Joe Average

I’ve been writing Blogs to appeal to the highly motivated individuals with disabilities. What if you’re not highly motivated but just want to work? Some people are probably asking themselves, “What can I do as an average person?” Well, as an average person I’ll tell you. I’ve been average all my life. I always wished I was smarter, more talented, and better looking. I had to face it – I’m average. That makes it tough trying to compete in school as well as in the job market. I’ve always had to work very hard just to keep up with my peers. To actually compete with them in the work world, I’ve had to work even harder.

In my Blogs and articles I usually don’t draw a distinction between able-bodied and disabled people. That’s because the same rules apply to both when it comes to being hired for your talent and abilities. Sure we have the ADA and IDEA and other legislation to protect us but it doesn’t gives us any advantage. We have all sorts of assistive technology but that only compensates for or ameliorates disabling conditions. For those of us with severe disabilities, we can only compete by working smart and by working very hard.

Once we get a job, then what? Well, we still have to work hard to keep from being replaced by younger, more talented ‘models’. Above all else, I believe it is important to be happy with our chosen vocation. If you’re happy, you’re successful. Remember, happiness is a much better predictor of success than success is of happiness. That applies whether you’re working or not. Many folks with disabilities who are unemployed are happy where they’re at, even if living on social security and just staying at home all day. Some don’t work for pay but rather volunteer their talents and services. That’s great but I don’t get paid to reach those folks, my job is to write for the benefit of folks with disabilities who are unemployed and want to work or who are working and want a better job. I wish I had a magic wand to wave to make life easier but just won’t happen. There is absolutely no substitute for hard work.

What if you’re an artist or musician? These vocations are very much under appreciated by society. It is difficult for any artist to make living, let alone an artist with a disability. If we can’t earn a living with artistic talents, we have to find other work to ‘feed the bulldog’ in order to also enjoy our calling as artists. In that case, I’m reminded of something Henry David Thoreau said, "Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows." If you’re a musician, why sell computer parts to make a living? Wouldn’t it be better to work in the music industry? Perhaps not performing in front of crowds but maybe giving music lessons or even as a clerk in a store that rents musical equipment. The point is, work in an industry that parallels your interests and passions even if the pay is unattractive.

Not everyone is cut out to be a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, nor should they be. But even Joe Average can be a real stand out kind of guy or gal if he does the very best with what he has. Think of yourself as a business. Write a mission statement about yourself. Perhaps be the best greeter Wal-mart has ever seen, as evidenced by requests for your particular service. Even Joe Average needs a goal, something to work towards. Remember, we have just an average guy in the Whitehouse and we’re doing all right.

About the author

Gene Rodgers Photo Gene Rodgers has been a quadriplegic since age 17. Since then he has earned several college degrees, worked in several states, earned a Switzer Fellowship, and now works as a private contractor.

Do you have a question about employment and disability? Send your question to grodgers@austin.rr.com and put “DLRP JOBS” in the subject line.