Bits of advice:

Don't take this good economy for granted: While many employers are desperate for employees now, this level of growth in the economy is likely to slow down. When it does, the employees that have proven themselves will be the ones appreciated and retained.

Realize your "work record" is being written every day of your life: Our record of performance is not just the past few months, but the jobs or assignments we have had over a period of years. When it comes time to need either references or letters of endorsement, a solid record of dedicated hard work will pay dividends that money simply cannot buy.

Apply that work ethic in other vital areas of your life: While this Web site primarily deals with issues of employment and job searching, that is only one facet of a successful and happy employee's life. If we are focused and hard-working in our jobs and careers, we also need to apply that ethic to even higher priorities of marriage, family and personal relationships.

These suggestions are based on a simple biblical principle that has stood the test of time through the millennia: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich," (Proverbs 10:4). And, "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute" (Proverbs 12:24). No book has more to offer about making life work than the Bible.

While it is true that work habits and the ethic of diligence are reinforced and taught early in our family lives as we grow up, it is never too late to change! Hard work will always bring benefits along with it, whether on your present job, career track or that employment opportunity that just might define your future success! - DOUG HORCHAK, Contributor

Doug Horchak is a pastor in Colorado with the United Church of God, an international association. For additional information, visit the association's Web site at www.ucg.org.