Self sufficiency in today's youth and young adults

[Dan]

I beg to differ that point, because in actual fact he is neither directly pointing out the fact that you suck nor is it an indirect derogatory comment. He is simply stating that like most of us walking out of studying into the working world never was and never will be easy, however you do have to make a plan to work your ass off to get to the top.

+1 for reading it properly.

Either way, I should probably take a break from the internet for today. I've been agitated all day long, and I'm posting way more agressive than I intended. :P

+1 for being in the same boat

[Graal]

I can totally understand where you're coming from when you say the faster you learn to stand on your own feet, the better, but I don't think it's the case for everybody.

Just to clarify this point, as it might come out other than I intended.

I don't mean only certain people need to learn responsibility, but most people are eitehr already responsible while studying, or they pick it up easily enough once they start working. Besides that, university might not be as difficult as people always made it out to be, but if you don't already have a fair bit of responsibility and self-reliance before going there, you're not bound to make it.

[Fluffelana]

I call bullshit. I live in Stellenbosch, and finding a job here is like finding a R1 in Soweto. Most places either put your name on a waiting list spanning the globe, or downright tell you you're not getting a job in the next few years.

I know lots has been said in retaliation to this post but ja, I live in Stellenbosch and have worked here since I was 15. I have always found a job, some not great but I got good honest money. I may not need the part time jobs now but I do know of 3 restaurants that are looking for staff at this time as well as many wine farms etc. While I was doing my final year through Unisa, I had 3 jobs all in Stellenbosch.
If you look hard enough and need money, you will take what u can get and work the hours u need to. It may not be fun but if it pays the bills etc...

[Necuno]

First job while in school was working my ass of in a cyber cafe. Worst part time I did out of desperation was that damned ADT door 2 door sales and well nothing beats gym cold calling. Still I did what I had to do till finally up too now being in a lot better position

[Imber]

Well my girlfriend has worked her entire life, she started as a cashier in her dad's grocery store at the age of 11. Her life = sucky because of work.

I on the other hand have never had a "job" (until this past summer holiday) went to work at New World in Menlyn one December but for R9 an hour and working from 8AM till 9PM I decided to leave after the first day.

She actively encourages me to not work saying I should enjoy my life because I still can. Whereas she wishes she was in my position. I could explain everything but i'm not going to volunteer the information unless asked for it.

I say if you can get by by not working a part time job, do it.

[Zomosa]

I am going to study next year and my parents are going to take out a student loan for me but they are just paying the interest on the loan, when I finished my degree I have to pay off my own student loan.

We are not rich, we do live comfortably but we try to cut expenses as much as we can. I am currently in my final year of school and I have no job experience. I will not say that I am sponging off my parents. I am difinitely going to look for some work over the holidays because I got my drivers license and my parents expect me to pitch in if I am going to drive around with their vehicles.

I am basically starting to experience independence now that I can get about on my own.

[Mephisto_Helix]

Worked part-time since I was 14. I left school at 16, moved out at 17 ...... did all the living with buds, living with girls (), partying, etc and then in my early 20's started a company and moved back home a few years later. Just to return the freeload experience for my Mom

[Prometheus]

I call bullshit. I live in Stellenbosch, and finding a job here is like finding a R1 in Soweto. Most places either put your name on a waiting list spanning the globe, or downright tell you you're not getting a job in the next few years.

You can't even really work in the outlying towns, like Durbanville etc, because you've actually got to, you know, study and stuff. Driving around after jobs just to not 'freeload' off your parents is useless if you waste your money because you never have time to study. Besides, my parents told me they're willing to pay for all my studies, as long as I do good in them. I reckon they'd even discourage me from taking a part time job, simply because they'd prefer me to do the best I can so I have more opportunities once I graduate.

Yeah know what you mean. Some people have always had it easy and think therefor others should as well. They don't realise that there a whole country full of people that can't find work at all.

[sycogrim]

Worked part-time since I was 14. I left school at 16, moved out at 17 ...... did all the living with buds, living with girls (), partying, etc and then in my early 20's started a company and moved back home a few years later. Just to return the freeload experience for my Mom

You had some form of indirect plan that actually worked and now you're the BAKER'S MAN!!!!! Which reminds me (Off Topic) MH I want my STUFFS!!!!! MOFO!!!! I'm killing over here thanks to Caboose Raving about your cooking and baking there

[shadowfox]

This could be a touchy subject, but here's my point of view.

First off ... I live with my parents. Seems a bit silly when you consider my age, but, in all fairness, I pay rent, I help maintain the house, I contribute to groceries. Of course I get such perks as getting my laundry done (most of the time), and getting dinner most nights (which is also the only food I eat in the house - breakfast and lunch are own babies). My internet/phoneline costs I carry on my own (I had a seperate line installed).

I could move out - but I have a few things that stop me. First off, buying a house on my current salary is impossible, and I'm against paying rent for the simple reason that you're basically throwing money down a well - you get absolutely no return on it. And I'll eventually be inheriting my parent's place anyway - part of my rent goes towards paying the bond. Another factor preventing me is the fact that I'm planning to go overseas once I have my degree for a period of one or two years in the next 2 years - once I'm back I'll probably re-evaluate my options.

I realise a lot of guys out there will merely see these as excuses on my part, and others will see it as laziness - that's fair, each to their own. After all, I don't live my life for other people's approval.

Jobs-wise, my first job was delivering newspapers in high-school, also did various waitering stints and about 3 years at Mr Delivery. My current car was bought with money earned while pulling double-shifts as a waiter, 7 days a week.