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Oh, the Baby Boomers' parents (the so-called "Greatest Generation," roughly speaking) definitely had a strong work ethic. Because they HAD to. They came of age during the Great Depression and WWII. They had fewer alternatives. Plus, I think they had more humble expectations of life. The social and economic turmoil of the 30s and 40s made them yearn for simpler lives wherein they could have a nice little house and raise a nice family.
The point is that we are all products of our environments. That doesn't mean that our circumstances determine who we always will be. But they certainly have an impact in shaping us and our expectations. Ever read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell? Good book, and he talks about just that.
I guess my mentality is that I have to, also. I live in a city that reminds me of what environment can do. We had tens of thousands of homeless.. drug addicts, gambling addicts... I will not be one of them.
Well, there are always outliers. Compared to my friends and family of similar age, I'm currently one, myself.
But, collectively speaking, do you not agree that the Baby Boomers have been very fortunate?
Still how were they fortunate? My young one is a year from college. If he duplicated my college experience he would pay $165,000 maximum in tuition. Adjusted for inflation I paid $135,000, so he would pay about $5,000 a year more. A burden but not impossible. As I stated in an earlier post my federal student loans were at least 8%. My first mortgage was 12%, multiple stock market "corrections" gutted retirement funds, declining housing markets, etc. etc.
Its funny but when I'm feeling mean-spirited I get angry at all of the options/information/opportunities available to younger people that I didn't have access to in my youth .....................
When I talk to younger folks today I think they feel there was a time period when all was easy ...... that must have been those damn "older" boomers who had the good fortune to be born at the right time
Well, there are always outliers. Compared to my friends and family of similar age, I'm currently one, myself.
But, collectively speaking, do you not agree that the Baby Boomers have been very fortunate?
Sorry, I meant to comment on the "outlier" thing.................I've played blackjack at the casino for well over 10,000 hours now, just can't seem to get the hang of being successful at the game. I want a refund from Amazon
When did I whine about not making it? As an immigrant, I've done pretty well, thank you, as has my immigrant former spouse (we're both from another wealthy western country). I'm going through a bit of a rough patch right now, professionally speaking, but I know I'll land firmly on my feet once again, as I always do. I could easily return to my native country, but I love a challenge, and I'm determined. Most immigrants are.
But to suggest that there is no drastic income inequality in the US, or to shrug at it, is foolish. But that topic is for another thread.
Who cares if you're an immigrant? You're still whining? Where did I say there was no income inequality?
My point is that if you want to achieve your definition of success, you may still do so.
You made the equivalent of $125,000 selling furniture? Today, that job pays minimum wage or close to it. Don't you see? THAT'S why we're complaining. That's the problem. Jobs pay a fraction of what they used to (when adjusted for inflation).
No, HERE'S the problem: the "young" people of today come out with every excuse under the sun why they will fail BEFORE THEY EVEN TRY. That example of selling furniture was just that - an example. The point was that if you are truly motivated, you will find a way to earn a good living. But the "young" are too busy weeping and wailing about how hard it is to get by, and how all the old people take all the good jobs, and how it's so different now. The give up before they even start, which is a guarantee of failure.
I blame helicopter parents who micromanaged every second of their precious flower's lives, making them victims of learned helplessness. THAT'S why I'm complaining. Because when I was "young" jobs paid a fraction of what grownups were making. That's because those entry level jobs are just a starting point. But the precious flower was raised being told that they could have a great job. Sadly, mom and dad failed to fill them in on that little thing called "paying your dues".
What I see are a bunch of whining entitled brats that are complaining because life if hard. Deal with it. And do what it takes to earn that $125,000. Somebody is. Why not make it you? Or will you just curl up in the fetal position, and quit before you even try?
sorry, i meant to comment on the "outlier" thing.................i've played blackjack at the casino for well over 10,000 hours now, just can't seem to get the hang of being successful at the game. I want a refund from amazon
I made a very comfortable living in another state before we moved, but I've made definite inroads here, and I will continue to do so.
My point was that even the most ambitious, hard-working, determined, smart, skilled, competent individuals can experience great misfortune that all the planning in the world couldn't have prepared them for. They can lose everything, or almost everything, through no fault of their own, as the last few years since the downturn has proven. Sometimes, even the best and brightest can fall through the cracks.
Bootstrappers seem to either deny that fact or to be oblivious to it.
That's always been the case. The key is "prepare".
I'm not sure why you hate those folks that have made something of themselves through their own hard work and determination. If "bootstrappers" are so vile to you, what would the alternative be? How else does one get ahead other than through their own hard work?
If you think your a 1 man show then I suggest you leave the US and go start your own country. That's an insult to all of the people who make your life comfortable in this society.
You wouldn't have a business if it wasn't for a stable society. Good employees. That loan. Etc, etc.
I understand that you may have worked hard, but there were many other factors that played into you getting where your at (not to take ANYTHING away from you, at all).
The 2nd wealthiest man I've ever met (1st was from Enron) had a quote. "We're all just turtles on a fencepost"
Good lord.....Elizabeth Warren. Is this you?
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Compared to my friends and family of similar age, I'm currently one, myself.
