I Told You So.

I recently saw a news broadcast regarding the increasing lack of jobs available among young people this Summer. The nationally recognized journalist delivered a convincing narrative that more money should be immediately invested into the government sector in an effort to create more jobs for young people. At about this time, I began listening with the effectiveness of and adult reprisal of Charlie Brown.

Sadly, the journalist was likely focused upon reading through the teleprompter with precision rather than contemplating the brevity of the subject matter. How is it possible that we as people contend to advance in education, yet fail to enlist it in an effort to explore and ask the right questions? On the surface, it’s easy to discount the popularity or coolness factor for discussing jobs among young people, yet there is a real component here that far exceeds cause and effect.

How exactly are we as Fathers, Mothers, Guardians, and Concerned Citizens of the United States modeling appropriate behavior to young people, particularly in a down market? Sadly, we have generated such an entitlement attitude of arrogance, laziness, and selfishness that to undo this callous character trend would be invasive at the least. Young people all agree that their dreams are huge, even unrealistic, yet they own them and will generally find more accomplishment in “thinking about it” or “tweeting about it” rather than preparing for it and actually doing what it takes to accomplish it.

Fathers and Mothers have always been the appointed and preferred first line of defense and offense with regard to instilling and developing good character in their children. I’ve always said, “it takes a village to raise a man and woman of character”, and far too many young people have escaped invaluable life lessons, which are required for effective leadership.

Rather than wait around by passing up perceived “menial jobs” because they lack glamour or excessive salaries, we as a nation would much farther advance in character and prosperity if we would consider promoting ownership and creativity rather than borrowing money from foreign governments to finance ineffective social programs.

The economy, regardless of its ranking on the stock market, will always influence purchasing power, however hard work, creativity, and focus is not easily affected by such market conditions. What does the person who has no money think about? Money, of course. Years ago as a young teenager, I remember learning many of life’s domestic skills from my grandfather and grandmother. I learned early on how to be creative by knocking on doors and asking my neighbors if I could cut their grass, wash cars, wash windows, run errands, rake leaves, shovel snow, or do whatever I could to earn my own money with integrity.

We are certainly all responsible for ripping off the next generation by giving them everything they want and not requiring them to get up off their butts to work for it, plan for it, commit to it, serve many years in it, and excel in it. We are robbing the next generation of a fundamental truth that is required of a society based upon freedom: Hard work, Ownership, Sweat Equity, Sacrifice, Generosity, and Humility. My name is Egypt McKee, and I approve this message.

Until next time, Be encouraged.

I speak to hundreds of thousands of young adults, men, women, and couples annually on leadership, decision making, and relationships. Sometimes life has a way of being the antidote to life itself. If you’d like more information on this topic or how to bring me in as a speaker for your next event, please contact me.

In the meantime, I encourage you to subscribe to my Tribe/Newsletter on my homepage. Post your comment below, Share my blogs with your friends on social media, and visit my website often for daily inspiration.

Egypt McKee

Speaker | Author | TV Host | Life Coach