The Art of the Hustle 2 (Complete)

Chapter Forty-Eight

Deon was working at his new job, but was still in training, and so far it was overwhelming him. He didn't have adequate computer skills, wasn't able to memorize all the procedures and software programs, and was falling behind the other trainees.

"How's the new job going?" Dr. Chang asked.

"I feel discouraged," Deon said.

"Why do you feel discouraged?"

"Because I'm not good at my job."

"What in particular are you not good at?"

"Everything. I feel stupid. I'm not used to using a computer and can barely type. All the other trainees are so much better than me."

"First of all, they are not better than you. They may be better in some aspects than you, but aren't you better at some aspects than them? This is just the computer portion of the training. Why don't you wait and see how they are with talking to customers and selling? I bet you're way better than them.

"Second, you should never compare yourself with others. We all come from different backgrounds and skillsets. It's hardly a basis of a fair comparison. Just recognize the areas where you're strong and weak and work hard to become the best version of yourself. Comparing yourself to others only serves to harbour unnecessary anxiety and feelings of low self-worth."

"Everyone looks at me like I'm stupid."

"Are you stupid?" Dr. Chang asked.

Deon didn't answer.

"Deon, this may not be your world, but it doesn't mean you're stupid. Everyone has to start somewhere. I bet most of those people wouldn't know how to raise a child, but you do. I bet they wouldn't know the first thing about organizing an event and promoting it, but you do. Do you see what I'm getting at? Just go at your own pace and you will eventually learn as they once did."

"I guess so."

"Do you think Trevor knew how to run a large finance tech company when he first started?"

"I don't know."

"Well, I can assure you, that you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. As long as you're willing and able to learn, you will eventually get the hang of it just as Trevor once did."

"Yeah, but Trevor is way smarter than me."

"Trevor is more experienced and more educated than you, but that doesn't mean he's smarter. Deon, you're seventeen and are at the very beginning of your career. You will encounter lots of things you don't know how to do. Don't get discouraged. This is part of the process. And be patient."

"I was thinking about quitting."

"After only one week?" Dr. Chang asked.

Deon didn't answer. He just bowed his head in shame.

"What do you think Trevor would say if he heard you say that?"

"He would likely be upset. Just the other week he yelled at me in his office."

"Why did he yell at you?"

"I stopped coming to see you."

"I was wondering where you've been."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. I'm here for your benefit. If you don't see the value in coming here, then nobody is forcing you to come."

"Trevor doesn't see it that way. He made a big deal of me skipping appointments."

"I wouldn't worry too much about that. Trevor has a lot of pressure and responsibility, and as you know is going through a very stressful time in his life. With that said, I understand his frustration with you. After all, he put his name and reputation on the line for you more than once. I get that this job may not be the right fit for you either, but at the very least I think you owe it to him to give it your best. Try it for a little while longer. Who knows, you may turn out to like it. At the end of the day, if it doesn't work out, then at least you both know you tried your best, right?"

"I guess so."

"Yeah, we're in a good place now. If you didn't know, it's my birthday today and Trevor is taking me out for dinner."

"Oh that's nice. I wasn't aware that it was your birthday."

"I normally don't like to tell people, but he found out through HR."

"Well, happy eighteenth birthday, Deon," Dr. Chang said with a smile.

Later that evening, Deon met Trevor for dinner at his restaurant Ace.

"I used to come here with Ashley. She used to sit in that spot you're sitting in now."

"Oh, I'm sorry, should I move?"

"No, don't worry about it. My therapist... wait, you know my therapist. Dr. Chang told me that being sentimental is a way to anchor oneself to the past and it may be prohibiting me from moving on."

"You don't really talk about your personal life to me much. Unless there is some sort of lesson involved."

"Don't get used to it."

"I think it's good, you know. I like getting to know this side of you. You should open up to me more often."

The waiter came and refilled their glasses and took away some empty plates.

"Trevor, have you ever wanted to quit a job?"

"Every job I've ever had. Why, you thinking about quitting the call centre job?"

"I don't know."

"Look, nobody is forcing you to do anything. I had the same job you have right now and I hated it. So if you want to quit, believe me, I get it. But I was working for a soul sucking corporation who didn't care about their employees. The difference is, you're working for me. I was also educated and had years of experience, so I had other options. You may not have those same options. I was also ten years older than you are now and working toward a goal. So there is a bit of a difference in our two scenarios. Whenever you leave a job, be sure to have something else lined up because you never know when that next paycheque will come in."

"Can't you hook me up with another job?"

"You want to wash dishes at the restaurant?"

"No."

"Well, for a kid with no experience and education, there isn't much out there for you that you're going to love."

"Maybe I wasn't meant to work a normal job, you know. I don't feel like everyone else."

"I know you may feel different than everyone else, as if something is wrong with you. First, let me say there's nothing wrong with you... but you are different than most others. But different is good. What you are is an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are leaders, innovators — we march to the beat of our own drum and do not derive satisfaction from working for someone else. It took me many years to figure out that lesson and figure out who I was. Now that you know who you are, you can take steps down that path. The sooner you start, the happier you'll be."

"I don't know what I want to do with my life."

"The good news is, you're seventeen—"

"Eighteen."

"Whatever. My point is, you're still young and have your whole life ahead of you. Give it time and pay attention to the signs and the lessons the universe presents to you. You'll eventually find your path and figure out what you want to do."

"Should I go to college?"

"If you think that's the right choice for you, then go. But I can tell you there are other ways, better ways, to educate yourself that is much cheaper and much faster than going to college. Unfortunately, academic credentials are still highly valued in this culture so by not having a college or university degree, some people may perceive you as being less intelligent, less discipline, and less qualified. But nothing could be further from the truth. Also, while a diploma or degree is valuable to get a job, maybe that isn't something you want. If you become an entrepreneur, it doesn't really matter if you have a degree or not."

"So what should I do?"

"Only you can answer that."