Entitlement

    Well, we didn't make it to the Biodome. The weather was rather nasty, what with the blowing snow and all. I was disappointed but I know it was better safe than sorry. I read in today's paper that a couple in a pick-up truck skidded off a highway overpass, fell onto a set of railway tracks and were hit by a Via train. They were killed. What are the odds of falling onto the tracks precisely when a train is passing by?? Anyhow, suffice to say I'm convinced it was better to stay home. Hopefully we'll find another day to go.

   Also in today's paper I read an opinion piece by David Anber, who responded to an opinion piece about the difficulties of getting a job by Simon Mosca. Anber basically said that what many people are suffering from in the job market is not unfair or evil hiring practices, but rather a sense of entitlement. He writes,

The reality is that life is supposed to be hard work. Nobody, not even someone armed with a prestigious education, is entitled to any job; you need to work for it. Even in a booming economy people need to compete for work of all levels of importance; it is that work ethic that helps move our economy forward.

 

    I thought this was a breath of fresh air, especially coming from a 30 year old. Working with undergrads has opened my eyes to the sense of entitlement that Anber speaks about. I've blogged about it numerous times. Some students want an 'A', demand an 'A', but they're not willing to work for it. Or, they think they've worked sufficiently for an 'A' and don't or won't look at the reality: their work simply wasn't good enough to merit an 'A'. It's harsh but it is what it is.

    I've also met people who believe that because they have a piece of paper they are entitled to a high-paying job. Undoubtedly, these people are capable and probably worthy of a high-paying job but what they seem to forget or reject is the idea that they still have to prove themselves. A degree does not guarantee you are right for the job or even capable for that matter.

     Finally, I agree with Anber about all levels of work. A job at Burger King requires just as much of a worth ethic as does a job flying planes or performing open-heart surgery. Furthermore, there are all kinds of jobs that need to be done. Before hubby and I had Jr., we discussed what we wanted for her: to love and be loved, a strong faith, happiness, a good sense of self... the list goes on and on. One of the things we both agreed on was that she be content with her job. I personally pray that she'll be like her dad and have a positive attitude no matter what she's doing. If she's a waitress or a salesperson or a lawyer or a policewoman...whatever she decides to do, we want her to be happy with it. If she's happy and living up to her God-given potential, then we'll be happy too. I just pray that we see the difference between the potential we think she has and the potential God actually gave her. I don't want her to live up to our expectations but to God's.