UTHRT-THE RIGHT TO WORK!

My Dear Son,

As spring knocks at my door, I welcome it by opening my windows widely to let the fresh air into my living room. Spring sits where winter used to. It brings bright sun and the fragrance of a new season. With time I have learned that nature imposes its seasons on us, and the only thing we can do is accept them with gratitude. 

Today, it is much easier to call or message you on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Twitter. Yet, my son, I want to sit at my desk and write you a letter to urge you to never surrender your right to work, as work is the fuel that supports our lives in our perpetual battle with nature. So, I hope you find work that you love, and let it be your calling.

The right to work is defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under Article 23(1), which stipulates, "Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment." Yet, this should not be confused with right-to-work laws, which refer to US state laws that prohibit union security agreements between employers and labor unions. 

My home state, Illinois, is not a right-to-work state. On a personal note, I don't have anything against the right-to-work laws. As in most states that are not right-to-the work states, bureaucrats and unaccountable union leaders run the show. They use their authority to sandwich individuals’ rights and tarnish citizens’ access to the right of due process. They also infringe on an individual’s rights to a better life by imposing the burdens of over taxation and union dues. When it comes to work ethic, these individuals are not often concerned about incompetence, and they are resistant to any solution that affects their personal interests or urges for innovation.

Through this letter, I want you to view work as a partner, not a burden. As a result, you must adopt it with pleasure, or as the poet Senghor said, accept it as a mal necessaire. Yet, you should first find your life’s purpose, then cultivate it. When you find your life’s purpose, work becomes a vessel that allows you to share your gifts with the world. Every day becomes a learning experience that keeps your brain sharp and your muscles active. The fruits of your labor will benefit you and your family and keep you out of slavery. Therefore, you must find your life’s work, my son, and act on it with love. 

Also, I encourage you to go to school and learn the skills you need for your life’s work. At school, you will meet teachers and learn from them. Yet it will help if you can find the way to the library and learn more. On your assignments, you may receive two grades. The first reminds you to work harder because you deserve that grade, and second may be assigned for being yourself. It would be best if you never take the latter personally. You have to accept that we live in a world where being yourself has a price tag, and you must be ready to pay the cost. 

In school, you may also meet students whose work ethics inspire you and others who survive through intellectual dishonesty. Please don’t take the latter personally it is only a preview of what is waiting for you in your future work environment. My son, the school years can be challenging and time-consuming, yet the sacrifice is worth it. You should not let the challenges of these years go to your head and use drugs or pills to overcome the stress. I hope you graduate by working hard.

After your graduation, my son, you will travel around the world. In foreign countries, you will meet friendly people. They will welcome you in their home, share their meals and invite you to their weddings. Whatever the geographic distance, take time to keep in touch with them through a means like Facebook, or send them a birthday wish as a token of your gratitude. You may also meet people who will use your foreign status to try, to rob you of your money and dignity. Don’t be bitter about this. You will simply protect yourself and understand they are mentally or materially poor . You must know that whoever you meet along the journey will teach you something about humankind and the world. So, at the end of each trip, you will grow as a person and agree with me that travel is the best school. 

When you come back home, my son, don’t let the fear of insecurity kill your life’s purpose. So, work on your résumé and demand your right to work. Be your own boss if you can. When people request your service, perform it with love. Serve them in good faith and check to make sure they are satisfied by sending them a thank-you note. As your work reflects your personality, you should leave your footprint on whatever you do. Don’t worry about the financial gain; it will come.

In case you don’t make it as a self-employed worker, accept the fact you have to work to make a living and that begging for food is not an option. Find any job that pays as there is no shame in working for money. Yet, it would be best if you did not let the job overshadow your life’s purpose. It is only a detour, as it is said that all routes lead to Rome. My son, you know that there is no such thing a minor job. Any job that feeds you, clothes you, and houses you becomes “your Independence Day.” 

At work, my son, labor hard and be your best. There are no shortcuts to achieving excellence.-show eagerness to learn and help. You may accept being a student again by asking questions and learning to be a better listener. You may also become a teacher by empowering the newcomers. Yet, you must know that doing your work doesn’t mean you are immune from losing it. As economic circumstances may change, and some coworkers may admire your work ethic, others will hate you because you represent what they are not. Whenever they see you, you remind them of what they should be. Their main reason for working is to pay their unpaid bills. They hate to work, and it is a burden for them. 

So, your presence may disturb those coworkers. Their fears may translate into harassment and unfair treatment or, in some cases, sabotage. Yet you should always have the courage to ask them to stop since you are doing your job with excellence. If they don’t stop, take the issue to your manager. In case your manager does nothing, follow the grievance procedure without losing your temper. He or she may hide under the umbrella that “The problem with you is that you are not a team player.” Take them to court, as you should not let bullies bully you because you are performing your job with joy. 

In court, my son, you may win or lose your case. It does not matter. What matters is that you stand up for your rights. You didn’t sit in your office cubicle to let them abuse you and die a slow death because of your fears of losing your family, your house, and not paying your debt. The justifications for doing nothing may only lead you to an early stage of cancer. 

You may lose your job. This will be okay as long as you don’t lose yourself in the process. The important thing is to fight a good fight and never lie to yourself. When you lose your job, you may get another one. If not, join the employment line with your head held high. When you arrive at the employment office, be ready to remind any agents with insulting looks that you are there to demand your rights.

As you receive your employment benefits, enjoy them, yet it would help if you started looking for another job. Don’t settle for “easy money” lifestyle. Go out there to look for new opportunities, knock on doors and claim your right to work.  You will eventually meet someone who values your work ethic—a person who respects you and does not confuse your race, religion, or ethnic background- with your work ethic. Also, it would be best if you lived in the moment and not worry about a six-month unemployment timeline. Otherwise, you will lose your mind, and you need one to work. Finally, you should not waste your time looking for unpaid volunteering or internship positions. Once, I volunteered for a non-profit organization in the name of service. When they had an opening, I applied for the job l loved. They told me I was overqualified. You must learn from your dad’s mistakes and remember that Congress and the states enacted the Thirteenth Amendment for a reason and you shall never forget it.

My son, when it comes to working, never settle for mediocrity. You must work in environments where your highest potential is required. In those workplaces, excellence and innovation are not a crime. As you become successful at your work, be grateful for the gift of work. The fruits of your labor will provide you with independence and pleasure. Yet you must not use your success to be arrogant and look down on people; we are all human with our unique stories. You must also remember that work is not your domicile, and you should find time for your families, friends, and enjoying yourself. Make sure you surround yourself with people who appreciate you and are always there to help you heal your wounds when you get knocked down by life or another human being.

When you make a mistake in your work relations, own it, and apologize for if necessary, but don’t rely on excuses. There are dues to pay as a citizen, so pay your taxes. Yet, if dishonest politicians decide to ruin your hard work, petition them to stop. If they don’t stop, run for office, and get ready to receive and give punches. There is no morality in politics. When you win an election, always remember the people who put you in office. So, every day works hard to enact laws for constituent’s well-being. Never compare yourself to other politicians, and whatever the season, you should work with purpose. 

Tomorrow I will walk to the neighborhood post office, buy a stamp, and send the letter to your home address. I hope you find the time to read it. I will also send the same letter to your sister, and the only thing I have to do is change the greeting to "My Dear Daughter." Finally, I will make sure to post it Under the Human Rights Tree, so your own sons, daughters, and grandchildren will read the letter at the front doors of their youth and learn that their ancestors worked for a living.

Sincerely,

Alpha