Growing up, my family weren't rich. But we weren't poor either. We simply had enough to get by. My dad is a popular furniture upholsterer in Toronto. His company supported our family of six ever since I was born. Sometimes I don’t know how he does it, but he manages to ensure that we’re all comfortable and happy. One thing I remember though, is my dad constantly working. Holidays, weekends… he works everyday. And for 30 or so years that he started his business, he never stopped working. Those 14 hours a day paid off. As successful as he is today, a couple things remain the same: his humility and work ethic. I still don’t consider him to be rich, but he has everything he has ever wanted. (And so do I) My dad came from humble beginnings as a teenager who had escaped the war in Vietnam. Coming to Canada at 19 as a refugee, with no money, no education, no parents, and no spoken word of English is no easy feat. Having to learn everything on the spot as a teenager seems impossible knowing that I would never have been able to accomplish that when I was 19. (I was still trading Pokemon on my gameboy at 19!) But he is living proof that you can make something of yourself if you worked hard enough. Everything my dad has ever wanted are inexpensive things that are convenient. His delivery van is a second hand 2008 GMC Safari, which is also our family car. He wears no name brand clothing — $5 polo t-shirts with the pockets and $20 jeans. He needs pockets so that he can put his work supplies in them. He’d trade the most expensive shoes for efficient work boots — because that is more important to him. With him, living below his means plays a huge part in his success. He tells me all the time that one day, when I become successful and make a lot of money, I can buy him a nice watch or a nice car. But for now, he is okay with his $5 Walmart t-shirts. I take that to heart. And have learned that living below your means will benefit you in the long run. You don't need the latest clothes or the best looking car in order to feel like you've made it. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be here today. Work hard and save money so that you can invest in something greater in the future. Check out my dad's cool shirts here.
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AuthorFull-time advertising student. Part-time freelance designer.. Always busy. Archives
December 2016
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