DH has been concerned about his business. He's been stressing a lot for nearly the last year because of the lagging economy. Sometimes he wants to just throw in the towel and give up, othertimes he's very optimistic that things are going to go great. He never wanted to be a millionnaire, he just wanted to provide a comfortable living for us and for his employees. We've had more than our share of bumps down the road for this business, and hopefully things will turn profitable in the near future.

It's interesting how employees think that a business has a bottomless pit of money. That they should get raises when they've done nothing to improve themselves at work, or improve the state of the business: "it's time" for a raise, they say. But when you tell them "do x, y and z, and you'll be eligible for a raise" they don't want to do it. "Gimme the free money" is their attitude! Don't even get me started about the ones who think they are supposed to be getting a holiday bonus!

There are not many people out there with a good work ethic anymore. I see the same thing at my full time job. Everyone wants what the other person worked hard to get...and some people were adamant that they were "owed" whatever it was they were wanting because of the stress the job caused them. The only thing work "owes" you is a paycheck for the work you've done. Not to mention that in this economy, I would think that anyone who still has a job would be trying to go above and beyond to make sure they're the ones that keep their job if and when the time comes. But some people just take for granted that they'll have their job forever. Shame on them!

I know a guy who had an inkling that he was going to be let go from his high paying job. Instead of trying to be the best at his job, he decided that he was going to slack off, since he figured he was going to be let go anyway so why put in the effort? As it turns out, he was let go, but it was because of his poor performance, not for any other reason like he suspected. Now he's been out of work for nearly six months, and he hasn't been able to find a job. He's close to losing his house at this point, and his unemployment is going to run out soon.

I imagine it could go the other way, too. Knowing that an employee can't easily find a job, I'm sure there are employers who are taking unfair advantage of their workers. I'm happily not in that position. I do my best at my job, and I have respect from my peers and my bosses, but I am one of the few at my place of employment who is willing to put in a little extra work. It doesn't go unnoticed, and that's exactly the way I want it.