<![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I'm late on this, but seriously, doesn't anyone realize that the "older generation" has been accusing the "younger generation" of having a sense of entitlement since time began? It always makes me laugh when people say it and think it's more true now than it was before.

And I'm sorry, but this whole working 9 to 5 thing is pretty much bullshit, and yeah, work is hard, and to eat you have to work, but the only reason our society functions like this is because it has lost its soul.

georgewroth

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> In my four years since graduating college, I've worked two in America and two in the UK. I've found that even though in both places I've been in an industry (PR)I find deeply unfilling and infinitely capable of causing occupational depression, it's a bit easier to deal with in the UK because there isn't the same focus on being successful straight out of college. People here are driven, but work is far from the most important thing in life. My friends in the States are always talking about their jobs, and pay rises, and their plans for career domination, then reacting in horror when I tell them I'm about to leave my job and go traveling for a year. I think the pressure we put on ourselves to be instantly successful is what leaves so many people feeling frustrated when they have to slog it out in entry-level jobs.

cranberryglass

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> oh my god. please no more posts by bloggers telling us to suck it up and work hard at our cubicle jobs. did your dad also tell you that "as long as your work is not immoral, unethical, or illegal - well, then it's good work," assuming you can do it from your couch and in pajamas?

the sentiment here is right. whiny, entitled college grads give us all a bad name. but the preachiness of this post is out of control.

emmybee

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> "...then when you step foot in the workplace you realize it is like all you have is a piece of paper. Kind of sad."

Yeah, that *is* all you have. And a nascent, still-developing sense of who you are. Now go make something of both those things.

The world owes you nothing. You, however, owe yourself a lot.

Kellimanjaro

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @mujerpoder: I would love to take on that grunt job, if it's open now? Contact me?

Her Grace

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @librisdraconis: That's my problem. I can't find anything related to my educational qualifications, and no one wants me for mindless tasks like filing (which I would be happy to do!) because I'm overqualified. For fuck's sake, just employ me and let me prove I'm a dedicated worker no matter the task. I've lost all of my motivation in the past two months of constantly applying for work and not ever hearing anything back--would it kill someone to at least tell me why I was rejected so I can fix the problem?

Her Grace

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Uh, how many of you were business majors?

Because I gotta tell you, that opens up a lot more doors. And the entitlement is slightly higher there because you have way more financial skills than the average liberal arts major. Even if you can balance your own checkbook. Great! Whatever! If you're going to work in a corporate job, you need verbal communication/written communication skills AND the ability to whoop somebody's ass in journal entries and analyzing sales & financial reports.

4 years of what you like to do = 50 years of what you don't want to do

4 years of what you don't really love but what is probably practical (probably business or engineering) = 50 or less years of getting to choose what you want to do, including starting your own business

Sure, you can major in Advertising and walk into an ad agency/PR agency/consumer packaged goods company with your portfolio. But walk in with a related course work list of business classes WITH specific, detailed examples of the kinds of projects you worked on and the financial skills you learned? You'll go way further, faster.

LEARN YER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ladies. Take two classes.

haricot

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Paying dues is important in appreciating any job at all. I went straight form undergrad to grad school, thinking "I'm hot shit with an M.A." When it took me 8 months to find a job, I was really grateful. It was grunt work with an international NGO, but it was a PAYCHECK and I could move off of the futons on which I was squatting. Now I live overseas and work with refugees (and read Jezebel during the work day when not in the field!). Hurray!

mujerpoder

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @ceejeemcbeegee: minimum wage in most of this country is $5.85. one of my jobs is in a "semi-skilled" profession and make $7.50 an hour, which is considered good money around here.

meetkimgordon

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> What always kills me is my student life of 12-16 hour days, five days a week, two jobs and 18 hours of commuting a week because I can't afford to live near school is constantly being called lazy.

When I am exhausted at the end of every week, the woman I work with at one of my jobs who sits behind a computer spending her free time yelling at inanimate objects or taking forty minute coffee breaks says to me, "Well, that's LIFE! Get used to it!"

Fuck this noise indeed. If this is life I'd rather have nothing to do with it.

I'd rather work to live, not live to work.

laurafin

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I'm graduating from high school in a couple months. I've had three "crappy" jobs since I turned sixteen, and at every one of them, I thought it was so much better than school, never mind that I was actually getting paid. I never got spending money from my parents. When I first started working, the fact that all of a sudden, I could actually buy new clothes and go out to eat with my friends every now and then was amazing.

ListedMIA

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> personally, I'm just hoping to be able to get a job. In my field would be nice, but not likely. I'm just waiting for every objection to be "you don't have enough experience" or "you're overqualified".

librisdraconis

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> As a member of Gen Y...I do not feel like a member of Gen Y. I am in college, and I have a job. And it is awful, but I have to have it so I can eat and pay for shit. I assume when I get out of college I will have another awful job, which I will need so I can eat and pay for even more things than I am currently paying for.

As my dad once told me about work: You're not supposed to like it. You're just supposed to do it.

mjsantiago3

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> As a Gen-Yer graduating this year, I'd first like to say that the other generations didn't have to deal with what we do. Things were a lot more "free" in those days. You could get out of high school and still be competitive. You had more time to play around than we did and you had a MUCH nicer market. Let's be fair here.

Part of the reason why I complain is because of the other generations. They really don't understand that not everyone is chasing the dollar bill. I am one person taking care of me and not trying to be stuck in a job that is going to make me scream bloody murder. All I want is a steady job where I'm happy and there are (mostly) good people around me. Is that so much to ask for? My mom is always bugging me. "Why can't you find a job that pays lots of money?" Because I want a job that I won't hate, especially if I'm possibly spending over 9 hours of my day there and missing the sun.

Also, I don't mind doing the grunt work but be honest about it. I can't tell you how many places put up job ads where they're like "You're going to be doing X,Y, and Z challenging, interesting jobs" but in reality it's really filing and copying with maybe one challenging, interesting thing to do every blue moon.

C_Spot

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Young people should realize work isn't always pleasant; at the same time they shouldn't be dead-enders who settle for whatever earns a paycheck. Life's too short for mediocrity.

citymuse

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Alipaps: OMG! My sister was going to declare bankruptcy (racked up major credit card debt and had no real job, as mentioned), and decided that her credit was going to be shitty after that so she better get a new car NOW! She had a fairly new Honda Pilot (got it in the divorce from the ex, felt like a soccer mom in it), and did she trade it in for something of equal value? NO! She bought a new ridiculously gas guzzling Dodge Charger, leather and sunroof, totally tricked out (with a chain link license plate holder and skull door locks), and took out a $15k loan on it. She says she can't come visit me with the kids (yes, there are kids) because she can't buy gas!

shoebunny

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Useless interns? Pah! I'd kill to get an internship. I get to work in a call centre this summer, where I will be treated as a disposable worker. And that's the best I can aspire to.

