Recently, former Dirty Jobs’ host Mike Rowe wrote and posted The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge on his [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheRealMikeRowe/photos/a.151342491542569.29994.116999698310182/821460317864113/?type=1) page. He said he wrote the pledge for three simple reasons: > 1. I believe what it says, and felt strongly the world needs one more acronym. > 2. I wanted to raise some money for the scholarship fund. (We sell them for $10, and the money goes to the foundation.) > 3. I needed something declarative that everyone must sign who applies for a mikeroweWORKS Scholarship. Something that reflected my own view of work-ethic and personal responsibility.
> “THE S.W.E.A.T. PLEDGE” > (Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) > #1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful. > #2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing. > #3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up to me to make the best of them. > #4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm. > #5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford. > #6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger. > #7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is. > #8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy. > #9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning, and understand that library cards are free. > #10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do. > #11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others. > #12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.