Non Working Young Adult Kids Today

[Foche4]

Does anyone have a kid over 18 that does not seem motivated to work? I have a son who hasn't worked since graduating and does not seem worried about it. I also have a nephew that's been doing unemployment on and off for the past 2 years. Neither of them are living off us parents, but it upsets me that neither seems to be eager to get out there. I was embarassed after leaving military that I had to collect unemployment for 4 weeks till I found a job. I can't seem to motivate either kid. I'm seeing this with some friend's kids and other young adults too. I pray they get motivated and start feeling good about themselves again.
A good job just won't find themselves.

[gma dolittle]

My neighbor's son is 19 and has played around all summer instead of looking for work. Yet when he became ill, he demanded his mother take him to the doctor because he has no insurance. She is disabled has a measly $500 a month to live on. He comes up to my house and jumps on her when things doesn't go his way. I told her the next time he did that, I would be in his face and he may see some un-christian-like behavior. I will not having him treat his mother that way in MY home. She is divorced and has no one to help her should she need help and he certainly won't help her. Pray for me because he makes me angry! grandma

[Raphael]

It's an entitlement attitude that I believe has gotten progressively worse as America's nanny-state system grows.

A Christian influence of course (generally) motivates a Christian to avoid being idle. But the warning "If any would not work, neither shall he eat" (II Thessalonians 3:10) seems to be ignored in all types of American society. Our children (generally) do not experience real need. I'm not saying that none of them "hit the skids", but there are so many safety nets, agencies, helpful relatives, and charitable folks that many have learned to work the system. A terrible witness for a land whose Lady Liberty "lifts her lamp beside the golden door" for the "tired, the poor, the huddled masses." If upcoming generations don't shape up, look for a new land of tired, poor, and huddled masses.

[carol1948]

I know times are different now, but children do not develope that 'entitlement' attitude over night. Since they see and hear it everywhere outside the home, mom and/or dad must diligently instill an attitude of self-reliance under God into them in the home. Don't ask me how, my children are already raised and I fear my grandkids are developing the entitlement and demanding attitude. They don't come to grandpa and grandma's house very often because we 'aren't much fun'. Maranatha!

[Raphael]

You are right - it takes time, dedication, and teamwork to develop a self-defeating (and nation-defeating) attitude. The influential instruct the impressionable until, after consistent and steady effort, failure is achieved.

[Shannon9602]

I never thought of this as an entitlement attitude but I thought this was just a new trend nowadays. I have noticed the young kids/adult that do work do not put in much effort. You can see it by their attitude and the sloppy job they do. I wish those girls would stop flirting and pay attention to my order!

[Foche4]

Both of these kids were raised in a Christian Home. And they both had to work while going to school if they didnt do any school activities. It just became an issue after graduating. I think the one is depressed about himself and the other is maybe the same. Trying to stay positive on them, I give advice, actually lined up 2 jobs for one and he never showed up. Im guessing they will need to hit bottom and have to bounce back up. We dont give them any money. Sad-just pray for them and try to motivate them.

[Acts5:41]

Well, when I was about 12 my parents told me, even though I had a disability, if I continued to live at home after age 18 I'd have to pay rent.

After graduation, I would be responsible for supporting myself. I moved out and eloped the day after I turned 18 and I never looked back. I never expected anything from my parents.

When I was told I could get food stamps, I said "I have enough to eat".

I think the difference: my parents told me I would be self-supporting. They expected no less, and would not tolerate any "mooching". The kids today are taught they are too - whatever - to be self supporting and will have to rely on others to sustain them.

I actually witnessed a young man at the bank. He told me he was 28. His working mother cashed her paycheck and gave him about half of it. He turned and looked at me , and said 'Y'all can take care of yourselves, but my generation needs some help."

My husband was also raised with a good work ethic, and goes to work blind and in a wheelchair, partially paralyzed on one side.

They don't believe they can do it. They don't believe they need to work, either.

I grew up with a stepmother and some step siblings. She was always bailing them out, paying their bills, and ensuring they didn't have to do for themselves. They did not turn out well. I was basically ignored and told to do it on my own; and have never asked them for any money.

I would also stop "lining up" jobs for them. They will just ruin your credibility.

Trust me, when they want a job, they'll find it. In Houston anyone can get a day job by going to a temporary labor place, and becoming a "human sign" for one day. They stand on a corner, holding a sign, kind of like I do, but they don't hand anything out.

[tbrian40]

Jmho of course but I believe 9-11-2001 created many fears in our society. It would take an essay to explain this to you and I don't like essays. Media and social opinions have changed since that infamous day. The communists (liberals) have conveyed to the public masses that no one deserves to go without and everyone should be given 'securities' regardless if the individual works hard to earn it. God's Word teaches us that this is wrong. Let's just be honest; many parents do not know the Lord which was passed on by their parents. Emperor BHO will receive the monthly job reports on Friday, July 6. How do you think that is going to go?