Phalene

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I had the good fortune to work in my dream job for 5 years - but I had to leave because of an insidious work culture that included harassment, surveillance, etc., and the owner was sued for discrimination in a case so gross I can't even talk about it. Fortunately the experience is one I can use in the future and build upon.

trikitixa

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I am a GenXer with a fancy East Coast private school education. I quit my desk job when I realized that I was busting my ass and I really wasn't doing anything except facilitating the movement of paper from my desk to someone else's desk. I am now in the restaurant industry and I see this laziness all of the time with younger employees who don't think that they need to do the more "demeaning" parts of their jobs. I try to take them aside and ask who do they think should be doing it. It sure as fuck isn't me, your supervisor. After we have that straight, it usually works itself out, but there is a sense of entitlement that I really don't get. Most jobs have an element of "shitty" to them.

foodandshoes

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> It's true. I graduated last May too and have a "great" job at a very well-respected studio as a graphic designer. I've learned so much from my awesome/genius boss, get to wear sneakers and t-shirts to work everyday, have already won a few awards for a giant project I did a month after I left school...and what? Somehow I've managed to loose a huge amount of passion for it. Sometimes, I just want to move into a closet in New York, and work as a writer by day/DJ by night. It's foolish and selfish, but yeah, that's why I can't argue against my generation thoroughly sucking.

Now, did anyone learn anything from reading this? Nope. But I needed to submit to the urge to speak of my own life experience as if it is the only one that matters. Hole. Dug. Deeper.

Lipstickiller

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> It's probably not fair to single out the gen-yers. It wasn't that long ago when we x-ers were commonly referred to as the slacker generation. The best employee I've ever had is a gen-yer. She's hard working, diligent at every task, willing to learn, etc, etc.

That said, there is something to the recent rash of articles and books on this subject. It's not so much a sense of entitlement they are struggling with; I think it would be better to say they have unrealistic expectations. You may have the best degree, from the best school, with the highest gpa, but that's down on the list of things employers look at. Businesses don't need intelligent, we need productive. Moral: In order to get promoted out of that menial job you are over-qualified to do, you first have to show you can do it really well.

quantrail

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @shoebunny: My brother just wrecked his Jeep, (luckily, he paid his overdue insurance premium the day before the accident,) and now he needs a new car. And by new, I mean, some type of vehicle to replace what he had. He walked away with 8k after the lien was paid off. You think he's looking for something reasonable, affordable, even? NO- he wants a Caddy. And he is absolutely downfounded that NO ONE will give him a loan. Yeah, defaulting on a credit card and your student loans will do that, buddy.

Alipaps

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> i'm still in school, but work part-time as a waitress as chili's. the money is decent, but i'm mainly there to encourage myself to do better in school. "at least if you have a degree, you won't have to wear an apron to work!"

though you're all saying this could be false. this troubles me.

sushi314

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> This article and comment thread was just the thing I needed because I spent yesterday having a nervous breakdown about the fact I'm graduating in May, yet I don't have any job opportunities lined up. I was getting really depressed that I'm going to wind up moving back in with my parents and then working in retail or clerical instead of my dream job of writing or publishing. But like the article and comments say, that's just life! The problem is I feel all this pressure from parents, teachers, adults, and peers. As if there's something wrong with me if I don't have this amazing job lined up. It's not like I'm lazy, I've spent my entire life working to make good grades. And I can work hard. Once I had a summer job where I worked the night shift in a mail warehouse labeling mail and packages and putting them on conveyor belts: no air conditioning and we weren't allowed to sit down unless we were typing addresses. I hated that job but I showed up everyday on time and did the best I could. At least it taught me to be grateful. And compared to that job, a job stapling and making copies sounds wonderful. So thanks, Jezebel, 'cause now I can relax and just accept that it's ok to start at the bottom and work hard!

nearmisskiss

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @AnderBobo: Another profession where the "young people" are so grossly overpaid? Try web developers. I manage two at the moment and they're making only a little less than I am. And I swear, these two are like the Gen-Y version of Goofus and Gallant.

The latter started as an intern, cheerfully did the scut work we asked, went above-and-beyond (turned in stuff early, added his own ideas when given latitude) and volunteered to take over tasks that laid-off employees had done.

Goofus, on the other hand, started as a mid-level developer and has just been a nightmare since. Hint: when you cannot get along with three of my senior developers, look at the common denominator. Hint: when I pass along tips for successfully communicating with team members, don't tell me, "But I'm a good communicator. Everyone else needs to learn." Hint: do not BREAK more web pages than you actually code, then pull the "You didn't explain the assignment well enough to me" card every time. If you don't understand the assignment, ASK QUESTIONS.

He has no initiative, no problem-solving skills, and no sense of accountability. He has made it clear when we ask him to do his job that it's beneath him.

So guess who applied for a promotion recently? He's now sulking because all of us he approached for a reference sort of laughed before saying, " ... no." And then giving the job to Gallant.

The point to my long and rambly story is that I think it's less a generational thing than an upbringing thing. Some kids in Gen Y were raised with a work ethic and work habits; some kids weren't. It's same as it ever was.

sallyfloyd

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Jadoremonchat: I know that feeling all too well. Occasionally I feel like I'm losing my compassion because people act in ways in retail establishments that I would never expect. I work specialty retail, and we have a public bathroom. Our ladies room by 9pm on a Saturday night looks on par with a dive bar's because we can't keep up with the mess that gets made. So yeah right now I feel people are animals.

We Don't Live in the 60s

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @MadelineBassett: Amen, sister soultrain.

LillyV

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> After working retail for the past three years whilst in college, I have become numb (I work at Target). I no longer see people as human, but as mindless animals.

That being said, I understand that no job is perfect and that this period of hell won't last forever. I'm putting my time in, and after college I will probably get another job that I hate (I'm a humanities major), but at this point I would be satisfied with any job that would allow me to see people as human beings again.

Jadoremonchat

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I love hearing all of your stories. Just learning more about what everyone else has gone through. Here's mine:

What I hated about interning was feeling like I wasn't given enough to do, or that the tasks were too easy. Being given a task, completing it, and feeling like a gofer going to my boss with "Now what?" (Obviously I didn't say that, just told them I was done). I liked learning more about the publishing industry, working with people, seeing my name published as an intern, learning new computer programs, and getting to assist at a fashion/celebrity PR event, but I was around people who had a snobby, superior air about them. Like interning at a women's magazine where the NYC fashionista editors seemed to make fun of their readership as Middle America housewives. I just always wanted to be challenged more so I could use those skills for a better job.

Before that I worked at KMart stocking returned items (the only joy I would get was listening to the pop music soundtrack, despite having it interrupted by Blue Light specials) and at a chain movie theater, where I picked up endless amounts of garbage and practically memorized every summer movie of 2003 (the perks were gaining a great body from eating two meals a day and doing a lot of physical work).

I worked at a school for disabled kids, working the summer program in a classroom full of kids with cerebral palsy who couldn't say any actual words, but who could scream and cry with gusto. It was difficult at times, feeling sorry for the kids' parents for the worse-off kids, and interesting to develop a rapport with the kids where I could treat them like normal kids, gauging whereas they were crying because of a spasm in their leg, or if they were throwing a tantrum like a regular kid would. My mom has been working with disabled kids for nearly 30 years, and I'm awed by her patience and understanding of kids' mental disabilities. It also left her to be lenient but not being the kind of spoiling brats mom that's been talked about here.

