Adulthood

[Jagermeistered]

As far as I can see it's always been that way. I can count the number of teachers during my school years who really made learning a joy for us on just one hand.

True! To bad all those teachers specialized in a subject that I had no interest in. However, I did like two teachers in community college(and, I did have favorite childhood teachers, but they do not count anymore because I am older). The two teachers in community college though were about singular topics. And, not the discipline as a whole; they gave me one thought to ponder over, and that is it...

 

[Jagermeistered]

a joy for us on just one hand.

-Kopfhorer

Wait! Am I reading this wrong? 😛 You sick twisted individual...

 

[Amnesiac]

A parent's responsibility to a child is to physically, mentally, and emotionally protect and nurture a child into a well-adjusted, functioning adult capable of happiness. Children are people--however little, ignorant, or inexperienced--and they will have to assume the role of responsible people when they are on their own, however that occurs. So to ensure that that occurs, a parent should be able to assist that transition (NOT transformation) as well as possible.

Abilities are different for everybody. Some people are excellent parents by nature, while others have to learn. Some people are shitty parents no matter how hard they try or how much they learn. Unfortunately, nobody takes this into account when it comes to parents or children's rights, and people are not really allowed to be/not be parents based on their own in/competence but rather on superficial status rankings like socioeconomic status, education credentials, sexual orientation, or racial foundation; emotional and psychological stability and flexibility are never taken into consideration, even in abuse cases. I knew that my personality made me incompatible with children, so I never became a parent because of that; others are not so accepting of their limitations and have children out of a selfish need or want, and the results are often disastrous.

This also extends to children. Some children, like the adults who preceded them, are assertive people who cannot sit still and chase their own ambition; others are passive who need motivation and investment to move forward. And either one improperly handled can develop pathological versions of these types, from sociopathic despot to incurable parasite. But it's hard to answer that question in this case because 1) how do you define legal age? is it an arbitrary thing based on time, a spectrum of measurements based on psychology, or a case-by-case thing determined by individual developments? 2) Regardless of how it's chosen, if a child reaches the "adult" age and doesn't take responsibility for themselves, then something has gone wrong and the people responsible for their well-being have failed at something. The reason should be ascertained and an emergency institution of adaptive leaning should exist to fix that problem.

Currently, we're living in a world that treats children as property or vanity projects; extensions of our own hubris and pride. Children are seen as things that can be "modded" like a computer--with software and hardware uninstalled, reformatted, etc.--to fit the preference of the owner rather than giving the owner the responsibility of learning the "system" they have. As long as this meddlesome attitude persists, we'll never have a way to accurately determine when the right time for adulthood is, because childhood is so beset by arbitrary interference and psychological dysfunction that we don't even really know HOW skilled, adept, or capable children are. Parenthood is too often the bastion of autocratic entitlement than it is the model of constructive progress. If we can fix this, then we can more accurately gauge what it is to be an adult and how to best go about raising them.

 

[Jagermeistered]

Parenthood is too often the bastion of autocratic entitlement than it is the model of constructive progress.

-Amnesiac

If a institution needs to exist - when parents need too be kicked in the throat, you should be the dean, sir. Modern pro-creation is so fucking sad these days! Apparently, individual responsibility is a bugaboo and glorifying stupidity is the new role for the masses these days. That is why I support a controversial action like abortion: protect the sacred from the stupid.

 

[Bohemianne]

IMO, it is very very helpful and efficient if parents pay and take charge of the schooling of the kid until he/she finishes college. While there are stories of college drop-outs who did well in life, the average people can't do that. Some gets astray and struggle hard without the advantage of having credentials.

By age 25, one must have accomplished the basics of life and can take care of himself.

 

[kis123]

This is an interesting topic although I find it ironic that the majority of those who have responded are not parents themselves. Although your opinions, observations, and perspectives are interesting adulthood is going to take on a completely different meaning to those who actually take on the responsibility of parenting and raising children. Based on some of your responses some of you really hate your parents.......I'm sorry that's just what I see.

When "you" were born, there was no instruction manual attached to you so if your parents made mistakes, just do better for your children when it's your turn, ok??

My parents made some miserable mistakes raising us so most of us never had children; out of the six of us women, only two of us had children and one of the two of us actually was a mother to her children (and yes, that's me) and my children will tell you that it wasn't always pretty, but we always made it through together. My other sister struggled with mental health issues that her children and grandchildren are still struggling with. Yes, if not careful it will perpetuate from generation to generation. But with thoughtfulness and care, one can start to break the cycles from previous generational curses.....it is hard as hell, but doable.

