I own a small business.
I could expand, and do more.
My work load could easily increase. I no longer advertise,, as I have enough work to keep us going in a "comfortable" pattern. I constantly have advertising companies etc wanting me to "advertise, expand, grow" etc.
I refuse.
Why?
It is BECAUSE I do not want the headaches of more workers. I have one guy,, whom I've known for decades who works for me. He's a former carpenter,, and can no longer work his trade. BUT,, for what I need,, he's perfect. And while occasionally,, he has medical appointments etc that can interfere with work a little,, we are usually able to work around them.
But when I need other help,, I have one guy who is EXCELLENT,, and I'd keep him if I could. But,, he has a primary job,, and can only occasionally do a fill in job for me. Scheduling between the two is a bit tricky occasionally.
But I also know another guy,, whom I've used a little.
He's retired,, just a few years older than me. He can use the extra money,, (his retirement is money lacking) and can do the work. He's a good friend,, and I've known him for about 40 years as well. But,, he's not dependable. He makes excuses,, (I have to get a haircut tomorrow, I need to take my truck to get xyz done to it, My brother & I are going to the flea market tomorrow, I've got stomach issues,, and can't get far from a bathroom, etc etc etc) Only is he "willing" on occasion. He spends a lot of his time sitting at home, watching TV, & such.
When he was working full time,, he constantly complained about his company, his boss, his working conditions, (he was a truck driver, wanted local only, and wanted new equipment always,) and especially complained about his wages. He made good wages for the jobs & such,, but it was never enough. He'd see a boss/owner of a company spending his money on expensive hobbies,,, and complain about not making more money, saying the boss could give them all a raise, better benefits etc.
He has gotten the nickname from all the folks around us,, "Bi*c*#n! Bob. CONSTANT complaining.
The work necessary for my helper(s) is NOT hard. Much of it is small carpentry skills, carrying ladders, being a go-fer for me when I'm on a ladder or roof. And if I'm on a ladder,, busy & not needing anything,, sitting around.
But with many of today's younger people,, their lack of a work ethic, the desires to make top wages w/o the skills to earn top wages, Are exactly WHY I choose to NOT expand.
I have a good friend,, who founded a business with another guy. The two of them worked hard to build a good name & business,, with offices in 4 places,, across 2 states. He's in his 40's, and he sold out his partnership and walked away. He went back to work with his brothers,, in a family business. When I asked him why he did that,, his reply says a LOT.
"I got tired of not being able to actually work,, but instead,, I had to constantly be a babysitter for a bunch of 20-30 year old spoiled brats who didn't want to learn OR work."
He allowed how he'd spend the time & money training & getting certified employees,, only to have them quit, lay out, not do a proper job, not do the required jobs, etc,,, all while making excuses,, or complaining.
He & his brothers grew up in a hard working family, where hard work was expected,, and a work ethic was demanded. And,, the family is successful too,, because they know they can depend upon one another. No outside employees.
We always hear about how America is the "Land of Opportunity"! It is,, but they forget to add the part about; "But you have to work & earn it!"
Sadly,,,,,,,, it didn't used to be that way,, folks understood that it took work to reap rewards.