Right now I like my job. I work at a small museum, and I like meeting new people, talking to my co-workers (both the security guards on my floor and the curatorial staff upstairs), being tipped when I do coat-checking, learning more about the art, and just being more helpful and knowledgeable about the museum.

I get jealous of people my age who DJ, do performance art/hipster rock shows, and seem to have this fun, creative lifestyle without doing crappy jobs, like just putting on shows with/for their friends, getting press, meeting indie celebs, and living the boho/hipster life I wanted to live when I was 16.

My brother is 20, and while he can be a little lazy and forgetful, he's determined to get a degree in education. He loves music (rock and jazz fusion) and worked at a local venue in our hometown as a teen, often working with sound guys and musicians and seeing what part of the music business is like. He jams with friends and occasionally plays gigs with people, and he's very determined and focused. He wants to work as a teacher in the NYC public school system, and be a good role model for students, not to be their best friend, but to give them a good direction in life.

beatrice3000

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> We have a few worthless interns who occasionally deign to grace us with their presence. Girl Intern always seems intoxicated. Boy Intern is a whole other ball of wax.

On one of the last times I saw Boy Intern, he was napping-or something- in the darkened kitchen, rather than manning the phones, because "no one was here this morning." I had to explain to him that regardless of who was here, his job was to answer the phones, and the last time I checked, they weren't located in the kitchen.

He also complained loudly and often about being asked by our receptionist to get the mail. His delicate sensibilities were offended by that because getting mail was part of her job. I had to explain to him that as an intern, his job was whatever we said it was, and that there was no big scandal in his story.

I mean, we all know this is not the end all and be all of their existence. But it's ridiculous that I have to spell out for these boneheads that we are paying them to WORK. Apparently their parents were too busy telling them what precious unique snowflakes they were to pass that little tidbit along.

Hooplehead

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @inpartydress - I used to work in publishing. Hang in there. If you're the employee you say you are, something will come eventually. Scrounge up some freelance copyediting to keep your hand in it. It's hard in a recession.

My boyfriend teaches at a progressive (Gen-Y perfect) high school, and the level of entitlement amongst his students is staggering. Even with a 9:30 start time and a low-homework policy, there's constant whining, missed/late assignments, and truancy. And then they wonder why they don't get into Dartmouth. It's mainly the scholarship kids who have any kind of work ethic.

emzylla

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @misssgolightly: Starbucks has kept be in wine and shoes and vintage camera film since I was 17. I fucking hate it but will continue to work there until I can get another part time job that will fit around university.

beastybeatsy

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> It's true that there are people who are slackers and lean on the whole "I'm finding my bliss" thing, but at the same time there are a buttload of bad bosses out there that aren't doing anything to motivate, mentor and actually manage their young staff.

I don't need or want pats on the back everyday or some daily affirmation but someone who actually cares about my development would be nice.

ValliCA

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @katieb has landed: Preach on sistah!

There is nothing wrong with being frustrated by shitty jobs. I had to suffer though two shitty 30k a year "stable" office jobs to realize that kind of work made me crazy and suicidal.

Now I'm a nanny and english tutor, I'm broke & no health insurance but happier than I've ever been as an adult, I have an amazing social life, found an agent for my novel and am pursuing freelance writing. Maybe you don't have to feel passionate about your job, but at least don't feel miserable! Being told to "suck it up" is demeaning and insulting.

biancajames

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Lizzles: I could do with that. Though one of my friends has nicknamed our university 'play school university', so with added gold stars it would be like being five, but taller, and drinking. Sounds brilliant.

beastybeatsy

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @MGB: We had an intern who told us he expected a 40k salary as a new grad. Mind you, this is in a small southern city where rent and booze are cheap. We told him to readjust his thinking down toward the low 20s. He just stared at us like we were insane and said "You mean, I'll have to shop at OLD NAVY?".

flackette is frustrated

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @lisas:

Seriously. This is the problem. If you haven't already, check out "The Price of Privilege".

descend

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @BoredPhDiva: Okay, but what are they getting from college anyway? It's no longer the ticket to a decent job, and it costs ten times what it did when our parents went through it.

I teach undergrads too, and I know what you mean, but on the whole I'm amazed at how much time they're willing to put in. I did nothing but drink and have sex in college.

oeditrix

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> How many of you jezebels work in book publishing? I'm trying to get an editorial/production/marketing/hell, I'll take anything assistant position and it's damn near impossible. I'm amazing at administrative stuff, am graduating from a competitive program at a great school, have been working since I was 16, and I work hard. I wouldn't say I'm entitled to anything, but it is dicouraging when you're doing everything you've been told is right, and nothing comes of it. I just don't get all the Gen-Y hate.

inapartydress

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Isn't this just another case of baby boomer/genX nostalgia? "In my day we understood the value of hard work blah blah blah". Yeah, yeah, uphill both ways, I get it already.

Kids today work INCREDIBLY hard for very meager prospects in a horrifying job market. Add the fact that people stay single later these days, and you've got a much longer time spent as a young person struggling to pay rent on one lousy income. No wonder they long for "fulfillment."

oeditrix

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> My sister is 7 years younger than me and she was very depressed when I explained to her that you don't always get to have a "fun" job that's "fulfilling", especially if you plan to pay bills, eat, go to the occasional concert or out to dinnner, etc. I haven't always loved my jobs, but I do love not waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of a panic attack wondering how to pay the rent or my bills. I love going to the movies and out for dinner with friends. The job I'm not crazy about makes all the rest possible.

The way I've been able to come to peace with it is to remember that my job doesn't define me. It's what I do, not who I am. In my 20's it seemed much more important to have a job title that didn't include the word "assistant" - now, not so much. Work is just something I do to support my life, it isn't my life.

Hissyfit

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Interns can frequently be the worst about stuff like this.

I wrote a little nothing for a media site once, bitching about our spoiled-ass interns. And I got a heaping helping of hating, because apparently shitty interns are a GOOD thing for bucking the system, refusing to buckle under to the man, and like, totally rocking everyone's world.

In fact, I just finished hiring interns. The one who repeatedly told me how busy her schedule was? Who emphasized how inconvenient our interviewing process was? Didn't so much get the job. I wish her new employers the best.

MGB

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Sophie: I hated law school, too, and often boast that I had no friends in law school (you know what I mean). I'm here to tell you that law school is NOTHING like practicing law and the minute you get out of law school, no one gives a shit what your LSAT score was, how many times you took the MPRE, or who got top paper. You'll be free of it forever!

Mama Penguino

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @and Begorrah: it's the circle dante didn't talk about.
grad school apps are being filled out as we speak.

alloutofnice

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I have been seeing people complain about that feckless younger generation all my long life.

Let kids be assholes, it is what they do best, and it is rather sad when life finally teaches them that no one cares what they think or feel.

justwanttohave

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @katieb has landed: I'm 28 and I still think the entitled attitude is complete shit. I did my time as the FedEx bitch, now it's somebody else's turn.

flackette is frustrated

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @militia: We had an intern (male) who REFUSED TO CARRY BOXES when all of us (females) were helping move crates of stuff around. It's not like we were asking him to do it for us, just pitch in like we were all doing.

