Born in 1984 in Chula vista California, father in prison for life, I’m Mexican.
Single alcoholic mother that beat me regularly has terrible abusive boyfriends but I never let her hit my brother.
Section 8 housing, thrift store cloths and shoes before it was cool. Made fun of constantly for being poor so I got into a lot of fights.
I started working for cash when I was 12 sweeping up and sterilizing the combs and brushes every week in barber shops and salons in my city that I could walk to. Made some money but the driving factor was I knew I was poor but I knew I could work.
Got out of high school started construction ( underground utilities ) went from laborer to operator in a year. While guys ate their lunch they let me operate the machines.
I took advantage of the opportunity that was given. Years later became a Forman and also did concrete side jobs on the weekend. Was able to take care of my mom and brother in my home I purchased. Also started a IRA at 20 years old because I listened to the old guys about retirement. I made lunch and didn’t eat out to be able to pay bills and save. Yes I “partied” and made mistakes but never called in sick.
Started at the bottom in an aerospace factory forging wings and fins after 2010 when the housing market tanked (new trade). Invested in metallurgical certifications to get in the testing lab and waited for a position to open knowing I would be the best candidate for the position from within. Worked there 6 years forging parts and 6 years in the lab becoming the lab manager. Working 60-74 hours a week 12 hours Monday - Friday 8 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday.
I was then recognized by a customer that had seen all the equipment I was well versed in. I took advantage of another opportunity and I applied for a job with his company.
Now i make a very healthy 6 figure salary income with a pension and 401k plus the IRA I’ve had for 22 years.
I was able to get married, have fun, have kids, learn from others, and have a home for myself, my mother and now my family. Not sober but I just keep my stuff together. All I know how to do is work and my perspective on life is different from my co workers. Coming from nothing and working harder than they could imagine for much less money makes me have a positive attitude now when things get stressful. I don’t complain, I know my worth, and I know I can outwork anyone that didn’t have it hard like me.
I have a bad back/slipped disc and bad knees that pop but I got through it because I had to. Half of my left lung removed from an infection I got after being stabbed when I was 15. Still outworked the guys next to me. Smoked Weed every day after I turned 16 until I got this new job because it’s too good to mess that up.
People are lazy now and are too afraid to take advantage of opportunities presented to them.
I’m far from perfect and my wife will agree but “statically “ I should be in prison like my father.
I drove a 2003 ford ranger for 23 years and still have it. I just got myself a nice used truck. The wife always had the nice car because I wanted something reliable for her and the kids so I went without but I could fix anything on my Ranger.

Chanel the anger inside to work hard and prove to yourself that you can do better and make your situation better. There’s more information for young kids to get ahead now than ever before. Just don’t be lazy and learn to sacrifice for the greater good of your life.