Life is not a bed of roses
This is probably one of the most commonly used sayings in the English language, arguably right up there next to “Two things are sure in life: death & taxes”. We use it mechanically to summarise difficult conversations where multiple undesirable options are at play and where no “one-size-fits-all-answer” is available. It is unequivocally accepted as a factual, universal truth.
Millenials are a good example of people whose lifes are definitely not a bed of roses: they lack work ethic, they are impatient, obsess about technology, look for instant gratification, etc. Apparently everything that is wrong with the current workforce comes down to one screwed up generation. But I’m not here to talk about that.
“They were dealt a bad hand in life.” — Simon Sinek
Millennials were brought up in a world where they were taught that they can have everything just because they want to, that they are special, that life is abundant and beautiful. And the reality is, life is far from being great. You don’t get the promotion just because you want it. You don’t get the car just because you wish for it. Life is about putting in the hours, the effort, the sweat, your own investment, hoping, just barely, that one day it will all be paid back to you with a dividend.
Entitlement is an example of failed parenting
Overprotective parents, those who spoil their kids by giving them too much attention and choices, that defend this overabundance by saying “I don’t want my kids to miss anything” are undermining their kids without even knowing it. The result of such practice, where children grow up believing that they are entitled to anything just because they want to, has damaging effects.
I remember wishing for a car when I was 18. Like any other millennial, I grew up in the era of “Need for speed” and “Fast & Furious”, where the car was the ultimate material possession. I reached out — of course — to my dad and asked for one. After all, if the others had one, why couldn’t I? I was good in school, got decent grades, not the best but not the worst. The answer I got back was, at least, puzzling: “Sure, not a problem, how much are you short?” he said.
“Huh?”
The problem with me asking for a car was that, my own effort, my own investment in owning a car, was simply asking for it. I don’t have to explain how fast the conversation ended with me walking away with my tail between my legs.
If you want the car, you’d better be able to pay for the gas.