He also stated on his FIRST DAY that being in an office with so many women must result in a lot of drama.

flackette is frustrated

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @goldengirl11: I decided to work at a law firm to save up money for law school and get a feel for it.

I am cured of my desire to go to law school now.

Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @hamburgerhotdog: You're right. I really enjoy history, but what if I got a job involving historic research or something and it just turned into another duty? That would suck, losing something I love like that.

MsMerlin

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @sugartitties: Welcome to adulthood.

lolacat(ΩΜ)

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @TeenageGangDeb: This is secratary job number two for me after 23 years doing nothing but retail and going to school. I don't hate it, it's just so boring. The crazy thing about retail is the insanity when it's busy and the friends that you make as you bond over how aweful the job is. I actually miss that, now it's just me and a 70 yo invetsment banker in the office, oh, and you don't even want to know how little I'm making, high schoolers at the ice cream place make more than me. So I agree, Fuck Work! Let's start the revolution.

katieb: in charge of the war on the poor.

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I see this entitlement attitude in my students all the time and its really frustrating because I can't smack them. These college students often tell me I expect too much of them which is, frankly, depressing because it means that somewhere along the line, they have become comfortable with mediocrity. My parents are the hardest working people I know, and they instilled in us a strong work ethic. Growing up, they always said that even if they were street sweepers, their block would be the cleanest block for miles. I can be extraordinarily lazy and I've worked a lot of crap jobs I didn't find fulfilling but I really try to maintain that attitude of being the best ::insert job title:: I can be, regardless.

BoredPhDiva

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I think it totally depends on WHERE you are - not what you are doing. I work full time during the summers in the payroll department of a temp agency filing, stapling, entering data, and printing stuff out. Tasks that it takes the intelligence of a small canine to complete. And I hate it more than life itself.
However, I've done a lot of internships where I, basically, do the exact same things. And I'm happy. Because I am somewhere I am interested in and watching people do something that I want to learn about. I am willing to work twice the time if it is in the right place.
My parents taught me that paying your dues is important. My mother and father have switched careers 800 times and my mom makes no bones about having to work up the ladder at the jobs she loved. But she loved the places that she worked.
I think environment makes all the difference.

speaksoapcube

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> This just hit home for me. I graduated College in August exactly four years after high school which having a baby and taking a semester off somewhere in there. I wanted to go to Grad school but needed a break to move out of my mom's house and just live with my son. I got a decent job that pays alright but I hate, mostly because I work with a bunch of Baby Boomers who hate my guts b/c I'm 22 and have accomplished something in my life. Secondly because all the doctors are condesceding and I have panic attacks in the morning when having to wake up to go to work. I work hard whn I enjoy my surrounding but I just can't here, ao my work sucks and I'm slowly becoming resentful. I need to quit soon, but nothings coming my way. Help!!

damarsh715

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @katieb has landed: For real. I must have missed the buffet with the self-esteem cereal. I've been steadily employed since I was 18 -- working at my college radio station, waitressing, and now the library.

Work ethics are stupid. The entire point of the American protestant work ethic is to keep labor cheap and widely available, not "build your character" or whatever. Work isn't good for you; Fun is. Work is what kills you and makes you old. Fuck work! (And this is from someone who LIKES her job!)

The only job I ever bitched about was waitressing. That wasn't because I can't/don't/won't work hard or do grunt work; That's because I don't like being treated like shit for $2.15 an hour plus tips.

When people start getting better wages and benefits than they do now, then I'll join the "quit yer bitchin'' brigade, but for now? No way.

And this article totally ignores the sheer amount of Gen Y-ers who have fallen through the over-achievement cracks that our generation has been raised with. (Which would be MOST kids.)

TeenageGangDeb

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @not.a.clever.name:

Seriously. I understand putting in dues, just suck it up. But enough with the company loyalty stuff. I place designers/art directors all day at Ad agencies and I see all the people 50+ that end up here when they skim the top level off and replace them with the youngins. And these people are SO STUCK. Kids in college, houses and debt and no job prospects. And all the other HR departments deny them as soon as they notice how far back the resumes go.

It's so damn depressing sometimes.

Avi

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @katieb has landed: *may be, duh.

katieb: in charge of the war on the poor.

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Let me get this straight: My generation is too dissatisfied (failure to be happy with one of the worst job markets in recent memory) but also too complacent (failure to protest Iraq War, failure to watch learn that are not on YouTube).

Am I the only one sick of listening to middle-aged people prophesizing a thousand paradoxical failures for me before I'm even old enough to drink?

We're a generation that was told in order to have any value we had to do 25 extracurriculars and have "passion" for the student newspaper, have "passion" for the marching band, get perfect SAT scores and "brand" ourselves for college. Is it any surprise that we are now slightly confused as to why we spent all that time practicing the piccolo and chairing model UN committees, only to enter an adult world where our peers are dying in an endless war, the entire country is hopelessly in debt, and our very citizenship (which we have only just become fully enfranchised to) is an international joke?

Old people, you messed things up for us enough. Now back off and let us fix it as we see fit.

sugartitties

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @dirtdevilabortion: I don't want to turn this into advice corner or anything, but I got my degree in history, if you're going to anthro, you will have to go to grad school to get anything in those kinds of fields. I did the unpaid internship thing, but when I wanted actual money after graduation, didn't happen. I'm going back starting in the fall. I really wanted to do some museum work after undergrad, but before graduate, and that just doesn't exist and which is the truly sucky part. A BA gets you very little, you need an MA, min to get anything.
Not to be a downer! I mean I love school (history major...duh) and I loved doing the free stuff so I know it's the right thing, but man...things are really competitive right now. But keep on trucking, being a secretary maybe incredible easy, but it's boring, and the pay sucks.


katieb: in charge of the war on the poor.

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @uhoh-ohno: You make a good point. There are larger numbers of qualified kids coming out of schools and not similarly greater numbers of positions to fill, thus more kids are routed into pretty blah jobs. It sucks to have jobs that are totally menial and the antithesis of a challenge (especially when you are so used to college and learning a ridiculous amount of stuff at all times, amidst having a totally, ridiculously awesome time), and no one gives you a chance because you're young. On the other hand, those experience makes it pretty rad when suddenly you get to a point (after a few years of having unrewarding employment, a Masters and some sweet credit card debt) that you don't absolutely despise going to work each day.

bernadeez

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> lucky for the blog writers that this job is so NOT lame-intensive

shadyoctopus

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @LucyRed:

I too am a graphic designer in a small company. I have a great amount of freedom and love what I do, but there isn't room for growth. And since it's such a small company there are no raises given. It's hard to leave such a comfy work environment and leave the people I enjoy so much, but I've got goals! I've got dreams and I don't want to limit myself, it's just so hard to leave the comfort zone! Plus I cannot live on my salary for more than another year, time to move up!! Life is expensive.

gfunkg

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I swear I read this same stuff about Gen X back when I was new to the workforce. I think it's more a 20s thing than something specific to this generation.
@schmecca_schminskey: Yes, the sad truth is that most of the jobs that need to be done to keep this world humming along do not fall into the category of "things people grow up dreaming of doing."

