Priorities, Privileges and Entitlement

I think that there seems to be some confusion on the definition of the above three words with some of today’s younger generation.

It seems many feel that by just being alive gives them certain privileges, and that they are entitled to just about anything that they want, and, whatever they do want, they want it now.

They do not want to have to wait for anything that they want, or even really work for it, just get it now, and worry about how they got it later.

Maybe not worry about it at all.

 In this instant society, many have not really had to wait for even a letter in the mail, so they do not completely understand the meaning of having to wait for something.  They just text or email, and instantly they have a response. Add into this factor that many parents give in to this belief, (not teaching their children that all is not always so easy and instant,) and the result is a lot of spoiled, weak, young adults, who believe that privileges, and some material items, should be just as instantly and easily obtained as the instant messaging features on their phones.

 If they do not have the financial means to get what they want, they complain about that same society making it too hard for them to achieve the American dream.

Personally, I am not sure if they really want the American dream and all that goes along with it, as that means being responsible, paying your bills, and working for what you want.

I have seen too many examples of young and some older adults that don’t seem to have enough money to feed their kids the basic food items, but look in their pockets, and you will almost always find the most expensive cell phone, with very expensive monthly bills to go with them.

Look in their cars, and you will find very expensive sound systems.

This is where Priorities come into play. There are some very mixed up priorities out there. This group of people seems to find the money for the fun stuff, but not enough for the responsible stuff. So, what do they do? As mentioned above, they complain about how hard it is to make it, but are completely okay with taking whatever government assistance they can get.

If they don’t have jobs, they complain about how hard it is to find a job, any job. While that may be true for some, it is not true for all.

What they are really saying is that they want the perfect job, one that fits into their schedule, one that feels good. Entry level jobs seem to be too demeaning for this group of individuals. That one blows me away time and time again. What they are really saying here is that bagging groceries, or flipping burgers, is much worse than being unemployed, beneath them, if you will. To that, I say…

Get over it! It is called a job because it is work!

This is not the playground, this is how you make ends meet, pay your bills, take care of your responsibilities, and quit relying on your parents, grandparents, friends, and the government. Grow up and take ownership of your life and your responsibilities!

Next argument from this group… “I don’t have a car or a way to get to a job, or, I can’t afford to drive because gas prices are so high.”

Again, more excuses. In most cities, there is something called public transportation. It doesn’t cost much, but you do have to work with their schedule. The bus isn’t going to wait for you when you are ready, and/ or most times, does not come to your front door.

I do understand that there are places that you cannot get the bus, so you need to have a car. There are some less expensive cars out there if you take the time and look. They aren’t new, and most times are not the most beautiful, but if you are not living in the castle on the hill, then you don’t need a Rolls Royce to drive and no, you are not entitled to have the most expensive car if you can’t afford it!

Just get something to get you back and forth to work and keep in mind that these cars are generally on their last leg, so use them sparingly so that they last long enough for you to upgrade once you make enough money to do that.

You can also look into car-pooling with someone at your job.

You are not owed anything, you do need to work for what you get, and most of us will pay our dues by starting at entry level jobs and working our way up. Make your bills accordingly, and take care of your responsibilities. Quit making excuses, and quit relying on others to bail you out!

Privileges are earned, Priorities need to be put in the correct, responsible order, and no one is entitled to anything that they have not worked for.