why do some people have a poor working record and others can keep one job forever?

Because you want more out of your job, so you seek better opportunities.

Other reasons include downsizing, and outsourcing. The jobs just disappear. Hopefully, your brother is in a career that doesn't get downsized or outsourced, or he can find himself in a LONG unemployment spell.

I have been for the company I work with for 10 years. Some arent able to maintain a job for a long period of time for the reasons you mentioned. in addition some loose there jobs because they dont know how to play politics which is essential in big corporations. The main thing is keep your nose clean, stay away from gossip and appear ambitious to management. Punctuality and latenesses also play a big role as well. Hope this helps.

Often employees are judged by that "extra" effort they are willing to give at a job. Just showing up to work every day makes you average. Staying a little late to complete a deadline, or help a co-worker who might be swamped, or a little behind in his job ... these things are noticed and rewarded. Try to go "above and beyond" what you think is expected of you and you are likely to start seeing a difference in your work experience.

Good luck at your new job.

Maybe it's because you don't know how to sweet talk the bosses and your brother knows that if he gets drunk and don't show up for work all he has to do is suck up to the bosses and he can get away with it. Also I bet he buy them things they might need too. It's called kissing ***

because we don't all fit into that box that we are told we have to fit into in order to be an acceptable human being

Maybe your like my boyfriend, he has no motivation.