Appreciation of Hard Work

A young man who had always done well in school applied for a managerial job at a large company. He passed the first round of interviews, and finally, he sat down with the company’s director for the last round.

The director looked at the young man’s résumé and was impressed. He had excellent academic records—from school to university, he had always been a top student.

The director asked, “Did you receive any scholarships while studying?”

The young man replied, “No, never.”

“Who paid for your education?” the director asked.

“My father passed away when I was a baby,” the young man said. “My mother paid all my school fees.”

“What did your mother do for a living?”

“She worked as a laundry woman,” the young man replied.

The director then looked at him and said, “Can I see your hands?”

The young man showed his hands. They were soft and smooth—clear signs that he had never done any hard labor.

“Have you ever helped your mother wash clothes?” asked the director.

The young man shook his head. “No. My mother always told me to focus on my studies. She said she could manage faster and better without my help.”

The director paused for a moment, then said, “I have a request. When you go home today, wash your mother’s hands. Then come see me again tomorrow.”

The young man was hopeful—he felt the interview had gone well. That evening, he asked his mother if he could wash her hands. She was surprised by the request, but she smiled and agreed.

As he gently held her hands and began washing them, tears welled up in his eyes. It was the first time he noticed how rough, wrinkled, and bruised her hands were. Some wounds made her wince when touched by water.

He realized that these hands had worked endlessly for years—washing other people’s clothes—just to give him a better life and education. His success was paid for by her sacrifice.

That night, he not only washed her hands but also did all the remaining laundry. Mother and son talked for a long time.

The next morning, he returned to the director’s office. The director noticed his red eyes and asked, “What did you learn at home last night?”

The young man replied, “I washed my mother’s hands and helped her with the laundry.”

He continued, “I learned three things:
First, I understand what real appreciation means. Without my mother’s sacrifices, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Second, doing the work myself helped me understand how hard it is to earn a living.
And third, I now truly value my family and the love that supports me.”

The director smiled and said, “This is the kind of person I want in this company. Someone who understands effort, respect, and values more than just money. You’re hired.”

From that day forward, the young man worked with dedication and earned the respect of his team. The company grew stronger, and everyone worked together like a family.

Moral:
People who do not experience struggle may not understand its value. It’s only by facing hard work and recognizing the sacrifices of others that we truly learn to appreciate what we have.