LAST EDITED ON Aug-03-16 AT 12:14PM (MST)[p]
LAST EDITED ON Aug-03-16 AT 12:13?PM (MST)
camtopps1988,
Assuming that the 1988 in your MM handle is for the year you were born, let me give you some peer advice - you and I are the same age. Take the information that has already been given you on this thread to heart and incorporate it into your life.
You stated that you wanted to work at Sportsman's or Cabelas - that is great, but what about an education? Do you have anything past a high school diploma? Before someone comes on this thread and tells me a success story about someone who dropped out of school or doesn't have more than a high school diploma and through hard work started a successful business - let me say, I know - I have heard those stories before and certainly know a few individuals who have done that myself, but they are the exception, not the rule.
So, if you don't already have a trade certificate or college degree, my advice is to get one. Sure working at Sportsman's or Cabelas would be cool, but how are you going to make ends meet when you meet that special someone and want to have a family (presuming you do) working for $10.00 an hour?? In my personal opinion, it takes a good $50,000 - $60,000 gross to even get by anymore with a family - saving for a rainy day, retirement savings, house payments, car payments, bills, etc. can sure eat up a lot of money if one is not careful.
Do you like to hunt? Money helps.
Do you like to fish? Money helps.
Do you like to camp? Money helps.
As much as Utahans are cultured to think and believe that "money is the root of all evil," try sending a mortgage check to the lending company that bounces. There are very few things in life that don't require money and, generally speaking, the more money you have, the more opportunities you will have. THIS ALSO MEANS THE MORE OPPORTUNITIES YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE OF YOURSELF AND HELP THOSE THAT ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOU ARE.
In closing, here are a few things that have helped me climb the corporate ladder:
1. Never take a problem to your boss without providing what you think to be the solution(s) and if you tried those or not. One of my biggest pet-peeves is when someone brings me a problem and when I ask, "What have you done to try and fix the problem?" or "What do you think the solution is?" Their response is "Umm...ummm..." - this drives me crazy!!! People need to be proactive and have some initiative.
2. Be the first one to work in the morning and the last one to leave at night. This speaks volumes about your dedication and desire to succeed. Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant refused to be outworked - Google some stories about him and you'll find he had already been in the gym for 2-3 hours before the rest of the team showed up to practice.
3. Treat people kindly. You never know when you will need something from someone you assumed you would never talk to again. If you treated them with kindness and respect, even if you disagree with them, you will be a lot better off.
4. Be a good communicator. I don't care if you are the smartest person in the world, if you cannot verbally communicate (speaking or writing), your inability to communicate will hinder your progression.
5. Set goals and become an expert in whatever field of career you choose.
Sorry if I sound like a parent - I do have two small children at home, so it kind of comes naturally now.
I just get tired of "our" generation, and rightly so, being labeled as the worst. generation. ever. We live in such an incredible nation with amazing freedoms, paid for with the lives of those that have sacrificed for us and it behooves us to become something more.
Good luck!