My children are now 23 and 27; my oldest is mentally handicapped and Autistic. He has been taught through the "system" that because he's disabled there's little to no responsibility for his decisions-just play the "disability" card when it is convenient! He just made a huge whopper of a poor choice recently and of course my phone blows up! When the powers that be (who make a ton of money for his "care") want me out of the way, they tell me that he is over 18 and acts as his own guardian. But when he spirals out of control, I suddenly become an important part of his life and an integral part of the process.......you know as if I only exist when they can't manage him. Hmmmmm.....very interesting isn't it??

But I digress......on to the OP:

The only thing that the age of 18 really does is create a legal definition of adult. There are some of you on this board that have been adults since you were in grade school. There are some on this board who have yet to show any level of maturity and they've long since been 18. In those instances, "adult" takes on vastly different definitions.......

I digress yet again......sorry, it's been that kind of week!

At some point, mommy and daddy need to cut the friggin' cord on some of these grown-ass children! I've seen way too many examples of grown folks who have not grown up; they are irresponsible, they blame others for everything and never step to their own plate. It's always someone else's fault; as long as one swims in that mindset, they never will grow up and become a responsible adult.

I tell my children regularly that they can make any decision they choose because that's adults do. But those decisions come with either rewards or repercussions and adults accept and deal with said consequences.

Now back to that son of mine who made that really bad choice this week........he will be dealing with the consequences of that poor choice in about a week. I will be there to make sure that whatever consequence is dealt to him is fair and not excessive, but I will NOT shield him from the responsibility of his actions. He knew what he did was wrong when he did it and no disability is going to excuse that behavior. Besides, this is where the rubber meets the road; if he's allowed to get away with this, then there's nothing stopping him from upping the ante until something really bad happens and he becomes a part of the "general population" where he'll be eaten alive! Rather deal with things now while they're embarrassing and inconvenient, but small. He'll learn a valuable lesson and hopefully not make this mistake again! As parents, we are not doing our children fair service shielding them from the consequences of their decisions. Sometimes they need to walk the gauntlet so they know not to go there ever again! Let them feel a little pain once in awhile because pain can be a strong deterrent for future behaviors.

I know this is somewhat sidetracked from the OP, but since it explains IMHO what adulthood is, I don't think I'm that far off.........

 

[c7_assassin]

When I reach adulthood I will let you know.... <3

This.

But in all seriousness, too often the relationship gets taken for granted on both sides. I didn't have a particularly happy childhood, so when I was 18 I left and didn't ask for anything. I barely phoned. Later, when things had cooled off a little and I needed money for school, my parents were so happy to be in my life that it wasn't an issue. As we all get older, they're the ones who like having us around.

I suppose things change when we start having kids of our own. Then the cycle begins again.

 

[chicago]

I notice a lot of responses that, ideally, a parent should support their children until they are prepared to begin a career, in terms of higher education. And that, ultimately, upon completion of this milestone, one becomes an "adult" in more or less words - able to assume responsibility for themselves both financially and mentally/emotionally.

Considering the state of the country, with the price of college tuition rising 5.4% above inflation every year for the past decade (while European countries still have low rates to no rates), and the distribution of wealth in this country becoming more and more disproportional between wealthy Americans and so-called "middle class" Americans, AND considering many families in this country are one-parent families, how does even the most selfless parent(s) ensure that their child has a good future? If they are unable to, does that make some kind of statement about them?

 

[c7_assassin]

Considering the state of the country, with the price of college tuition rising 5.4% above inflation every year for the past decade (while European countries still have low rates to no rates), and the distribution of wealth in this country becoming more and more disproportional between wealthy Americans and so-called "middle class" Americans, AND considering many families in this country are one-parent families, how does even the most selfless parent(s) ensure that their child has a good future? If they are unable to, does that make some kind of statement about them?

If ensuring you have a good future somehow falls on your parents (or anyone else), you may as well give up. No one gives it to you.

 

[kis123]

I notice a lot of responses that, ideally, a parent should support their children until they are prepared to begin a career, in terms of higher education. And that, ultimately, upon completion of this milestone, one becomes an "adult" in more or less words - able to assume responsibility for themselves both financially and mentally/emotionally.

You pose some very interesting issues Annie.

