My dad and mom were involved in a small food business. They were fish-ball makers. Work then is not about doing what you are passionate about. With five mouths to feed at home, work is all about getting food on the table. The business was home-based and hence, everyone in the household was involved in the business one way or another. You can say I started my working life rather early in life.
Due to the amount of time spent with dad and mom, I learned a lot from them. It’s not so much from the advice that they gave but more so, from the way they handled their work and people.
1. There is no short cut to success
Keys to success – two words: Work hard! It means sweat, discipline, self-driven and dedication to the work at hand. I remember when my dad attempted to save cost by using another type of fish to make fish balls, he tried many methods and failed many times before he finally conquered. He would spend many hours deliberating and working with his hands. And my mom by his side would contribute, gave her best ideas and never once ridiculed my dad. She knew what it takes to be successful. It’s hard work and you got to work hard to achieve it!
2. Do not sell your integrity for that extra penny
Food business is cash business. Customers came to our house to collect their fish-balls and they in turn distribute to restaurants, shops, hawkers and etc. It’s a normal sight to see cash changing hands and in the nights, my dad would be busy counting money and balancing his accounts. There were times when he realized somebody had paid more by mistake. The extra were always returned. As children, we were taught never to take what that do not belong to us. Honesty is always the best policy.
3. Sharing is giving
We are not that wealthy but dad and mom had never failed to give to relatives or friends that were in need. My mom believes we can still be generous even when we don’t have much. And it’s not just about money alone. My dad was approached by people that wanted to learn the secret of making fish-balls. He had more than once took in “disciples” and train them without any fee. He had even written his recipe down and sent it to newspapers for publication. He doesn’t believe in keeping what he knew as a secret. To him, good things should always be shared.
They are now happily retired. Their principles on work are the best legacy they had passed on to me and my siblings. Precious gifts indeed, superseding any material wealth.
A big THANK YOU, dad and mom! I love you guys!
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A Day's Work For A Day's Pay
My sentiments exactly.....work hard and be honest.
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