Leto

When I read this last part I had to give myself a shake, because as a baby-boomer, I always received the "my generation" speech from countless adults. Especially when I was going through my late teens to late 20's trying to establish myself in something... ANYTHING that would be a paying job.

I also think that the Cat Lady was off base with her rant, and definitely unprofessional. I would have been a lot more professional in my approach, and have actually turned down or left jobs when I was in my young 20's because I didn't like the conditions. It's all a negotiation, and should not be personalized in the way that the Cat Lady took it out on you, nor in the way that you called your dad to "get permission". I kind of have to agree with Charlatan in this respect. You should be calling the shots, and stick up for yourself.

Incidentally, if this means that you need to manage your own sacrifices, then don't let your peers coerce you into activities that would automatically rule out a job prospect (such as weekend work or spring break activities). You need to prioritize for yourself and determine what is important in a holistic sense.

In the workplace these days though, I am amazed at the sense of entitlement that recent graduates have. There doesn't seem to be a desire to come up through the ranks and learn the business. I have a feeling that there is a perceived need to catch up to the economic or consumptive standing of the parent's generation with as little effort as possible...


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edit:
I just needed to add something with respect to my oldest son. He is now 18 and has submitted his university applications. Last year, he completed grade 12, but due to a let up in his study habits, managed to get a 73 avg which, needless to say, severely hampered his choices. Now, since Grade 13 was removed, and the curriculum adjusted, many students go back to grade 12 to perform what is called the "Victory Lap" which is an attempt to improve marks. My son did just that, and is currently sitting at an 88.7 avg.

He has noticed through the university fairs, that this can translate to real $$$. Since he is above 85 %, he automatically qualifies for $2500/ annum towards tuition, which is roughtly half the cost.

The problem is, getting him to understand that he is "that close" to achieving this benchmark if he continues to expend the similar effort for the remaining 2 terms of his Victory Lap. Consequently, we, as parents, have been riding his ass hard about his target and he is complaining at his lack of freedom.

I need for him to understand that the money is important, and that his efforts will translate directly into a better quality of life during university.