Notice where I bolded, underlined, and italicized; ideally in a perfect world under perfect circumstances, this is how parents want their children to get a healthy start in their adult lives. At least most parents anyway-the last decade I've seen some pretty crappy handling of children by "parents" whose children are IMO the by-products of their irresponsible screwing around! No love, care, or real thought are put into these children and they're lucky to get 3 decent meals a day. It's downright pathetic.........

But there I digress again. Back to your post....

Considering the state of the country, with the price of college tuition rising 5.4% above inflation every year for the past decade (while European countries still have low rates to no rates), and the distribution of wealth in this country becoming more and more disproportional between wealthy Americans and so-called "middle class" Americans, AND considering many families in this country are one-parent families, how does even the most selfless parent(s) ensure that their child has a good future? If they are unable to, does that make some kind of statement about them?

There hasn't been a real middle class since the financial wipeout handed to them in 2008; that was the finisher for what happened 2001-2007. Now that I got that off my chest, let me wrap this up.

I during most of my daughter's college career was spent unemployed or grossly underemployed. I managed to support her in her own apartment and help her with the car payments. That was a poor decision on her part because I NEVER told her she had to move out in the first place. My sacrifices cost me my Jeep and nearly my home.

But if I had it to do over again, I'd probably do it again because I wanted her to have what I didn't at her age......a college degree and flexibility in job/career choices. When I was her age, I was changing her brother's diapers and (except for a few attempts back to school when they were young) had to wait until their mid and late teens to go back to school and complete my education.

She's now moved out (the right way this time) and is making her career in logistics. She would not have had the opportunity if she didn't have the degree. IMHO, parents make those crazy sacrifices so their kids have better chances in life than they did.

 

[chicago]

If ensuring you have a good future somehow falls on your parents (or anyone else), you may as well give up. No one gives it to you.

Appreciate your opinion, and of course there is the responsibility of the child to use the opportunities presented them wisely (although, it is remarkably cheaper for Canadian residents to attend university versus American ones) however, there have been some responses here that it is the responsibility of the parent to do as much as they can to help see their children succeed. There have been responses that imply this means higher education and that without that being provided somewhat for their children, said children will have remarkably less opportunity for success.

To pose another question, how does one achieve that independence / success without higher education, or rather, without assistance from parents?

 

[c7_assassin]

To pose another question, how does one achieve that independence / success without higher education, or rather, without assistance from parents?

I see what you're saying. Of course, no one could. But to me, I'm saying that it's not quite as black and white as a parent supporting a child; after 18 it's a transaction between two adults. You help if I'm in need; I help when you're in need. It's when either party forgets the social contract at the heart of it, that's when the whole relationship turns pathological.

 

[chicago]

I see what you're saying. Of course, no one could. But to me, I'm saying that it's not quite as black and white as a parent supporting a child; after 18 it's a transaction between two adults. You help if I'm in need; I help when you're in need. It's when either party forgets the social contract at the heart of it, that's when the whole relationship turns pathological.

I think this pretty much sums up a lot of what we're all trying to grasp here in this thread, at least more succinctly than I could have, surely.

 

[Jagermeistered]

To the op (Annie Hall) you should be proud of yourself. You`ve had a lot of negative crap thrown your way over the years and are one day going to do very well because you have the appreciation of just how difficult it is to achieve success on your own. Your determination is inspiring, and I enjoy reading how much you`ve grown up over the last few years.

I raised two daughters for the most part as a single parent. From my experience I don`t think you can place an age on when they are ready for adulthood. I payed for their college education, and felt like both did their best, but not without problems. My oldest took a two year break after her second year of college to be a waitress, mostly because she couldn`t quite figure out what to do with her life and the fact she worked at a busy restaurant and was making good tips. Looking back I think she need some extra time to mature. She`s now a RN at one of the largest hospitals in St. Louis and I couldn`t be prouder. My youngest daughter hated college, quit after one semester and worked at Macys for several months until she figured out she wasn`t going to make the money she desired. So we sat down one evening and discussed her options. After much thought she decided to attend a one year business college that would train her specific for her chosen field. She seems happy, and has the option to further her degree if she wants to move up the ladder. To sum my situation up, my oldest was 27 when she graduated nursing school, and the youngest was 23.

Student loans muddy the waters, too. As I said, I footed the bill for both girls and feel it was the right decision. They are on their own, and have yet to ask for a handout. Some college graduates are up to their neck in loans, and are having a difficult time finding a good paying job in this economy. They simply cannot afford to live on their own...its a vicious cycle.

