I think people either have a work ethic by the time they are 25 or they don't. If they haven't figured out by the time they've finished college and started their first job, they aren't ever going to learn.
Laura,
38
Lowell, MA USA
Very possible.
I've worked here for 15 years and I went through a very bad period when
I constantly abused my leave, came to work late and left early, played
computer games much of the day, and, in general, was a bad employee. This
went on for a few years. Then one of my co-workers planned to retire and
knowing what I was capable of, trained me to do some
of the tasks she performed. She even arranged for me to move into her
office from my tiny cubicle, after she left. I decided that now that I
was to have a responsible position I should start acting responsibly.
It took awhile (a month) but I now consider myself a good employee.
Reba,
57
Gaithersburg, MD USA
Yes. Although, some people just call it routine and being human.
Cristin,
25
Frisco, TX USA
I know that mine has changed over the years, but I think you model what you witness as a child and I have two hard-working parents who still took time to play and to serve their community. I try to do the same.
Cindy,
41
VA USA
Yes, it's possible. I've learned that. I think a person's work ethic develops continually over time. I'm constantly improving myself as a worker and trying every day to find new ways to become more reliable and efficient.
Doug2,
30
Kansas City, KS USA
I believe
so but I believe that all employees need to be on the same level. People
have different jobs but no supervisors, "bosses" or maintenance.
Its like a hierachy and they can put a strain on work ethics and lead
to problems in the work force. Why can't we all just be one to get the
job done.
Stephanie,
27
TX USA
I suppose.
Karen,
23
Ames, IA USA
I know that I have a work ethic. I know that my son has a work ethic. Maybe it is one of those things that you are taught by example from your parents. I would hope that if you don't have it you could develop it.
KarenNJ,
45
Milltown, NJ USA
definitely.
Melodi,
19
Gahanna, OH USA
If I don't have one by now, I'll never have one.
Janet,
46
E. Brunswick, NJ USA
I feel that work ethic is something engrained in us (or not) by observing our parents or caretakers; witnessing their attitudes and their habits where work is concerned. I also strongly feel a large part of it is written into our genetic make-up. One can improve habits in the workplace, but with regard to actual work 'ethic' I think it's something established long before we ever earn our own paycheck.
Fisch,
47
Preston, CT USA
I think so.
Ryan,
29
Riedlingen GERMANY
Yes, just as it's possible to lose your will to work.
Alias Irrelevante
Yes, and the sooner people starting their careers do so, the better their prospects will be.
Jane,
63
West Linn, OR USA
Obviously, since babies are notoriously egocentric work ethics are not innate. Personally, I doubt that an outsider could impose a permanent work ethic on an adult--character development isn't that easy.
Jill,
61
Saylorsburg, PA USA
Yes. When I was a baby, I had no idea what work was. Now I have a pretty good work ethic.
Cathie,
53
Novi, MI USA
No I think it's something you either have or you don't.
Keri-Jade,
23
Brampton, Ontario CANADA