A disturbing trend has evolved over the previous couple of generations – the disincentive to work, especially amongst our youth and young adults. Often this is due to the parent’s feelings of protection or over protection. Partly also due to access to government benefits when people already have their needs and many of their wants covered. So, it is no wonder we have created a generation or two who either don’t want to work or will only work in exactly what they want to work in – as long as their expectations are fulfilled. Some call this the spirit of entitlement.
These unrealistic expectations lead to being part of the problem. (refer to the
previous article on Income (Y) – Expenses (X) = Your Future). (This article is not referring to those young ones who are genuinely seeking work and unable to find a job yet!)
So, when people don’t work who pays for their lifestyle? Usually it’s mum and/or dad. When we do this we quite likely are depriving the next generation of vital benefits.
These benefits include but are not limited to:
Self-respect – we are wired to create, produce, work. When we achieve something, we feel good about ourselves.
Self-esteem – When people praise someone and say something like ‘good boy’, instinctively most of us cringe – partly as it sets up an unreal expectation – no-one is good all the time. Better to praise the task eg ‘good job with your assignment’ or “Well done on making that customer feel welcomed and providing the information they needed to solve their issue.” In this way, it allows the person receiving the compliment to realise it is genuine as it is specific and by extension the person praised may even say internally ‘I am good at this. I am good.’
Self-discipline – To hold down a job, we need to practice self-discipline. This is a shock to many school leavers who quickly realise they are not cut out for work as when you do not complete the task you are employed to do (and do it in a pleasant way), you are in
danger of losing your job if you don’t change your ways. Plus, you must be punctual or there are consequences – try being late a few times and you won’t have a job!
Opportunity to be mentored – So many people want to be mentored – when you work for someone, your boss is the one mentoring you and you get paid for it. Even if your boss is not the best (in your eyes) – we are all human and none of us are perfect, he/she is training you and paying you.
Learn new skills – Any job requires a specific skillset eg as a receptionist – greeting clients, answering telephone calls, etc however all jobs have a general skillset. Most employers will say that completing the set task is the second most important skill, with the ‘can do’ and pleasant attitude being the most important. A tip to employers, value the staff who do that: Be careful to honour and respect those qualities in that employee, if not, they will easily find other employment and may be difficult for you to replace.
Learn to value money – most people trade time doing certain tasks for money such as an employee or sole trader in business. When we see how long it takes to make money, there comes a whole new appreciation for that hard-earned money.
Perseverance – If you have unrealistic expectations and do not possess basic life skills especially of resilience and therefore are unable to complete your employment tasks, you won’t have a job – either you will leave or be sacked. Tribulation for some is just life for others and an opportunity to overcome – this is perseverance!
Ability to bless others – when we have our own money, we also have the ability to buy gifts or shout a coffee for family an
d friends to show we love them or give to someone in need thereby offering them a hand up.
We CAN change our mindsets to have a ‘CAN DO’ attitude and see obstacles as opportunities to overcome. Now that radically improves your chance to be employed or even think creatively to gain income in a variety of ways. (This will be covered in a future article.)