I consider myself very lucky that my parents brought me up with the idea that college was more of a life experience than a career training program, because while I've definitely had my share of tedious jobs, I never felt like I was wasting my college degree sorting paperwork.

cellochick

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I have a BA and an AA, I have worked various secretarial positions and I have found them completely unfulfilling. I recently chucked my job and I have gone back to school for Geology. I do think that these jobs were useful in that they made me realize how much I hate being a secretary.

Pollyjean

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I've had at least one job (usually more than one) since I was 15 and used to be crazy ambitious. Graduated high school and college early, was magna cum laude, got the M.A., etc. etc.

All that to discover -- guess what? I'm not really that ambitious after all. I have a decent job in my field, but I hate the 8-5. I just can't stand spending the better part of my waking hours either commuting or in the office. I'd much rather be freelancing or, frankly, reading or pursuing hobbies. I thought I would define myself by my career, but it turns out I'm not that into it.

layladylan

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Fact is, some people's work is their passion, and for others, it's just a job that enables them to pursue their passion, or their lifestyle outside of work. And for others of us, the job is something in-between. There's no reason to argue about whether a job SHOULD be one or the other -- it's about what works for you and helps you to have the life you want. Honestly, any of us who get paid to do non-dangerous work are pretty fortunate, in the grand scheme of things. If you don't like your job, make the most of your situation until you can get a new one, and quitchurbitchin.

The only thing that truly pisses me off is people who aren't willing to actually work at all, and instead expect others to be tripping over themselves in a rush to pay them to just, like, be who they are. I do think there are probably more people of this mindset in GenY than there were previously. Sorry kids, NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

RosePetalPlace

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Well I graduated last May, and since then have managed to get into law school, attend for a couple months, drop out over fear of crushing debt and the thought that being a lawyer wouldn't "make me happy" and am now working as an assistant in a firm and reapplying to law school for next year.

The thing is....I can somehow see some truth (at least in myself) of the generalizations made about Gen Y. I took an insane amount of AP courses, a challenging courseload in college and I've been working since I was 16. The thing is, I really did expect when I graduated that all THAT hard work would pay off.

Yes, perhaps it's because I was a little arrogant, but mainly, I think it's because of the attitude my family always had towards education and college. When I dropped out of law school, everyone in my family talked about how easy it would be to get a good job, because I had that "sheet of paper." When they were my age, getting a degree from a hoity-toity private school was a big deal, it meant guaranteed success, today, it's just standard!

I am $40k in debt now (I put myself through college) and I have no idea what the next steps are. I have kind of given up on the whole "loving the job" thing, but literally, five minutes ago the seniormost partner in our firm crashed the clerks' office and decided to tell us all not to go to law school or to be a lawyer because it was the worst thing ever, and nothing like it was "in his day." (He is 70).

I've been looking up premed requirements all day, and in all seriousness am considering joining the Air Force.

goldengirl11

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @MillyMoo: I know, they have no idea how nice it is to have calls screened. I worked at a very small company at my first post-college writing job and had to help with the phones (and scrub the toilet).

themidget

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @WaltzingMatilda:
Oh, the 90's! I miss you! (kind of)

The financial 'analysts' at my firm make indecent amounts of money right out of college - even the not very bright ones.


nerdstalker

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I hope I didn't repeat an earlier comment, but I do have this thought: I think part of the reason that young people are not as willing to put their time in now is because of the media coverage of the celebutantes. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's lifestyles are very enviable to someone who doesn't want to work. Before these two and their kind were paraded in front of us, I think there was a naivete' about how we all needed to work equally as hard. Now, we see that there are so many people who get everything handed to them and we think: why can't we be like this.

I think the "Beautiful People" should go back into hiding/living their fabulous lives away from our eyes, and hopefully we'll forget about them someday.

BeejShan

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Wow, this article is crazy relevant to what I'm dealing with right now, t-minus 5 weeks until graduation from college. I want to go to grad school for a doctoral degree in clinical psych, but decided at the beginning of this year to take a little time off to get more research/life experience. So, now, here I am, searching searching searching for the perfect post-undergrad job.

I know there are a lot of positions I Could do (cashiering, human resources kind of stuff) and wouldn't have a hard time finding a job like that. BUT, I feel like I worked my Ass off in school for so long, what with summer internships every year since high school, that it would be such a waste to be a professional stapler! So, I've cornered myself into having to find the perfect dream job that makes use of everything I've learned and will look good enough on my resume to get me a primo spot in grad school further on down the line.

Heh, it looks like the facebook group "I Picked a Major I Like and One Day I Will Probably Be Living in A Cardboard Box" was right! Goooo Psych majors!

WhirledPeas

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @katieb has landed: Word! I'm majoring in anthropology/sociology next year, because that's what I'm interested in. Hopefully when I graduate college in a year or two, I'll be able to get a decent job, that I like, but in no way does it have to be spiritually fulfilling- I would just like to not be miserable.

I think my generation is being encouraged to find fulfillment in their jobs because our society places such high value on people who work- ALOT. I mean, with people working practically non-stop, when else are you going to have time to do things you enjoy?? Might as well find it in your work!

dirtdevilabortion

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Late last year I accepted my first ever "boring" job after years of temping, waffling, taking classes, sleeping in and holding out for something flashy. And guess what? My miserablist ass is actually happy. I mean, WTF; I work in a small office with nice people, I have insurance for the first time, and I never have to wonder where my next paycheck is coming from. I write and go to massage school on the side. I can actually afford a modestly happy little life. I feel depressed and guilty now when I'm not busy. Even sleeping in on the weekends makes me feel crappy now because it reminds me of when I had nothing to do but brood about my art-faggy problems.

A quasi-hipster ex-coworker used to roll into the office every morning with this blazing, confrontational look in his eyes, like "Hey, squares, it's me; the Loose Cannon!" He showed up to an office party slobbering drunk, and in our first and only conversation called me an "office drone". Then he started bragging about about his travels to New Zealand and Denmark and how much ass he got there, slurring in a fake accent the whole time.

I know I'm supposed to want to backpack through Europe or whatever at my age, but fuck it. I have plenty of other shit I'd like to do and I'm in no hurry.

half_ocelot

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I don't think it's a generational issue, it's a worth ethic issue. Some of us have it, some don't. I work with a few Gen Yers whose parents raised them right. They're smart, hard workers. The biggest slacker at my company is a woman in her 40s who thinks everything that isn't in her exact job description is beneath her and spends her days doing as little as possible.

Personally I believe you should always go the extra mile at work no matter what your job is. I don't care if you're a customer service rep, a stripper or CEO of a Fotune 500 company, I think you should take pride in your job and try to do it well.

When I graduated from college in 1991, it took me months - long, discouraging, depressing months - to find a job working in TV or radio (which was what I wanted to pursue as a career). In the interim I waited tables. One day my boss told me some customers told him I was the best waitress they'd ever had. I have a pretty great career now and still get compliments on a job well done, but the waitressing compliment is still my favorite.

kansasgirl

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @tscheese: You just wrote my heart. Srsly.

Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @lautaylo: There is nothing wrong with bitching about your job- it's a divine right. Just be smart about it. Maybe I speak for the old people here- or the bosses- but here is the the crux of the entitlement issue (from MY pov): I don't care about you - not yet. Once you prove you are a great person and a reliable employee, maybe I will care. I don't yet. You have to earn workplace loyalty. I don't have to employ you. If you aren't happy here- please leave. If this job is beneath you, please leave. Please respect my business and clear out your space so I can find someone who might work and work out well. It is a two way street. I am doing my part by paying you and giving you experience/a foot in the door/and/or a reference from somewhere other than Plato's Closet. Your part is to do what I tell you during the workday.

It sounds arrogant and asshole-ish- but it isn't. I wish you all the luck in the world finding something that pays and gives you great pleasure. However, do not walk into my house and complain because it is my house.

To all the other gen y's- everytime y'all use virtual air quotes around the word work- makes me want to fire everyone under 30.

lolacat(ΩΜ)

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @ceejeemcbeegee: Waiters make half of minimum wage. Not no $8 an hour.

Inkymonkey

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Hopefully this doesn't come off as annoying, but I recently left my soul-sucking legal job to manage a yoga studio. Even though I have no retail or managerial experience, my passion for yoga and various customer service and time management skills helped me land the job.

So just because what you are doing now might not be right for you, there are still valuable skill sets you can learn that can be transferred to something that rocks your socks. I never would have gotten this job if I hadn't put in my time in the salt mines, and that's a fact.

Inkymonkey

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> ok, being an event planner is so NOT fun -- i mean it has its moments, but mostly you're running around like a headless chicken and worrying about the tiniest details that could spark a butterfly effect and ruin the whole thing...

btw, the guy who came up with the butterfly effect has died. :(

also -- work is work, that's why it's not called partying, totally agree. Many people who graduate from high school/college now think that work has to be a rewarding and creative experience right from the get-go, but they forget that the people who are strategic, creative leaders today were filing copies before.

dashenbka

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> The kicker is that if you find your passion, it still sucks the first 3-5 years paying dues if it's remotely corporate. It took me 6 years in my industry to be able to work from home, have flexibility, have a good network, etc and my job is SO much easier and more fun now that I got past being someone's bitch. It's a tough pill to swallow, I've been working since I was 14 and finally, finally I am starting to write my own ticket. Hang in there!

sabbaticalplease

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @tunamelt: It's an age old situation on both sides. The 'greatest generation' (that has always weirded me out, did they make that up themselves?) complained about the boomers lacking ethics and not understanding the real world, and the boomers got to pick up after their problems. Same for Gen X. Now it's our turn.

Thing is, I used to get irritated at the thought of having to clean up my parents' generation's mess, and then my dad pointed out that he had to go to Vietnam (not his idea, obviously), fight for civil liberties, and generally deal with the mess he felt his parents' generation had left him. And after all that, in my eyes he was still leaving a mess for me. Therefore I could safely assume that any kids I had would take one look at what I thought was cleaning up my parents' mess and cry foul, just like we are now. Realizing that made it a little bit more difficult to get so upset, since it seems in solving what we see as the biggest problems of our age, we (meaning humans) tend to create what the next generation sees as their biggest problems. And now I have the damn Lion King song stuck in my head :)

The Boyg

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @expatriatedjerseyan: Exactly, this article makes it seem like we have all these ridiculous demands. I would like to be able to go to the doctor/dentist without having to file bancruptcy afterwards, is that really so much to ask?

katieb: in charge of the war on the poor.

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I don't mind doing crap work if I feel like it's working *towards* something. It's feeling stagnant that's awful.

I've been working since I was 16, worked though college. But yeah, I'm not going to say graduation and the Real World wasn't a stiff shock to the system that I'm still trying to recover from (3 years later).

I mean, when you've been high-achieving in school for your whole life where, yeah, everyone is pretty thrilled that you're this smart, motivated kid and they really lavish praise on you for that since you're the "hope for the future," I'm sorry, but the dues-paying jobs are a big change and the adjustment can be hard, really hard. My friends and I talk about this a LOT.

exelizabeth

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> This would be convincing if I didn't know for a fact that writing for Jezebel is the BEST JOB EVER. You lucky bitch.

Roomba

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @not.a.clever.name: I was waiting for someone to identify with me. ;)

And, yeah, I know.

Miss Smith Drank Your Vodka

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @freedc: Also (sorry, I'm full of unsolicited advice!) if it is really somewhere you want to work, DON'T GIVE UP! Again, cliche, but somethings you really want you sometimes have to apply to multiple times.

And my dad LOVES to say 'networking,' he's been saying it since I was a small child. It's true, however fair or unfair that is.

freedc

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Fresh out of college, I went to work my dream job at a major comic book publisher. That "job" turned into an "internship" which meant I had to get a paying gig AND slave away there for free. I waited tables and worked retail at night and had my dream internship by day.

Then I realized, these bastards are a bunch of assholes, I hate corporate politics, so I went into teaching. 5 years and 2 Master's later, I left that and started my own thing.

I am the BEST boss I have ever had. I pay myself what I am worth and I work when I choose too. I have complete control over my finances, my time, and my life.

But I had to work my ass off to get here.

ceejeemcbeegee

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I assume, Jennifer, that your little brother is a child actor, or in some other profession that allows children to work full time? If not, then frankly, if he had said that to me, I would told the little snot to get back to me after he had been forced for some reason to work at a depressingly, dull job for 10 years. Yeah, maybe I'm little bitter, but your 16-year-old brother needs to shut the hell up until he has some experience to give his statement some worth.

Geth

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @aspiringexpatriate: Consultants don't actually get around this, its just different grunt work. I'm a librarian (uh, like the user name says) and my two jobs have been at consulting firms. The entry-level (consultant) positions at consulting companies? Are pretty much data entry. Sometimes they might get to cold call people for interviews. A little bit beyond stapling and filing, sure, but not exactly a dream come true for most of them if the bitching I heard at lunch was any indication.

As for me, I find that recalling my year spent working in the store office of a Sears in Moline, Illinois is enough to perk me up about any problems I have in my current position.

Ratinski

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @brendastarlet: They have college educations.

Min. wage is $7.50. Most waiters, fast food or retail fresh out of HS make $8.50 and up. $10 is MORE than generous.

My current 35yo assistant makes $15. Remember, I'm working from home, not in a corporate office. They have free reign of the contents of my fridge and I've even let some of them do their laundry while they work.

ceejeemcbeegee

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I'm a Gen-Y myself, and the only reason I'm preoccupied with finding a job I like is because my mother was discouraged from being a vet and became an engineer instead. She was sucessful, but absolutely miserable and complained about it nonstop.

Door

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @not.a.clever.name: yes, totally. if anywhere i had worked gave me the sense that they would do anything but keep me in that menial position forever no matter how good i was at it, then perhaps i would be happier with the position. also and i know i sound entitled, perhaps i am, it would be nice throughout high school and college to have it be clear that school and work are separate things and that what makes you succeed in one has nothing to do with the other. perhaps my family should have instilled that in me, i guess.

smartastic

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @lolacat: I know I didn't. My parents did not want to drive me around and didn't think I would be able to handle a job and schoolwork. They were probably right.