[IMSAVED]

My daughter did not work whole going to high school.She was a straight A student and was active with the Dance Team.She needed her down time and that was ok with me.While going to College she was required to work on campus part time.My daugther was married not long ago and I do not have a problem at all.I have raised a very wise and responsible young lady.

[Foche4]

Both boys were hard workers growing up. There's plenty of jobs here but its just not a job THEY want to do. I'm seeing it more and it from others too. These individuals with no education, no skills, no experience, no good job history, and hate to say it common sense or respect for the work place cant expect to find jobs they actually enjoy. Many people are workng jobs which they are currectly very over qualified. Maybe it is the entitlement attitude which someone brought up. They seem to only be worried about what someone can do for me, instead of working for it. Enough whinning from me.

Everyone Thank a Vet and Thank GOD we have our freedom. Have a Happy 4th of July ya'll.

[carol1948]

I suggest these young people be put on notice, example: Beginning one month from today you have a job (even a part time job at a fast food place pays enough for them to pay room and board on a regular basis) and begin to pay for your room and board or leave. If you continue to allow them to live w/o any responsibility you are contributing to the situation. It's never too late to begin to correct a problem, it is just more difficult now than it would have been had they known and believed the expectations on the front end.

[PickensSlim]

Both of these kids were raised in a Christian Home. And they both had to work while going to school if they didnt do any school activities. It just became an issue after graduating. I think the one is depressed about himself and the other is maybe the same. Trying to stay positive on them, I give advice, actually lined up 2 jobs for one and he never showed up. Im guessing they will need to hit bottom and have to bounce back up. We dont give them any money. Sad-just pray for them and try to motivate them.

Do they live with you? Do you charge them for food and utilities?

Just a thought.

[Foche4]

No we are not supporting these kids or young adults. They live out on their own. Both living with friends in pretty ugly places w/o air cond and recently one w/o hot water to shower. One basically living off unemployment and one off saved up money and graduation money. We havent given each a dime. Just trying to help with suggestions and trying to stay positive on them. Not sure why they are like this. I was just looking for others stories and seeing what its like in other places. I just brought it up from hearing some of the same stories at work too.
I kind of look at it as a sign of the US getting on the hand out band wagon. Everyone feels they are entitled to stuff. Same with OBAMA care and all these gifts from the government. Government will just keep growing n growing. Good kids just not very smart right now.

Good ideas but were doing it already. Thanks

[Mom2ten]

My landlord is 43 and has been unemployed for 2.5 years. He has 2 degrees but is not really pushing to find a job. His only source of income is the rent I pay and it's really hard most times to get him to do something around here.

[Raphael]

Tell your landlord that you have an estimate of 45 dollars to upgrade all the plumbing and fixtures in your bathroom, and is it all right if you deduct that amount from next month's rent? If he agrees, be late with your rent. When he calls, tell him, "Sorry, they got my order mixed up. They installed gold faucets throughout the house, and charged me $17,000 - so it will be a while before I can pay any rent." Let him stew a moment, then say "KIDDING!" It will give him something to think about.

Back to topic - it's hard to face, but sometimes folks have to hit bottom (as stated above) before they can awaken. There's many a successful mogul out there who can tell plenty of stories about poverty and hard times that motivated them.

"I swear, I'll never be hungry again!" -Scarlett O'Hara, "Gone with the Wind"

[Shannon9602]

My landlord is 43 and has been unemployed for 2.5 years. He has 2 degrees but is not really pushing to find a job. His only source of income is the rent I pay and it's really hard most times to get him to do something around here.

I wonder if he is depressed or has a disability you are not aware of ??

[IMSAVED]

I would hope that those who are disabled and not capable of working are not included in this thread.I know some that would like to work but just are not capable.Their are those who are disabled and are able to keep down a job.

[Shannon9602]

I would hope that those who are disabled and not capable of working are not included in this thread.I know some that would like to work but just are not capable.Their are those who are disabled and are able to keep down a job.

I am disable and not capable. That does not sound very christian.

[Foche4]

This wasnt meant even remotely to be against people with disabilities. If you feel that way-I apologize. I was just venting some on 2 young adults that are strong, very capable, not being supported by family with money or place to live which are just chosing not to work. I guess I was just venting and wanted to hear others stories. I just frustrated on some of these kids feeling everything is just entitled to them. Boys that I know will just have to fall and be brought back up.

Again it was nothing against anyone with disabilities. I know what you mean if you cant work. A close relative has severe case of MS at age 32. Before that she was one of the best women ball players around. She hasnt been able to work and has been bed ridden for last few years.