That is truly an awesome post here, unclebill.

We may not agree a lot in our politics, but the real story of you and your daughters is truly nice. You made a bet, and won! Your profit is happiness, and that is of the most highest in life - in my honest opinion. 😀

I will not go into the student loan issue though in this thread.

 

[unclebill]

That is truly an awesome post here, unclebill.

We may not agree a lot in our politics, but the real story of you and your daughters is truly nice. You made a bet, and won! Your profit is happiness, and that is of the most highest in life - in my honest opinion. 😀

I will not go into the student loan issue though in this thread.

Thanks, Jagermeistered.

 

[Jagermeistered]

To pose another question, how does one achieve that independence / success without higher education, or rather, without assistance from parents?

Sorry, I missed this question...

Not all parents have capital(income/savings) to invest in their kids after a certain age though(parents are not godly). What if they expense those amounts until their(the child) reach legal age of "adulthood," but afterwords it is not always a social-contract. The parent(s) only expensed those amounts so they would not be looked down as assholes, child neglecters, child abusers - by society. Basically, they were not fitted for parenthood before and after conception.

Simplification is improbable when human nature is treated like a constant.

 

[chicago]

Sorry, I missed this question...

Not all parents have capital(income/savings) to invest in their kids after a certain age though(parents are not godly). What if they expense those amounts until their(the child) reach legal age of "adulthood," but afterwords it is not always a social-contract. The parent(s) only expensed those amounts so they would not be looked down as assholes, child neglecters, child abusers - by society. Basically, they were not fitted for parenthood before and after conception.
Simplification is improbable when human nature is treated like a constant.

Actually, that was exactly my situation. Mom raised me saying she'd work two jobs, scrub floors, whatever to send me to college. My older sister's father was in the Vietnam war and exposed to Agent Orange so she gets government grants to go to school. However, when the time came for me to go to school, I was brainwashed into thinking attending a community college was somehow beneath me, so instead went to a more expensive state school. They estimated that my "family contribution" was upwards of 14 grand a year. Of course, we couldn't afford this, so both my mother and I took out loans. Unfortunately, she only held up her side of the deal for about a year and then wouldn't allow me to use her financial information after that. I tried to apply as an independent, but couldn't unless I could prove abuse.

Frustrating to say the least, but as I get older, not sure I can really blame her.

 

[kis123]

Actually, that was exactly my situation. Mom raised me saying she'd work two jobs, scrub floors, whatever to send me to college. My older sister's father was in the Vietnam war and exposed to Agent Orange so she gets government grants to go to school. However, when the time came for me to go to school, I was brainwashed into thinking attending a community college was somehow beneath me, so instead went to a more expensive state school. They estimated that my "family contribution" was upwards of 14 grand a year. Of course, we couldn't afford this, so both my mother and I took out loans. Unfortunately, she only held up her side of the deal for about a year and then wouldn't allow me to use her financial information after that. I tried to apply as an independent, but couldn't unless I could prove abuse.

Frustrating to say the least, but as I get older, not sure I can really blame her.

I don't want to be insulting to your mother, but as a mother...........she was just plain wrong

You have managed to do a lot on your own behalf and for that, I'm extremely proud of you.

But you must keep pushing forward in any and every way you can until you get what you need from that beast of a system. I can help you out in some ways....but can't cover every base.

I know this must be tough as hell for you......but if you can get through the cracks, issues, and drama.....you can get to the next level in your quest.

Unclebill said some very positive things about you.......he is right and I totally agree.....you have grown exponentially in wisdom and continue to ask the questions. The answers will come in the right time.....just hang in there.....

I wish I had something that can cover all of your bases and solve all of your problems. I really do......however, you can do this one step at a time if you're patient.....give it time.

 

[Canadian_Eh]

The younger generation are spoiled more than ever nowadays.

This is a pretty blanket statement from older generations right now. The truth is, The Generation Y (1980-1990 about) and the "Baby Boomer's" have a very different opinion of how the world should work.

The "Gen Y's" are now faced with a world that is no longer the same as it used to be. Getting a job is much harder and education is everything!. The truth is that "ladder" that the Baby Boomers talk about needing to climb to "work your way up" no longer exists. The Gen Y's are having to work much harder for much less of a reward. Most young people are considered "job hoppers" cause they don't stay at one job for a long time, like people used to do all the time. The truth is, you can't anymore. Most jobs do not have opportunity for advancement or a chance to climb the ladder to better success. Those options simply aren't there anymore. It's a different world we live in now.

