Work ethic - where has it gone?

[simonkodousek]

Where has work ethic gone in our society? I'm getting SO fed up with people not delivering on what they promise to do.

Long story short, I'm working on a sizable project for my chem. class with a group, and NO ONE has contributed until tonight, the night before the project is due. I'm the one who is putting everything together in a Powerpoint, fixing their MANY errors and untrue facts, as well as doing about half the information because I knew from the get go that they couldn't deliver what they said they would.

On top of this, I have a research paper to finish that is due on Tuesday, a math project due on Wednesday, and I have to start studying for tests in both math and chem. which will be taken next week.

I'm also balancing working 20'ish hours/week at a part time job, getting everything prepared for applying to colleges, being part of various clubs and organizations set up through my school, and dealing with family drama.

Just too much on my plate at once, and I usually like a full plate!

Sorry for the vent, just had to get it off my chest...

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

OMG, I hated when my kid had group projects. Sadly there are just as many work ethic problems in the workplace.

Good luck to you.

 

[dalt01]

proper planning my friend............it should have been deadlined at least 72 hours before the due date to give everyone the opportunity to vett it. if not then it becomes a fire drill.

 

[jlindemer]

I hear you! I am a GM of a hotel, we just implemented a No Smoking policy at work, and because my housekeepers cannot go smoke whenever they are revolting and quitting on me on Memorial Day Weekend. I just don't get how people would quit because they can't smoke! The job market is awful around here, and they all have families. I just don't get it.

I even offered to give up chocolate at work to make it fair.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Man....this is why I hate doing group projects. Group work....is a different thing, as long as I'm in charge that is. But in school.....if I have the option, I will always choose to do it myself.

Good luck with getting everything done inspite of everybody else's work.

 

[cmwade77]

I hear you! I am a GM of a hotel, we just implemented a No Smoking policy at work, and because my housekeepers cannot go smoke whenever they are revolting and quitting on me on Memorial Day Weekend. I just don't get how people would quit because they can't smoke! The job market is awful around here, and they all have families. I just don't get it.

I even offered to give up chocolate at work to make it fair.

What hotel is this? I would love to support them. If it is a chain, is it the entire chain or just your hotel that implemented this policy?

I would love to see more employers say that you can't smoke (even on your breaks) when you are at work.

 

[Dsmurf16]

I have had the same thing happen to me in college!!! I was soooo frustrated with everyone in my small group!! The good thing was at the end of the project my teacher asked what everyone's job was for the project to the group and we also had a servay that we had to fill out about everyone in the group I hope you will get to say what really happened as well GOOD LUCK!!! with everything sending good thoughts and pixie dust your way!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

It doesn't get much better when you are out of school working full time. I used to tell folks stuff was due the day before to give me time to correct all the spelling/grammatical mistakes and to do any part of the project that wasn't done by someone which happened pretty regularly if one particular person was part of the group.

I hope you were able to get the project completed last night!

 

[Rekenna]

Group work is the bane of my existence. Sadly, it doesn't end at HS. During both my BBA and MBA classes we had group work every week! And I hate to break it to you but there is group work in the corporate world as well-I just wasted a whole day last week doing "group brainstorming projects". I too went to school full time, with a full time job with a DH and a baby, I can totally empathize with your situation.

In my BBA (Bachelor's of Business) study group there were 4 of us and 2 of us did the work, 1 sometimes contributed and 1 did absolutely nothing for 2 years. It's our own fault for letting him get away with it-we earned his degree for him.

Try not to let it get you down, this too shall pass, until it's time for another school/work group. Think positive Disney thoughts it will be over soon!

 

[darrengs]

I have to agree. There is nothing worse then a group school project, I hate it when my son gets one of them, it always brings his grade down, and he has no control over it.

 

[baby1disney]

I hear you! I am a GM of a hotel, we just implemented a No Smoking policy at work, and because my housekeepers cannot go smoke whenever they are revolting and quitting on me on Memorial Day Weekend. I just don't get how people would quit because they can't smoke! The job market is awful around here, and they all have families. I just don't get it.

I even offered to give up chocolate at work to make it fair.

I'm not gonna make this about smokin cause I know that this will get to be a heated debate and I'm not gonna do that to the OP..but I have to wonder/ask something: When they're on their lunch breaks or even a 10-15min break..they can't smoke??? Idk..I can see like front desk people and maybe a few other positions..I'm a banquet server at a hotel btw..but housekeeping?? Most time..they don't interact with people unless called to go to a guests' room. As far as the quitting..part..that's just stupid!!! Have you given them some time to quit or help them not smoke as much?? Just asking.

To the OP..for someone in the medical field..as a student..I totally get the whole by yourself thing. There's nothing more frustrating and especially when you gotta study for exams and everything else!!! I hope you get an A for it!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

I'm not gonna make this about smokin cause I know that this will get to be a heated debate and I'm not gonna do that to the OP..but I have to wonder/ask something: When they're on their lunch breaks or even a 10-15min break..they can't smoke??? Idk..I can see like front desk people and maybe a few other positions..I'm a banquet server at a hotel btw..but housekeeping?? Most time..they don't interact with people unless called to go to a guests' room. As far as the quitting..part..that's just stupid!!! Have you given them some time to quit or help them not smoke as much?? Just asking.

Before having the job I have now, I worked for a privately held company and everyone signed a no smoking contract.

Job applicants were asked if they smoked during the interview and if the answer was yes, they were not considered. They were told prior to their response that if they said yes, they had no chance of getting the job.

For those employees that smoked at the time the contract was signed, programs to help stop smoking were offered at no charge and they were given a window in which to quit.

