The Great American Dream—built on the ideals of hard work, equal opportunity, and the promise that anyone can rise above their circumstances—feels more like a myth than a reality for many today. Instead of rewarding the people who genuinely contribute, society often elevates those who do nothing but take.
I’m not speaking from a place of wealth or privilege. I’m living the same struggle many of you face every day. I run a business with employees who are some of the most selfless and hardworking people I’ve ever met. We’ve all given more than our fair share—our time, energy, and even the shirts off our backs. Some of us have even put our lives on the line to help others.
And yet, we’re still fighting to stay afloat. Meanwhile, people who are rude, entitled, or contribute nothing of real value seem to rise to the top. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it’s time we talk about it.
Supporting the Wrong People
Everywhere you look, support seems to flow to the wrong places. People who are arrogant, selfish, and entitled often get the attention, the applause, and the opportunities. They tell you to “f*** off,” yet somehow, they thrive. These aren’t the people donating to their communities, helping others, or making real changes. These are the people who take and take, without giving anything back.
Meanwhile, the good people—the ones who genuinely try to make the world a better place—are often overlooked. These are the ones who:
- Offer help without expecting anything in return.
- Save lives, whether they’re first responders, healthcare workers, or everyday heroes.
- Work tirelessly to inspire change and support their communities.
It’s disheartening to see how often humility is overshadowed by arrogance, and how selflessness is ignored in favor of those who demand attention.
The People Who Deserve Support
Let’s talk about the people who actually make a difference—the ones who deserve to be uplifted:
- Those Who Save Lives: The firefighters, paramedics, police officers, doctors, and others who risk their lives for others. These people often work in the background, quietly doing what matters most.
- Those Who Give Back: Volunteers, donors, and caregivers who offer their time, resources, and love to help others without expecting anything in return.
- Those Who Inspire Change: Teachers, community leaders, and advocates who work tirelessly to make the world better for everyone, often without recognition.
I see this kind of selflessness in my own team. My employees are incredible people who go above and beyond, not because they’re required to, but because it’s who they are.
Recently, I had to sit them down and tell them the hard truth: “If you continue working here, Christmas is going to be rough. Our income is way down, and I can’t promise that things will get better anytime soon.” I gave them the choice to leave, knowing the sacrifices they’d have to make if they stayed.
And yet, every single one of them chose to stay. I’m very grateful.
Their loyalty and dedication shine brighter than ever. They’re not working here for wealth or luxury—they’re working here because they believe in what we’re doing and the difference we’re trying to make. These are the kinds of people who should be celebrated and supported.
The Danger of Ignoring Small Businesses
If we keep pushing small businesses away—if we continue to overlook them and fail to support them—eventually, you’ll all be working for enterprise corporations. Small businesses are the backbone of innovation, community, and personal connection. They’re the ones that care about their employees, their customers, and the world they serve.
When small businesses disappear, so does diversity, creativity, and choice. What’s left are monopolies—corporate giants that care more about their bottom line than about the people they employ or the communities they impact.
Supporting small businesses isn’t just about helping individuals like me and my team—it’s about preserving a way of life that values people over profits. It’s about standing up for the dream that hard work, dedication, and kindness still matter.
This culture of overlooking small businesses is rooted in a larger problem—an increasing sense of entitlement that’s eroding the values we once held dear.
The Culture of Entitlement
One of the biggest obstacles we face is the growing culture of entitlement. It’s a mindset that’s spreading across society, convincing people that the world owes them something without effort or accountability.
I’ve seen adults behaving like children, throwing tantrums when they don’t get their way, refusing to take responsibility for their actions, and expecting everything to be handed to them.
Ask yourself:
- Were you given everything you have, or did you work for it?
- Do you value the opportunities you’ve been given, or do you take them for granted?
- Are you building something meaningful, or are you expecting others to do it for you?
It’s frustrating to see people with loud, self-centered attitudes getting ahead, while those who quietly work hard and do the right thing are left behind.
