Work ethic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s one of those things that everyone talks about, but no one quite defines the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it a personality trait? Something we inherit from our parents? A skill we pick up along the way? And\u2014perhaps the biggest question\u2014why do some people seem to have a crazy strong work ethic while others float through life doing the bare minimum?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve always considered myself someone with a strong work ethic. I believe this because I genuinely enjoy working hard and feeling productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe it\u2019s because I grew up with a dad who was always working. I saw first-hand what dedication looked like, whether it was putting in long hours, solving problems, or just cracking on when things got tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then again, I know plenty of people who had parents with that same \u2018always-on\u2019 approach and didn\u2019t inherit it at all. On the flip side, I\u2019ve met some of the hardest-working people who didn\u2019t grow up around strong role models. So\u2026 what gives?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s dig into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Work Ethic Something You\u2019re Born With?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people would argue, yes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a psychological trait called conscientiousness<\/strong>, which basically means you\u2019re naturally hardworking, organised, and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that some people are just wired to be more disciplined than others. If you were that kid who finished homework the day it was assigned, you probably score high on this. If you were the kid who \u2018forgot\u2019 their PE kit every week, maybe not so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But while personality plays a role, it\u2019s not the full story. I mean, take the hospitality industry\u2014one of the most fast-paced, unpredictable sectors out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t survive in hospitality without some level of resilience and determination. Does that mean every chef, bartender, or hotel manager was born with a rock-solid work ethic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlikely. They built it over time, through experience, necessity, and a bit of trial by fire (probably in a hot kitchen).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or Do We Learn It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where things get interesting. Work ethic is often shaped by our environment and experiences<\/strong>. Maybe you had parents who drilled the importance of hard work into you (or, in my case, showed it through action).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you had a first job with a boss who wouldn\u2019t tolerate anything less than 100% effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or maybe you just got sick of not being paid what you wanted and realised that working hard actually pays off (literally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many people in hospitality, work ethic is forged in the heat of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first weekend shift in a busy restaurant? Brutal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first Christmas working in a hotel? Chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you stick it out, you develop a kind of grit\u2014that ability to keep going when things get tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And let\u2019s be honest, hospitality thrives on those with a strong work ethic. No one wants to work a double shift, but the ones with the best attitude will make it through without snapping at a customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So\u2026 Is Work Ethic Subjective?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 100%. What one person calls \u2018strong work ethic,\u2019 another might call \u2018workaholic tendencies.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people think staying late at work is a sign of dedication, while others see it as poor time management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hospitality is notorious for its \u2018work hard, play hard\u2019 mentality, but that doesn\u2019t mean everyone\u2019s idea of effort is the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n