Door

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @CorreLola: Yeah, except the problem is that work is what you spend THE MAJORITY OF YOUR LIFE DOING. It shouldn't be grueling all of the time.

Geth

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Oy! What's wrong with complaining about one's job? Maybe I missed her tirade on entitlement or something, but your friend quoted in the article sounded like she's experiencing those typical lame job blues. I think everyone's got to get that realization at some point: most jobs suck, or at least are just boring. Also: especially if you're a liberal arts major, you might never work in anything connected to your degree. Yes, all those AP classes and activities were probably a waste of your time. Now you have something to tell your kids about the way the world works.

Her bitching does rankle, but not because I poo-pooh the complaining...mainly 'cos bitch hasn't had a job before. WTF? Maybe now I understand the "entitlement" sentiment expressed. This Jezzie has worked since 16, and she understands the value and necessity of work. My job is shit...but it pays the bills, and I refuse to stay in it forever. I will stick with it for the $ and insurance, but I will look out for new opportunities and eventually go to law school.

The bottom line I'm getting at is this: We can complain about shitty jobs if they're truly shitty. No bitching if you're lazy and just not trying. Also, aspire for something better and work to get there. Above all, just do SOMETHING.

lautaylo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @onthecornerofparkerandwoolf:I'm that kids as well. I can't quite manage to accept the "work is work" mentality, because we spend most of our waking lives doing it so shouldn't it be remotely rewarding? Elsewise what's the point? Those 5 hours we have each night outside work can't quite make up for the 10 we spend at work, right? Anyway My main problem is I don't care. The people around me seem to. It's boggling. I'd take the blue pill if I could, any day. It just seems so much easier.

curiousdruid

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> As a college senior about to graduate next month, this topic is all too relevant.

I've busted my butt the past 16 years and tried my damned hardest to land my first post-grad job in the field i love (where the hell is this teacher's shortage i keep hearing so much about). Let's just say that didn't work out. While some from my generation may be spoiled ( I have countless high school friends who have never worked a job outside of elite internships), I think many young people are trying to justify the rising costs of college. All our life we've been told "You NEED to go to college to get any sort of job"; we go to college, taking on massive student loans in the process. Upon graduation, it's easy to feel that the world is telling you "just kidding,that degree does nothing."

Bottom line. Bring on the crap job. I'll move back home, attended graduate school on the side and work a lousey job that'll pay my bills. Any Philly Jezzie's looking for an expert photocopier?

ms.teach

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Katxyz: I get where you're coming from. I was a super-achiever all through high school and the first bit of college. Then I saw that my older brothers, who had been the same way, hadn't really gotten much out of it. So I chilled out a bit, preserved my remaining sanity, and reconciled myself with the idea of being okay.

A lot of tasks I have to do are dull, but I get enough enjoyment out of other ones to think that it's worth it. Also, it pays my rent and grad school tuition (even gets me a discount, woohoo!), which is super important.

This hasn't stopped me from being jealous of my friend who just got a 1 year gig at Pixar, which is like her dream job. She worked her butt off in college, and it looks like she really will have something to show for it.

cate3710

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @uhoh-ohno: FYI, Belkin has made a habit of painting people with a "broad brush." She wrote "The Opt-Out Revolution" in 2003, which drew an incredible backlash for claiming Ivy League women were choosing not to work.

As for her courseload... well, she actually did go to an Ivy League school....

bonebroke

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Can I also point out I once tried pursuing something I loved and went into fashion. It lasted a year, one of the worst of my life. Doing something you love as work can kill your love for it like a point-blank bullet to the head.

hamburgerhotdog

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @AnderBobo: Heh, close enough. I am in.. dum dum DUM... the legal profession. I mean, shit, we aren't performing brain surgey or anything. (It IS actually appropriate this one time! Yay!)

WaltzingMatilda

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @and Begorrah: are you my best friend? Am I moving in with you next month?

Her Grace

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> To all of those too young to remember it (although, I doubt anyone doesn't) - "Reality Bites" - good movie. Harshed the groove of everyone thinking that a college education is a golden ticket. I remember how f'n pissed I was when I watched it. Ooh, and the soundtrack is killer, too.

WaltzingMatilda

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @JessaFields: WORD!

thatsrealbutter

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @NefariousNewt: You're right -- balance is so essential. For myself, I just can't picture spending the next 40+ years in a job that doesn't fulfill me, or one that "just pays the bills." My belief is taht you only get one go-round in this life. I don't want to start living once I retire.

BeSarcastic

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I work a flexible schedule so I can go to school and I have good benefits even if I only work 20 hours a week. Because I am not too good to work at Starbucks.

I thought we were just saying no to "chillax"?

whatdoyouthinkofthepie

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Alipaps: I KNOW! My sister constantly refers to "The Situation I'm In," as in, "Oh, I would get a new computer if it weren't for The Situation I'm In." Yesterday, she ranted and raved to me about what a bitch her new landlord is for asking to see her debt-to-equity information. Yeah, that's one illogical bitchy landlord! I swear, it's like she thinks money is going to fall out of the sky, and she's pretty much into blaming everyone for not making that happen. In the meantime, everyone should treat her with kid gloves, because clearly she's being pooped upon.

shoebunny

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @WaltzingMatilda: You must be a brain surgeon then b/c I can't imagine any other profession where the young people are grossly overpaid.

And yes, accumulating debt from education to do a job that doesn't require any skills garnered during that education = frustrating and breeds bitterness. It's almost like the four years I spent in college I sould have just spent advancing my career.

AnderBobo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> What burns is that the few of us who would be happy to get our foot in the door filing and work our way up are often overlooked because of our age. I've been trying to find work in my field (a pretty broad one, spanning government work to NGOs and a lot of international corporations) for almost two months now. I send off resumes, and hear nothing, and can't get ahold of people for a follow-up. It's really disheartening. Worse, jobs I would be happy to take, like clerical work, tell me I'm overqualified (nearly done with my MA), when they get back to me at all.

No one loathes these lazy jerks who don't feel like they should have to work hard more than I do. If only I had some way to translate that into a job.

Her Grace

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @haitian_chick: i agree. i never felt the need to be loyal or stay somewhere i didn't feel like i was growing or had potential to continue to grow. i mean, there has been no company loyalty to me, so why should i extend them that courtesy? my dad who has worked at the same factory for over 30 years, lost the ability to retire when he wanted to because they changed his pension when his factory was sold. he's been a loyal, good employee and he got fucked. and has told me, point blank, to never get into a situation like that.

lermanzo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @jane919925: Amen.

MillyMoo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Neon.Wonder: Then quit. Realize that other people who work in your office, for whatever reasons, may be stuck in that life of filing and stapling that you are sneering at. If you can't bring any enthusiasm to the table, go to your room.

