Franklin County Farm Bureau

CONFESSIONS OF A WORKAHOLIC

I suppose as we grow older that we are constantly evaluating our lives but now that I am 60 years of age, it seems that I am looking at a lot of things in my life.

One has been looking back and the possible changes that I would make if I had an opportunity. To be very honest there are very few things that I would change which I suppose means that I have had a very blessed life. I have a wonderful family and have totally enjoyed farming as a lifestyle and vocation. Oh, there are some management decisions I would like to change but all things considered, I have had a blessed life.

During my career as a farmer, many people have said that farmers are a very work orientated lot and that work consumes their lives. Thru the years, I have never believed that I was that type of person and to be honest, I think that I am a little bit lazy.

As a rule, I do not like to get up early and need some motivation to get up with the chickens. At the same time, this past week the alarm has been set for 4 AM most mornings because there was just work that had to be done. Work that has to be done?

This thought brings back memories of my Mom and Dad who seemed to work everyday as if there was no end to the tasks that needed to be completed in a 24 hour period. I always believed that Dad could think of all kinds of work for my brothers and I, just because he thought we ought to be busy. Where did he come up with this work schedule? Everyday was an endless list of things for us to do only to keep us out of trouble not to accomplish anything. Does anyone remember those days?

I must admit that I am pretty slow but now I see that they believed those tasks were important.  Now I see that I have been like my parents for many years for I can give a lengthy list of things that need to be done since I have my own farming operation. It seems that the tradition has been passed down to my son for he is busy working on or doing something that has to be done.

I believe that I have figured this thing out. I never believed that it was work if you enjoyed what you are doing. There are a few things that I do not like as well as others but as a whole I enjoy laboring on the farm and taking pride in what I do. Even as I write this article, it is difficult not to think about the things that I would like to be doing on the farm on a warm February Day.

Does this pace make me a workaholic? I suppose that depends on your perspective. Here is a reality check for farmers. Do you fell guilty if you call it a day before dark? Do you believe that what you are doing today cannot wait until tomorrow? Do you find that you spend a little more time in the shop than you do with your wife and children?

If your answer is yes to one of these questions, you may be a workaholic. If you answer yes to all three, you are a problem child. GET A LIFE!

A good work ethic is an attribute, an blind obsession makes a life unbalanced.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.