I was thinking more about this issue and had this thought, too: For sure, technology has created this lack of work. If you factor in email, cell phones, computers, blogging, wikipedia, google, GPS, dishwashers, washing machines/dryers, roomba vaccuums, TV, shower cleaner sprays, paper plates, fake grass, local grocery stores, frozen dinners, fast food, etc. and so forth, then one can see how easy it is to become lazy.

So, how do we bridge the gap between convenience and working?

It’s hard. I’m still trying to figure it out –but President Hinckley did a great job talking about it in his “Standing for Something” book. Maybe I should go re-read it…

This may not relate completely, but bear with me. When I was a teenager, I babysat. A lot. My mother was also a babysitter when she was young, and so I learned the “tricks of the trade” mostly from her; she was quick to point out that if I left the house and the children “cleaner than I found it/them” I would be well paid and never lack for a job. She emphasized being focused on the job at hand, and even if I was bored/tired/sad about the kids I was watching or dishes I was washing, the job was more important. I was being given a responsibility and I should live up to it. So, I did. I had great success. I never lacked for a job and I got paid well (in teenage terms ).

Fast forward to now. Utah, Idaho, California (I lived in them all) and it doesn’t matter –I have the hardest time finding someone who works like I did just 12 years ago. Not only has the cost of a babysitter gone up (which, of course, was expected), but finding a girl who will clean up after herself, let alone follow my instructions for bedtime is nearly impossible.

Now, why? Why is it hard to find hard working youth, even amongst church members?

This post makes me think about how hard work is so “passe” to the rest of the world. People are looking for instant gratification, instant praise, instant joyful careers and then quick, young retirement.

Of course, this isn’t limited to the world, since I’ve seen this among LDS people, but it always make me wonder what is going on. How can I teach my children to work hard and do it for more than selfish reasons if everywhere they turn they are bombarded with this “me” mentality?

I apologize for going off, but I’ve just been thinking about this lately (as I ignore the laundry and dishes in favor of blogging, while I wonder why my kids aren’t cleaning their rooms and instead watch their mother sit at the computer… )

I got a similar generation Y feel from it (even though this guy was actually older than me).

I had hired him in spite of a iffy work history. His approach to employment was not one that would ever lead him to success. Because some of what he mentioned was directed at me personally I was tempted to ask for his personal email so that I could ask him how things were going for him in 10 or 15 years (too cruel).

I have about 25 permanent reports along with a rolling group of 100+ new university graduate hires that I get for a 2 to 3 month each. I see situations similar to this several times a year. My experience is that unless they change their attitude about their employer/employee relationship, they will be chronic job hoppers. For some this is not an obstacle to personal success but for most it will be a hard row to hoe.

I think that alot of the “what color is your parachute” and “you have to love your job” speeches these kids get do more damage than good. I know that some people will land primo academic careers with 30 hour work weeks supervising graduate students while they count reef fish and receive housing and per diem, but for most “work” will not be emotionally fulfilling or mostly fun. To not prepare kids for this is a big disservice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl_WPggs1cw