I realize only old people talk about paying their dues, but there it is. I am not going to promote you or pay you more until I feel like it. I am not going to give you the great assignments that I have spent the last 15 years earning through my own slogging. I earned my position- now you earn yours.

lolacat(ΩΜ)

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Super_Kitten: You should really look at it as fate trying to guide you. You didn't end up at a company you really wanted and someday when you're happy elsewhere, you'll be thankful. I remember being 22 and sending out 100 resumes after having worked two jobs in college and getting a ton of experience. I got nothing in return! Anyway, not to sound cliche, but life takes so many turns and so many things happen for a reason.

Also, as other people mentioned, don't put up with an abusive job or one that is really not going anywhere. That's not putting in dues, that's making bad choices.

freedc

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @kelsium: Agreed, I don't have one and at times it's been frustrating. But, that's where the difference between people are driven and people who have unrealistic expectations comes in. When I've needed a job I have been incredibly aggressive in order to get one, and when I've gotten a job I have busted my ass, doing whatever, to be great at it. Fortitude and attitude can trump a degree easily.

brookidy

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @dummyfakeroller: especially if you can get one of those places to pay for your degree, you'll be much better off. If you really want to go to grad school, start asking quietly how you can qualify for one of the company programs. Find an executive who got them to pony up. I'll bet you can get a free ride.

brendastarlet

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @themidget: Tell them not to fuck with the admins or every sales call will be coming their way :) Not to say I have done that to the people who treated me that way or anything . . .

MillyMoo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @SpicyTamale: I make great Christmas cookies. I want to branch out to bread and cupcakes.

Philthyist

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @BeSarcastic: I think that there has to be a balance. Working is a necessity, whether for yourself or for someone else. That said, there has to be a greater disconnect between work and your life. The "9-5 job" is now a myth; the reason productivity is seen to rise is that fewer people are doing more work, so that 40 hours per week is more like 50 and sometimes 60. That's nowhere more prevalent than in my field of IT.

I think it's possible to be a hard worker and know when to quit and do the things you want to do, rather than becoming a slave to your job. When at work, give your fullest; when at home give your fullest. Balance is the key. I know this because my life lacks balance right now and I'm having trouble finding it.

NefariousNewt

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> I am a Gen X-er who was your classic over-studious, over-extended, AP classes, blah blah student who went on to get a magna cum laude bachelors degree, and is nearly done with an MA. My first job out of college? My title was literally "secretary." (Because they still called it that then.) And I worked hard through that literal secretarial job and the rest of the de facto secretarial jobs I've had since. You don't reach a point where you just stop working hard to keep moving. Even if it's stapling and filing. After putting in the grunt time, as another commenter called it, I don't do secretarial-style full-time work any more, and I staple a lot less.

But when faced with not getting paid to use with not one but two artsy-fartsy bachelors degrees, I struggled for years with this dichotomy (work vs. passion). I finally realized that work is just, as an old acquaintance once put it (and as Hortense also defined), an "enabler" ---a pay-the-bills job that enables you to do what you love. Whether that's writing, picking daisies, caring for your family, volunteering, digging in the dirt, traveling the world.

Mego

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @Solangel: signature in arlington va

lermanzo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> To expound on what I said earlier, this is actually the reason I'm not heading directly to grad school upon my (oh so soon) graduation. I know that either way, I need to start somewhere. I just think I will be less likely to be bitter and less in debt if I start at these places without an MA in international relations because, realistically, I'll be in the same position. Plus I know I'm not ready for graduate school at this time. What I want to do isn't going to have me rolling in the money but I think so long as my can make my student loan payments and other bills, I'll be great.

dummyfakeroller

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @not.a.clever.name: Sure. I wasn't suggesting there weren't jobs that involved stapling that could get you somewhere. There are also plenty of people who are stuck in dead-end jobs that they could have done at age 16 after working hard, both IN school and to pay for school, who aren't going anywhere at all. I don't blame them for being bitter.

ferociacoutura

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Ok, So I am a Gen-Yer. I work as an admin, stapling, filing, answering phones etc. I may not like my job but I try to work hard and make sure my job is done right. So how do I repsond when everyone else tells me I deserve better? What do I say to them when they say "You spent 4 years and eighty grand on degree, why are you working a job a high schooler can do"? Oh, and did I mention that these people telling me this are my parents?? It is kind of hard not to feel a sense of entitlement when it comes from that angle.

That being said, I don't like my job but I don't hate it either. I can work hard, get a paycheck, and go to school at the same time. When I get out I will be a teacher. Even them I am not dumb enough to think that once I become one I will be happy all the time. But at least I will be doing something that I know could make a difference.

MillyMoo

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @ceejeemcbeegee: at least you have one. all they managed to give me was a salary that can't even cover a years tuition at my university (before taxes are even taken out!)

haitian_chick

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> @ceejeemcbeegee: here's what I'd do. Trade jobs for a day. (Make sure your clients and co-workers get a head's up, but ask them not to treat the underling any differently than they would treat you.) I'm betting the kids last an hour or two, and then they'll be very happy to go back to their $10 an hour tasks.

(That does sound a little cheap, though. I pay $20 to hire college kids.)

brendastarlet

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> It's definitely not just the Gen Yers. I have a friend in her 30s who just recently wanted to totally switch careers and when I sent her some job openings from where I work (say, one step up from entry level which I thought was generous), she was like 'no thanks, I want a managerial position.' And she's not even lazy or delusional, just unrealistic. Well, she found a job, but she's not managing anyone. Maybe in another few years. My older brother, now in his mid 30s, has always thought he was above any sort of hard work that was outside his scope of interest. He's not at all lazy, he's a hard worker when he wants, but he'd last like 2 days at any job that was 'just a job.'

My bf is in his mid 20s and does manual labor 10 hours a day, 6 days a week for dick pay and I never hear him complain. He'll be his own boss someday but knows for now that this is his job and how he pays his bills.

I'm 32 and have been working more than half my life, since I was 15, and have never had less than two jobs at a time. I only just now feel that I'm in a job that's representative of my experience and skills where I'm also paid fairly. Yes, it sucks that sometimes people with no experience get some great, high paying job, but that is not the norm. Be prepared to spend your 20s making little and working hard and probably not doing what you think you'd be doing. And keep any thoughts about 'I'm too good for this' to yourself because it only pisses off those of us who have been through the SAME thing and didn't bitch about it. Put in your dues, make yourself indispensable, work for free in a field you want to get into, chart your career, and you'll be fine.

freedc

]]> <![CDATA[It's Called "Work" For A Reason]]> Here's the thing. You aren't nearly as special as you think you are. There is always someone out there who has advantages you don't. Always. You went to a good school? The kid next to you went to a better one. You got good grades? The kid next to you got better ones. You did a lot of extracurriculars? The kid next to you did more. Maybe this varies by region, but I work in DC, which is a town filled with high achievers who went to top schools with top grades end up fighting with hundreds of other applicants for one job answering mail and making copies. My first year out here I realized I was lucky to have a job at a big-name think tank even though all I was doing was making endless travel arrangements. I put my time in, made the best coffee, arranged the most well-run meetings, did the best document copyediting. Eventually, I got great recommendations, got another job and now work in a field that I love in a substantive high-profile job with a lot of responsibility and, like any other job, I have good days and bad days. But, I paid my dues and, frankly, am still paying them.

MadelineBassett

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