(Original Post Date 9/7/2015) Iowa has a great reputation for strong work ethic! We know it! And from what I’ve heard, ask most any Floridian employer and if you’re from Iowa, you applied and you got the skills….you’re hired!! Click here for a free online Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI).
Personally, I am incredibly proud of my children (and my husband’s) work ethic. For example, just recently, my son Jake covered for a co-worker who called in sick; resulting in him working 11 hours in one shift for Jimmy John’s. The next day, his boss offered him a raise! Which was taken!
Jake is a fan of Zombies!
Arin, although at this time she still works her two jobs at the Des Moines Public Library (Library Aid at the Franklin branch) and Zombie Burger as a host; is dropping down to only one day a week at the library through September. She’ll then be working only one job as she needs time to be a 19 year old! Working 60 hours a week takes its’ toil on a person. Plus Arin’s considering going to college! (She has strong interest and entry level skills in sign language.) Psssst: Arin, check this out about DMACC’s program in ASL.
Workers Monument, by Artist Michael Stutz, State Capitol Grounds, Corner of East 9th Street and East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
As you know, I’ve written many times about my husband’s work ethic….he’s yea, quite ethical!
And now, I’d like to write a bit about Randy’s father, James C. (Botkin. Jim worked for over 30 years for AT&T. He was a union member. 
I’m pretty convinced we learn work ethic from our parents.
Here’s his union card and plaques/awards (that help decorate my office wall) G’pa Jimmy received for his dedication to his work…they read:
TELEGRAPH SERVICE 1887 – 1991 JIM BOTKIN In Recognition of Your Invaluable Contribution. (I’m thinking 1887 is when American Telephone and Telegraph Company was a start-up!)
HAPPY RETIREMENT JAMES C. BOTKIN ~ 30 Years Service With AT&T 1961 – 1991
AJ and Grandpa Jimmy, Christmas Eve, 2004
A fond memory I have of my very loving, caring and silly father-in-law is how he always answered his home phone so professionally and succinctly: “Botkin Residence”.
My dad on the other hand would say before he picked up the receiver, “it’s your nickel.” And Dick raised it to .10 Cents…and up…as time progressed. (Need to do that with the minimum wage here in Iowa…….$7.25 is one of the lowest states.)
To all workers out there, THANK YOU for each and every day you work. All workers deserve dignity and fair wage.
And to all those workers who are no longer able to work, be sure to take some time to be grateful for how our workforce operates.
Statistics for You: As of July 21, 2015, Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in June from 3.8 percent in May. The state’s jobless rate was 4.4 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent in June. Source: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/
Please let me know how I can help you help your client return to work. And if the client cannot return to work, I can help with that too! A life care plan that incorporates vocational rehabilitation or a loss of earnings evaluation become valuable tools to help resolve complex matters of employment.
I Hope You Enjoy a Safe & Memory Filled Labor Day!
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My professional rehabilitation counseling practice is focused on helping people participate in the world around them, particularly in their own world of work.
