At the tender age of ten, while escaping the Filipino summer in San Francisco, I recall walking by a modest French cafe on Mason St. that was hiring for a busboy/dishwasher and inquired about it. Did I realize how independent I was back then? Not as much as I wanted the satisfaction of saying I had a job and that I was earning a wage for something I could do even at an early age. This budding work ethic somehow was also a way be a cut above the rest of my fourth grade class.
As an eighth grader at San Francisco's Star of the Sea Grammar School, I was a server for our yearly Festival dinner and recall someone's compliment "You look very professional doing this." I was well aware that it wasn't my teal Members' Only jacket, but the meticulous manner, graciousness and friendliness that was served with her meal that prompted this unsolicited feedback.
As a young actor in high school, my drama teacher was equally complimentary at how professional I looked while playing a lawyer in the school play, "You, the Jury". Was it my personally provided costume ensemble of blue pin striped suit, slicked back hair and Bally loafers? They were certainly instrumental towards a more mature and commanding gait.
While touring Europe and the States as a professional actor, I recall the satisfaction of a well earned standing ovation surpassing any monetary value. Applause was feedback and confirmation that I had done my job beyond a satisfactory level.
These are fragments from my history that have shaped my work ethic and how I feel I contribute to the work force. Be it on/off stage or in an office... the level of service / performance I like to provide is nothing less than I would like to receive for myself. So on this Labor Day, cheers to your hard earned Dollar (or insert proper currency here) and more importantly, your sense of accomplishment!!!
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