The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Several years ago, when I was given the opportunity to write a few columns for a big city newspaper, I was informed by the editorial board this would probably not lead to a career writing for them. No commitment beyond a few weeks. No job security. I respected them for being so up front about our employment agreement. Others should be so honest.

Were you, a family member or friend until recently employed by an airline? How about an up and coming dot com or major corporation? I’ve never been real fond of airplanes and can barely operate a computer, so I’ve never been offered a job by any of the above, let alone actually worked for one. I don’t know how they go about hiring people but I’d almost bet they don’t offer the disclaimer that paper gave me. In fact, they may even have lead folks to believe they had a future with the company. Stock options, vested retirement funds, advancement, promotions, all gave potential employees the impression they were talking about job security and a future with the company.

I don’t believe for a minute these companies were being dishonest. I’d rather believe they just didn’t know any different. Evidently their mother hadn’t told them nothing lasts forever. Don’t depend on this lasting. You know, the old death and taxes thing.

When that paper told me not to have any business cards printed because I wouldn’t be here by the time they arrived, I really didn’t care. I’ve spent my life in ranching and related occupations. Job security is a little short in that business. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say, job security is non-existent. Granted, if you have a bunch of cows depending on you for their well being, the labor is guaranteed. Income from that work, or whether a banker is going to let you continue, is not. I was raised with this understanding. Honestly, the situation provides pretty good motivation. There’s nothing like a tiny bit of panic to get the old creative juices flowing. Work hard, work smart and be cautious of those who promise something that doesn’t exist.

As a boy growing up on a ranch I was taught nothing lasts forever. I heard stories of my grandparents nearly loosing their place during the depression. Not until a banker decided he didn’t want to feed the livestock or irrigate the fields himself, were they able to work out an arrangement to keep it. I saw my dog grow old and die, as did cattle, sheep and an occasional horse. Even though I was young, I sensed when the cattle and sheep markets were good because everyone I knew had a new car, pickup or tractor. I suspected markets had turned bad when the town kid’s parents brought them out to play in new cars and we still had our old one.

Without realizing it, I was being taught a valuable lesson in economics. Nothing lasts forever. When things are good, put a little away for the day they aren’t so good. Don’t misunderstand me here. I’m not saying I have always remembered the lesson. However, those times I forgot, the world soon rose up to bite me in the behind and remind me of this simple principle. The lesson is many faceted. First of all, conduct your own life knowing full well nothing in life is guaranteed. Secondly, be wary of those who attempt to suspend the rules of nature and offer a guarantee. Shame on you Corporate America for misleading those who thought they could depend on you forever. Thank you, Big City Newspaper, for being honest with me. It was nice while it lasted.

Years later I’m still doing this. No one gives me a guarantee, just a chance. That’s really all any of us can ask for, isn’t it?