Off The Wall
Mr. Rowe - I heard about your "work ethic scholarship program," and suggested my son apply. He wants to be a welder! I was appalled though, when he showed me your “sweat pledge,” and told me that signing it was required of all applicants!! Where did you come up with this nonsense? There are so many things wrong with this document I don’t even know where to begin!! Suffice it to say, we will not be applying!!!
Karyn Segal
Hi there, Karyn! How's it going?
If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one to object to my S.W.E.A.T Pledge, or do so with an over-reliance on exclamation points!! Over the years, it’s been my sad duty to inform lots of angry parents that this particular pile of free money might not be for them, or for their children.
To be clear, I wish your son every success - sincerely. Opportunities in welding have never been better, and people are hiring certified welders all over the country. But to be clear, I have absolutely no interest in paying for his training if doesn’t share my opinions on the importance of hard work, a positive attitude, delayed gratification, and personal responsibility. Sorry - I made a promise to the people who contribute to this fund, and I can't bend the rules. Fortunately, lots of scholarship funds will hand out money with no strings attached, and if you poke around, I’m sure you’ll find one that's more in line with your worldview. Now, on to your actual question:
I came up with this "nonsense" about the same time I launched mikeroweWORKS. Back in 2008. I was looking for a way to encapsulate the qualities I value most in a document that would become part of the application process. What I settled on was the S.W.E.A.T Pledge. It stands for “Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo." Mostly, it’s a collection of beliefs that I think every worker would benefit from embracing.
Now, you didn’t mention what specific parts of the pledge you find most objectionable, but I’d be curious to know. Usually, I hear complaints about the patriotic undertones of points 1 and 2, the parsimonious vibe of #5, and the paternalistic feel of #8. Many have accused me writing a "conservative manifesto," but honestly, I don’t see anything in this pledge that’s inherently political. In fact, I'd say most of these statements are in line with classic liberal thought.
I’ve also been told my Pledge is “weighted heavily in favor of employers,” who are really just looking for “more and more ways to abuse their workers.” I don’t see it that way, but I can understand why some do. It’s very popular these days to portray all employers as the enemy, and hard work as the reason for individual unhappiness. I reject that out of hand, just as I reject the idea that the ethid of an individual worker has anything to do with race or gender. Personally, most of the successful employers I know started out as employees who would have enthusiastically agreed with every statement in this Pledge. But again, that doesn't mean you're wrong to disagree - it just means your current objections - while welcome - are not very persuasive.
Finally, it might amuse you (but probably not) to learn that I’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships by selling S.W.E.A.T Pledges. Thousands now hang in schools, factories, construction sites, and cubicles across the country. If you’d like one for yourself, we sell autographed versions for $12, or $100.00 if you like it personalized. http://ebay.to/2oZg7iz. I’d be happy to send you one for free however, just to prove there are no hard feelings. Let me know!
As for the rest of you, we’re now accepting applications for this round of Work Ethic Scholarships. We've raised $500,000 for this years allotment, and I look forward to giving away every penny to those who wish to master a skill that's in demand, and sign The SWEAT Pledge. Apply here. mikeroweworks.org/scholarship
Thanks,
Mike
(PS. If this sounds familiar, it's because I posted this same letter a year ago this month. I'm reposting it now, because I'm awash in similar comments. In other words, if history can repeat itself, why can't I?)
I agree with your S.W.E.A.T Pledge. I, personally have been at my job for almost 26 years, and it has been most of what you require for a scholarship to get where I am.
Keep up the good work, Mike. You are someone this country needs to help turn it around.
Here is someone who is offering the opportunity of a lifetime for your child. Embrace it. Our country needs more hard workers who are not afraid to get dirty. Mr. Rowe has stepped up to the plate, he did not need to but he does willingly.
It's a shame your son is not willing to realize that hard work is what made our country what it is today.
I lived my life by a similar credo and am happily retired because I WORKED for it.
Keep on preaching the word, seems not just the children need to learn the "Sweat Pledge".
Some days I wonder if the world has gone nuts.
Keeping it dirty...!
Keep doing what you are doing, you are creating opportunities for young people. You are inspiring people to reach for more and to be more. I know that when the time comes, if both of my children are interested, you will probably see our names come through the application process.
Thank you for everything you do.
Possibly loosing my job as a driver/
I’d take that pledge and do whatever I need to do that. If I’m eligible let me know. My work ethic is stronger than 100 men.
1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.
2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing.
3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them.
4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.
5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford.
6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility.
7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.
8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.
9. I believe that my education is my responsibility,
10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.
11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.
12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.
On my honor, I hereby affirm the above statements to be an accurate summation of my personal worldview. I promise to live by them.
