It's true that unless you are incredibly lucky, success will only come from hard work. Despite what many of are told growing up, or by those more fortunate than ourselves, the reverse is not always true. Just because you work hard, doesn't mean you will be recognized or rewarded. It doesn't automatically get you a promotion or a better job or anything at all. If you walk around believing that working hard will get you everything you want, you are in for a lot of hurt. The world is not that fair. A lot of the bitterness I see from people late in life, while working menial jobs, trying to overcome a hardship, comes from this basic belief they hold and it's simply not true. Letting it go can only benefit you.

Anecdotally, I can give you a few tales. I was in the National Guard for 7 years. I earned 5 awards, volunteered for everything, worked full time for 2 years a coveted position and earned several It certs. I did payroll, appointment scheduling, dealt with medical records, radios, anntena, servers, IT security, all kinds of great skills. I was there first, left last, had a positive attitude and busted my ass. Guess what that got me? A job at Dairy Queen. But I persisted. I was there first, left last, had a positive attitude and busted my ass. I never called in sick. Showed up for work the day after my mother died without saying a word. Guess what that got me? My boss gave me a bad reference for Fred Meyer, because she couldn't afford to let me go. I could go on.

Every promotion and what not I've had has been from hardwork, don't get me wrong. The trick is not expect it and not get your feelings hurt when things don't work out that way. Also, take care of yourself. You don't know that skipping your Moms funeral will get you noticed so if it's important to you, call in. If your kid really is sick or hurt real bad and you're scared, call in and go to the ER with them instead of having your neighbor take them. Don't sacrifice your health and family, despite everyone giving you their best "bootstraps" spiel. Hard work is not a guarantee for anything. Set your priorities and keep them.