Will Things Ever Change?
The big question is: will this cycle ever change? Will society ever wake up and start supporting the people who truly make a difference? Or are we stuck in this loop where arrogance and entitlement are rewarded over integrity and hard work?
The answer isn’t easy, but one thing is clear: real change starts with us.
- Support the Right People: Uplift those who are making a difference. Share their stories, recognize their efforts, and give them the credit they deserve.
- Challenge Toxic Behavior: Don’t let entitlement, arrogance, or selfishness slide. Call it out and refuse to enable it.
- Be the Example: If we want the world to value kindness, generosity, and hard work, we need to live those values ourselves.
Will you support the right people? Will you challenge toxic behavior? Will you be the example? The answers to these questions determine whether the cycle will ever change.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve met so many people over the years, and the range of personalities never ceases to amaze me. Some inspire you with their humility and kindness, while others make you question how we got here.
But my team? They’re the real deal. They’ve chosen to stay, even when I couldn’t promise them an easy path. That kind of selflessness and loyalty isn’t just rare—it’s priceless.
I may not be rich, but I know what matters. It’s not about wealth or status—it’s about how you treat others, the difference you make, and the legacy you leave behind. My team and I have always tried to live by those values, even when it’s hard.
The Great American Dream may feel like a distant memory to me, but I still find that it’s worth fighting for. It’s worth fighting for a world where good people are celebrated, where hard work is valued, and where kindness truly matters.
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🎯 Spot-on! The ones who toil in obscurity, ignored or castigated… were we not told 2000 years ago it would be so? I think the people you mentioned do it for love of a higher calling and are OK with it, albeit unfair.
“Small businesses are the backbone of innovation, community, and personal connection.” Another bullseye. Hopefully, small businesses, which were crippled by the pandemic and policies may begin growing again…so we don’t all end up like Neo 😑
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment, Darryl! You’re absolutely right—those working in obscurity often do so out of love for a higher calling, even when it’s unfair. It’s a tough road, but as you pointed out, the impact they make is undeniable.
We’ve accepted that challenge ourselves, just like others have. It’s not an easy path, and we know it’s not always recognized or understood, but that doesn’t change the reason we do it.
I couldn’t agree more about small businesses. They truly are the backbone of our communities, fostering innovation and connection in ways that big corporations can’t replicate. The damage done to them during the pandemic was devastating, but hopefully, with the right focus and effort, they can thrive again. We certainly don’t want to end up like Neo, trapped in someone else’s version of reality.
It’s people like you who remind us why we keep pushing forward. Thank you again for your insights, and I hope you have a great night. 😎
I’d wanna work for your team!! They seem like a cohesive and loyal bunch who want work and do a good job. Honestly, more places should cultivate that….le sigh
Thank you very much for the kind words! We really appreciate your interest and admiration for how we work. While we’re not hiring at the moment, it’s always great to hear from people who value dedication and teamwork. We’ll definitely keep you in mind for future opportunities. Stay tuned, keep in touch, and thanks again for the support! I hope you have a great night. 😎
Thanks!! Have a great holiday!!
You’re welcome! Have a great holiday as well. 😎
It’s the same in the UK, I’m afraid. We got a new government this year, which immediately flipped many of the promises it made beforehand and began making war on the most vulnerable, the countryside and small businesses. I believe they’re committed to having us all living in cities and for huge companies – because it’s easier to control us that way. Depressing. 😐
You’re absolutely right, Laura. We’ve been keeping an eye on the UK government as well as a few others, and just like the government here, you can’t trust any of them anymore—too many tricks over the years. Unfortunately, everything that’s happening seems to be connected in some way, if you know what I mean. We have to get ahead of it eventually, or we all lose—and probably everything this time.
It’s not looking good all around. What a world. And yet people made it this way. At least people like you aren’t making it too easy for some of them. Thank you for your efforts. They are appreciated. 🙂
Thank you very much, Laura! We will continue our efforts no matter what. 😎