A-Z 2013 - Grasshopper Parable Revisited

I just love parables; don't you? A gentle approach of delivery for basic standards within one's family and community. Aesop's The Grasshopper and the Ant is one of my favorites because it reminds us all that we are, in fact, responsible for our own lives and have to make choices. Are our children not being exposed to Aesop's Fables, anymore? I know the latest children's stories talk about bullying, sharing, self-esteem, etc. and that's important; but, where are the stories about personal responsibility for taking charge of our own lives? By now, you've probably figured out that this is sort of a gripe post -- so, if you don't want to go further, you won't hurt my feelings.  In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow, is another day!"

Let me, at the outset, say that this post is NOT about people who are infirm and/or incapable of making independent choices about their lives. Our own humanity impels us to care for them as we would want to be cared for in the same circumstances.  What I am talking about are those who choose to not take care of themselves, either through attitude or a misplaced sense of entitlement, and expect everyone else to pay their bills. And, I'm not even going to  mention people who know how to work the system with false injury claims. Not a word.

In my opinion, if you want to live independently and have a say in what happens in your life, you have to pay your own way. That means you pay for your own shelter, food, clothing, the whole ball of wax.  If you think, when out of work, that

• you are too good to take a job because you're educated above it
• you have a right to today's latest high-tech item just released

you're wrong.

Unless a job offer requires illegal activity on your part, it's a job and it will help you pay your bills. Too educated; it's time for an attitude adjustment. I've watched grown men let their families go hungry because the industry they had been working in collapsed and they refused to work for less money in jobs they felt were beneath them. I don't doubt for a nanosecond that it's depressing; but it's a job, until what you want comes along -- or, not. And, that could mean you have to switch to a different vocation. Jobs evolve with the generations and colleges produce way too many workers in specific fields because that's how they make money. As a contributing adult in your world, your job is to find a way to pay your bills without living off the backs of other people.  [stepping down from soapbox]

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!