If you were caught smoking in a public place, your car etc after that window of opportunity....you were terminated.

The owner of the company felt that smoking caused many serious health issues and caused health insurance premiums to increase. He found that by having a "no smoking" company, health insurance premiums decreased and as he was footing the bill for everyone's health insurance, he had the right to make that decision.

Please understand that I am not debating this practice or policy, just relaying the information that things like this are out there.

As I havent worked there in many years.....I have no knowledge of whether or not this policy is still in place.

 

[Metro West]

I interviewed at that company when I first moved down. The interviewer was a real "used car salesman" and told me the company was hard to work for. I didn't accept the offer.

 

[PeterPan09]

My family and friends and I discuss this OFTEN. My parents had a strong work ethic and passed it to me. My godchild also has a very strong work ethic taught to her by her father, her grandmother and me. I haven't made tons of friends at my various jobs and I really think it is because the only people I want to hang with are folks with an attitude about work that is similar to my own.

I really do think we are a vanishing breed.

 

[dalt01]

He found that by having a "no smoking" company, health insurance premiums decreased and as he was footing the bill for everyone's health insurance, he had the right to make that decision.

I am not debating this practice or policy

nor am i......but........discrimination can take many forms.................."and the sign said long haired freaky people needent aught apply, so i tucked my hair up under my hat and went in to ask him why".......................

 

[*NikkiBell*]

proper planning my friend............it should have been deadlined at least 72 hours before the due date to give everyone the opportunity to vett it. if not then it becomes a fire drill.

It can be very difficult for students to plan and organize group projects in this manner. As a teacher myself, I have seen this first hand. I only assign group projects if the work is to be done entirely in class. Things are much different when you are still learning about yourself and others and don't have the life experience required to do something like this. Simon did his best and it's sad that his group members aren't doing theirs.

Before having the job I have now, I worked for a privately held company and everyone signed a no smoking contract.

Job applicants were asked if they smoked during the interview and if the answer was yes, they were not considered. They were told prior to their response that if they said yes, they had no chance of getting the job.

For those employees that smoked at the time the contract was signed, programs to help stop smoking were offered at no charge and they were given a window in which to quit.

If you were caught smoking in a public place, your car etc after that window of opportunity....you were terminated.

The owner of the company felt that smoking caused many serious health issues and caused health insurance premiums to increase. He found that by having a "no smoking" company, health insurance premiums decreased and as he was footing the bill for everyone's health insurance, he had the right to make that decision.

Please understand that I am not debating this practice or policy, just relaying the information that things like this are out there.

As I havent worked there in many years.....I have no knowledge of whether or not this policy is still in place.

Public schools in New Jersey now have a law stating that no smoking can occur on the grounds at all including parking lots. This makes it difficult for those who do smoke to manage. I see the secretaries and custodians really struggle with it all of the time.

My ex was a heavy, heavy smoker (yuck!) and I saw this firsthand as well. It's an interesting thing to think about. I'm not sure if it is discrimination or not, to be honest. I think it does take into consideration the health of nonsmokers though.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Where has work ethic gone in our society? I'm getting SO fed up with people not delivering on what they promise to do.

Long story short, I'm working on a sizable project for my chem. class with a group, and NO ONE has contributed until tonight, the night before the project is due. I'm the one who is putting everything together in a Powerpoint, fixing their MANY errors and untrue facts, as well as doing about half the information because I knew from the get go that they couldn't deliver what they said they would.

On top of this, I have a research paper to finish that is due on Tuesday, a math project due on Wednesday, and I have to start studying for tests in both math and chem. which will be taken next week.

My friend you are a "leader". Your work ethic will allow you to be successful in whatever field you choose. Those that choose not to contribute in high school will have those traits in college and their professional life.

My advise is to accept the fact that others will not live up to your standards and develop skills that will allow you to find ways to motivate others to follow your lead. That is the key to being successful in a career, organization, church group, community group, etc.

There was a great piece on 60 Minutes called The Millennials are Coming that attempts to explain the incoming work force.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

My ex was a heavy, heavy smoker (yuck!) and I saw this firsthand as well. It's an interesting thing to think about. I'm not sure if it is discrimination or not, to be honest. I think it does take into consideration the health of nonsmokers though.

With businesses required to provide most employees with health care in 2014, I would guess it will be within the employer's rights to not hire smokers.

 

[jlindemer]

What hotel is this? I would love to support them. If it is a chain, is it the entire chain or just your hotel that implemented this policy?

I would love to see more employers say that you can't smoke (even on your breaks) when you are at work.

It is just our hotel. I am the GM at the Microtel Inn & Suites in Michigan City, IN.

 

[jlindemer]

I'm not gonna make this about smokin cause I know that this will get to be a heated debate and I'm not gonna do that to the OP..but I have to wonder/ask something: When they're on their lunch breaks or even a 10-15min break..they can't smoke??? Idk..I can see like front desk people and maybe a few other positions..I'm a banquet server at a hotel btw..but housekeeping?? Most time..they don't interact with people unless called to go to a guests' room. As far as the quitting..part..that's just stupid!!! Have you given them some time to quit or help them not smoke as much?? Just asking.

To the OP..for someone in the medical field..as a student..I totally get the whole by yourself thing. There's nothing more frustrating and especially when you gotta study for exams and everything else!!! I hope you get an A for it!!!

Sorry OP...wasn't trying to hi-jack. Just commenting on Work ethic. I was having problems with frequent smoke breaks. Too much paid time to not work was causing problems with those who do not smoke and not getting the opportunity to use that as a reason to take a break.

They can punch out and leave the property.