Monday, December 24, 2007

My List of Heroes

Off the top of my head I can name 10 people who have either lost their jobs recently, have been forced to take early buyouts, or work for companies so under threat that they will probably begin layoffs as soon as the holidays are over.

But what amazes me about these people is that even though they are the breadwinners of their families, even though they are well established in their careers, not one of them feels sorry for themselves. When recounting the tough times they're now experiencing, in the next breath they always mention how much love and support they receive from their families and friends, how blessed they are to have their health, and how much they're looking forward to seeing what else life has in store for them.

Often we talk about how the heroes in our world are soldiers fighting thousands of miles from home, or firefighters or police officers who defend us every day. I certainly agree with those sentiments.

But when I think of people who have had their jobs yanked out from under them -- and they keep putting one foot in front of the other every day -- then I have to add them to my list of heroes. They're not doing anything other than trying to get a job so that they can put food on the table, send a kid to college and save something for retirement. They're not trying to be the biggest blogger on the Internet, have a business book bestseller or nab the spotlight every time they have an idea or come up with the next big "thing."

Nope -- they just want a job so that they take care of the people that matter to them. Sometimes they get jobs they hate, with horrible bosses and companies that don't care two cents about them. But they keep on going, always keeping in mind the things that are truly important in their lives. That's something I don't think we admire enough.

So, on this day, I want to say thank you to everyone who keeps trying every day, no matter what. You're my heroes.


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