@joyce @Susan60 @davidtheeviloverlord @jik I have to say I am better off than my parents were. I decided when I was 17, living on carnation instant breakfast, peanut butter n jelly in an apartment that cost me $60 a mo in 74, still in HS, that I would never have to go through that again. I always worked two jobs, sometimes three jobs. Had a Plan B.Our children started working when they were 15 cuz they were taught a good work ethic.
Aug 9, 2026, 4:17 AM@Beachbum @joyce @davidtheeviloverlord @jik
I think life experience matters more than generation, although of course one impacts the other. But “class” or wealth are most impactful.
I’ve taught private school kids who’ve not been spoilt & who understand the value of hard work and that privilege is a thing. And I’ve taught kids in the same school with no idea. And others, whose parents had been poor & worked damned hard in shitty jobs to get established (back when such a thing was possible!) but whose kids have been spoilt rotten.
My own kids grew up knowing what it was to have to budget tightly & go without, & it’s served them well.
Partner’s kids were more privileged but not spoilt, & had after school jobs as teens.