Hustle

 My new Year started out rough.  I ambled down the stairs. The minute my cheeks made contact with the icy toilet seat, I heard a loud pop. 

The power went out. But only in half of our house. I grabbed my phone and ran downstairs to the multiple breaker boxes. As I was scanning to find the sign of any problem, my mother in law called. “Do you have power?!”, she asked. Her home is on the same property and the same 2 phase service.

Our call was interrupted by East Central Energy calling. “Ma’am did you lose power just now?” Yes. “We’re sending a crew”.

A 200 amp bushing exploded on the top of our power pole. In its failing, we’d lost 50% of our dual phase service. 

A bucket truck rental, 2 electricians and 12 hours later, we had regained power. It was 21 degrees and our house was cold by this point. 

The NEXT morning, I awoke freezing. The furnace, had given up in mid winter protest. 

The dishwasher had died just 4 days before. 

Oof. Triple threat the first week in January. 

My job is feast or famine. I either clean cars until I can’t see straight, or I have down time. There’s no in between. Historically, December is a slow month. This one had proved no different. 

Christmas was no less expensive than any other year. Groceries have nearly doubled in price—due to this economy and my teenagers appetites. Life isn’t cheap. 

I did what I was raised to do. Hustle. We were taught to fill our freezer and pantry before winter. My dad explained, “Then if finances get tight, you have a fall back. You don’t need to change your diet to accommodate your wallet.” 

The freezers were full. Our wallet was not. In order to quickly fix this, I got a serving job. With 23 years of experience, it’s the fastest way for me to make good money and replenish our savings. 

My dad’s always said, “there’s no shame in being broke, but it’s wrong to lay around and stay that way.” While we aren’t broke by any stretch of the imagination, his words echoed in the back of my mind. 

By January 10th, I had a new job. By mid February, I had an individual who thought he was funny, or was just being a tool, comment about how much money my husband makes. Then he proceeded to tell me he (hubby) could be the one waiting tables. If that wasn’t enough, he ventured on. 

First of all, sir, my finances, and that of my families, are none of your business. Secondly, I’m earning a legal living. Third, how dare you? Fourth, thank you for the opportunity to type my “passionate” blog post fueled by irritation that you would simply believe you have any right to speak to me this way. I’ve had several encounters with you over the years within the community and every one of them had left me feeling like it’s more about you than me. I’m not the problem here, bud. 

I enjoy serving. So in addition to being a good and diversified income stream to care for my family, it’s also a great opportunity for exercise. Thank you for reminding me why I’m doing what I’m doing. I’m also quite bright, can read a room, remember your drink order from three months ago and can talk smack with the best of them. I’m good. 

I recently spoke to a friend of a friend. This woman had taken a job at Kwik Trip to pay for her daughter’s dance tuition. She’s got a Bachelor’s Degree. KT suits her family and lifestyle better. She was ASHAMED that she took this job. Why?! Because people like this guy make her feel bad for doing what’s right for her family. 

I can’t speak for her, but I can speak for me. I WILL NOT take financial advice from someone who isn’t in relationship with me, doesn’t have rapport with me, and is just being a dink. 

I advise you to do the same. Hustle, be hungry, be the hardest worker in the room.