When we were kids, our parents always told us "We could do and be anything we wanted to be, if we just worked hard enough" Unforunately, that's just not true. So now we're trying to adapt to an economy that still runs the way the Baby Boomers did, and imo, that just simply isn't working.

I don't think that our generation is more "entitled" but in fact, we're more realistic about what what we need in life to get by, and I don't even mean in a comfortable way, I just mean making ends meet and we're more okay with going to look for success elsewhere.

 

[Bothersome]

This is a pretty blanket statement from older generations right now. The truth is, The Generation Y (1980-1990 about) and the "Baby Boomer's" have a very different opinion of how the world should work.

The "Gen Y's" are now faced with a world that is no longer the same as it used to be. Getting a job is much harder and education is everything!. The truth is that "ladder" that the Baby Boomers talk about needing to climb to "work your way up" no longer exists. The Gen Y's are having to work much harder for much less of a reward. Most young people are considered "job hoppers" cause they don't stay at one job for a long time, like people used to do all the time. The truth is, you can't anymore. Most jobs do not have opportunity for advancement or a chance to climb the ladder to better success. Those options simply aren't there anymore. It's a different world we live in now.

When we were kids, our parents always told us "We could do and be anything we wanted to be, if we just worked hard enough" Unforunately, that's just not true. So now we're trying to adapt to an economy that still runs the way the Baby Boomers did, and imo, that just simply isn't working.

I don't think that our generation is more "entitled" but in fact, we're more realistic about what what we need in life to get by, and I don't even mean in a comfortable way, I just mean making ends meet and we're more okay with going to look for success elsewhere.

I can personally guarantee that everything you just said went in one ear, and out the other.

But, you're right. Getting a job is pretty tough these days. The older generations have a hard time understanding that, since they've been sitting in their comfortable career positions for the last 20~ years.

 

[c7_assassin]

This is a pretty blanket statement from older generations right now. The truth is, The Generation Y (1980-1990 about) and the "Baby Boomer's" have a very different opinion of how the world should work.

The "Gen Y's" are now faced with a world that is no longer the same as it used to be. Getting a job is much harder and education is everything!. The truth is that "ladder" that the Baby Boomers talk about needing to climb to "work your way up" no longer exists. The Gen Y's are having to work much harder for much less of a reward. Most young people are considered "job hoppers" cause they don't stay at one job for a long time, like people used to do all the time. The truth is, you can't anymore. Most jobs do not have opportunity for advancement or a chance to climb the ladder to better success. Those options simply aren't there anymore. It's a different world we live in now.

When we were kids, our parents always told us "We could do and be anything we wanted to be, if we just worked hard enough" Unforunately, that's just not true. So now we're trying to adapt to an economy that still runs the way the Baby Boomers did, and imo, that just simply isn't working.

I don't think that our generation is more "entitled" but in fact, we're more realistic about what what we need in life to get by, and I don't even mean in a comfortable way, I just mean making ends meet and we're more okay with going to look for success elsewhere.

This is true. What we expect for ourselves is based on an unsustainable model. Unless we decide to re-bomb Germany and Japan (and better throw in China, too) there's no chance of anyone alive today 'retiring.'

 

[Bohemianne]

To the op (Annie Hall) you should be proud of yourself. You`ve had a lot of negative crap thrown your way over the years and are one day going to do very well because you have the appreciation of just how difficult it is to achieve success on your own. Your determination is inspiring, and I enjoy reading how much you`ve grown up over the last few years.

I raised two daughters for the most part as a single parent. From my experience I don`t think you can place an age on when they are ready for adulthood. I payed for their college education, and felt like both did their best, but not without problems. My oldest took a two year break after her second year of college to be a waitress, mostly because she couldn`t quite figure out what to do with her life and the fact she worked at a busy restaurant and was making good tips. Looking back I think she need some extra time to mature. She`s now a RN at one of the largest hospitals in St. Louis and I couldn`t be prouder. My youngest daughter hated college, quit after one semester and worked at Macys for several months until she figured out she wasn`t going to make the money she desired. So we sat down one evening and discussed her options. After much thought she decided to attend a one year business college that would train her specific for her chosen field. She seems happy, and has the option to further her degree if she wants to move up the ladder. To sum my situation up, my oldest was 27 when she graduated nursing school, and the youngest was 23.

