Lessons in poverty: Always ask
My friend who came from a wealthy family told me she never doubted she would be successful because her family was well connected. All she had to do was ask someone and somehow she would get the job she wanted or a start in the career of her choice. This is a benefit of being upper middle class - wealthy. You and your family know more people of power and influence. More connections means more opportunities.
I’ve always had a problem that became clear when I understand my friends thought process. While she assumed that she only had to ask, I assumed that I needed to work hard. Its a amazing disconnect that I think is only found in blue collar families. Not that wealthy people or their children don’t work hard, but the amount of effort needed to accomplish certain tasks are vastly different because of their connections.
Whenever you want something that seems out of reach ask everyone you know if they can introduce you to someone that can help you get it. Do this always and for anything, just be willing to help others when they ask for something in return. I admit I’m not very good at asking for myself or for others and I think its because of my background. But I’m reminded everyday of the importance of it. Its amazingly effective.
July 21st, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I am enjoying this series of posts on ‘Lessons in poverty’. Thank you for sharing your insight, it speaks to some of us reading your blog.
July 21st, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Perhaps this also reveals something about poverty as a virtue in that a person who starts from nothing may develop more of a work ethic than someone who has but to ask.
July 23rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
[...] In his latest post, he writes about the power of relationships, and a humble and simple request for help from someone else. Whenever you want something that seems out of reach ask everyone you know if they can introduce you to someone that can help you get it. Do this always and for anything, just be willing to help others when they ask for something in return. I admit I’m not very good at asking for myself or for others and I think its because of my background. But I’m reminded everyday of the importance of it. Its amazingly effective. [...]