A Cuban TikTok user, known as @soyjorgeelbomberofitness, recently went viral after sharing a video showcasing how he instills the value of hard work and money in his son. The two-minute clip features influencer and personal trainer Jorge Rodríguez assigning his son a gardening task for a reward of $50. The video has ignited a storm of reactions, accumulating over 2,700 comments and 23,000 likes.
"Many will criticize me for this video," Jorge begins, explaining that his son asked for a way to earn $50. "I have a little job for you for 50 bucks," he tells his son, handing him a bucket and guiding him to the yard to pull weeds. "Look, I want you to do this, and be careful not to pull out any plants... see all those little weeds? Pull them all out and put them there, and when you're done, you've got fifty dollars."
Speaking with a firm yet affectionate tone, the father concludes, "And this is how you teach kids that money doesn't grow on trees," adding, "Many of you might say, 'Geez, you're being harsh, what about the sun, the heat?' But folks, we have to teach our children that money doesn't literally grow on trees."
Jorge emphasizes that while his son is a great kid, these exercises are crucial for building character. "My son is exemplary, truly, but whenever he needs money, I come up with something at home for him to do, so he learns the value of money. You should be doing the same."
This post sparked a lively discussion about parenting, values, education, and discipline. Among the myriad of comments, most support Jorge's initiative. Many users agreed that "this is well done, very well done," and that "this is not being harsh, it's teaching." Others noted that "work doesn't kill, it builds character," and that "this teaches to appreciate money and not take it for granted." Some reflected that "when he gets the $50, he'll think twice before spending it since it wasn't just handed over," while others summed it up with phrases like "that's called principles" or "that's raising a good man."
Several shared similar personal experiences. One mother mentioned her son started saving at age five and managed to buy a Nintendo and later a PlayStation. Another user, raised with similar values, now educates his children the same way, who also appreciate hard work. "I did the same with mine, and now they thank me," one commentator highlighted.
Although there were criticisms—some accused him of exploiting his son or using him for social media content—most responses were supportive. Comments like "a textbook dad," "great example," and "old-school education" were common among those who saw Jorge's lesson as a reflection of values they feel are missing in today's generation.
Residing in Tampa, Florida, Jorge Rodríguez is not new to social media. A personal trainer, paramedic, and firefighter, he boasts over 980,000 TikTok followers, where he shares tips on fitness, discipline, motivation, and personal growth. He has also gained attention for showcasing his Lamborghini Gallardo, purchased after years of hard work, and sharing maintenance tips. However, this time, his viral success didn't come from luxury but from a simple, powerful lesson: money doesn't fall from the sky and must be earned through effort.
According to his official website, Jorge was born in Cuba in 1981 and emigrated in 1994 during the Special Period, crossing the sea with his family on a makeshift raft before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and taken to Guantanamo Bay, where they stayed for nine months as political detainees. Once in the U.S., he faced numerous adaptation challenges but completed his studies and found a path to personal growth through physical fitness. He is a firefighter in Tampa, a paramedic, and a father of three. He is also a bodybuilder, having won multiple championships in the Classic Physique category and earning his Pro Card in 2022. Additionally, he is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer through the ISSA.
With his community nearing a million followers on TikTok and over 560,000 on Instagram, Jorge shares his professional experience infused with motivation, discipline, and values.
Teaching Children the Value of Money
Why did Jorge Rodríguez's video become viral?
Jorge Rodríguez's video went viral because it demonstrated a unique approach to teaching his son the value of money through hard work, sparking widespread discussion and support for his parenting method.
What task did Jorge assign to his son for $50?
Jorge assigned his son the task of pulling weeds in the garden, rewarding him with $50 upon completion, to teach him that money must be earned through effort.
How did the public react to Jorge's video?
The public mostly reacted positively, praising the lesson on the value of hard work and money. While there were some criticisms, the majority supported Jorge's educational approach.
What other roles does Jorge Rodríguez hold?
In addition to being an influencer, Jorge Rodríguez is a personal trainer, paramedic, firefighter, bodybuilder, and certified nutritionist, residing in Tampa, Florida.