Student loans muddy the waters, too. As I said, I footed the bill for both girls and feel it was the right decision. They are on their own, and have yet to ask for a handout. Some college graduates are up to their neck in loans, and are having a difficult time finding a good paying job in this economy. They simply cannot afford to live on their own...its a vicious cycle.

Congratulations, unclebill! 🙂

 

[mabus]

This question has many answers:

When they get a job.

When they learn to behave.

When they take responsibility for their actions.

When they decide to help others instead of being needy and having a hand sticking out all the time say "Filler up!"

Some people never grow up!

Others can have all these attributes, but can't afford to move out because of economic conditions, but are more adult than old people.

Here in Louisiana, MOST jobs don't pay much of anything, and rent and living expenses are high and rising.

Dave Ramsey, debt relief radio host, says you should never buy a house or rent an apartment where you pay more than a 1/4 (1/3 ?) of your take home pay.
My answer down here is..... "HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The average apartment in the ghetto where you'll be robbed every day is over $400, the standard is easily over $500, and most are under $1,000.
MOST jobs pay less than $10 an hour.

I know scores of people who work for the state, some who are teachers, some who have two jobs.....who all live at home with whatever parent they have left.

It's really not that much of a stigma anymore, at least in the second poorest state in the nation..

Because after all that, it becomes "If that's your situation, do you hold a steady job, help around the house, pay bills, not do drugs, be an asshole, cause trouble, etc." or you don't even have a job,
sit on your ass all day while the house falls apart, cause trouble, get arrested, contribute nothing, don't even take the garbage out, etc.? There's sadly a lot of this over here and
elsewhere also!

Then you add to that one, "Okay, if you live by yourself, but are getting government money in some form of welfare, can you judge someone who ISN'T mooching
off the government, but still lives at home, or moved back after a divorce, hardship, etc.?" I've had plenty of co-workers in the past...A LOT, who sure, lived on their own.....with much
government welfare to help. Shit......I've known people who got government welfare....who STILL lived at home!!

 

[venray]

, since they've been sitting in their comfortable career positions for the last 20~ years.

Ummm...no....There ia no such thing as a "comfortable career position" Anyone can lose their job and be easily replaced at any time. Ask the "older generation" how easy it is to get a job after they lose their current one....near impossible......If you dont get this then you are missing how the real world works (or doesnt) these days....

 

[chicago]

When it comes to the Millennials, they have been raised as a generation with a feeling of entitlement and at the same time handled with kid gloves by hippie parents.

No dodgeball during recess, but told every day "You can be whatever you want to be. You're special. Here's a trophy, even though you lost."

They were told that university is the only way these days and that if you don't go, you won't be successful. (Truth is, had I stayed at the job I was at back in Chicago, within a few years, I would have been making a satisfactory salary that would have allowed me the independence I was looking for - without college.) With my family situation (which was well known to my guidance counselor) instead of suggesting I go to fucking Northwestern (ridiculous 30 grand a year tuition or something) he should have suggested a trade school of some kind. I would have had a decent job at the time when I needed it most.

Many of those Millennials didn't work any part time jobs through high school or college. They were told to focus on school. Now when they enter the very difficult working world, they are sensitive, whiny, have no idea how to act in a professional environment. Their parents are calling to see if "Jimmy made it in ok." or to check on pending applications. There are even seminars for employers on how to handle this generation.

I'm not saying they are all like that, but I grew up much the same way. The real world kinda kicked my ass and made me realize life does not always follow the fairy tale that they laid out for us, jobs are hard to come by, and to appreciate the value of a dollar. Had I not really changed my way of thinking, I would be just another one of those spoiled brats.

Really? Who's fault is it that kids grew up this way? Let's be honest, most people CANT be whatever they want to be, even if they try their hardest. Most people are not special in any way. And what does giving a kid a trophy for losing really do for him in the long run? Sure, college is great, but it shouldn't be the only option we give our kids. It's not for everyone. And I'm not going to say who has it worse, baby boomers or millennials. Although, the job market (in Chicago at least) for 18-25 year olds was pretty cruel. 25% unemployment rate. But of course you're going to hire someone with experience over someone without any experience. And if I was an employer, I'd probably rather hire the disgruntled old man that knows how to put in hours, versus the wimpy kid that calls his mom on his lunch break.

So, I see both sides of it.