Since I was young, my parents always tried to instill the passion to work for the things I wanted.
I can remember shopping trips to the mall or a grocery store, where I saw things I wanted to purchase, but knew I didn’t have the right amount of money.
They never bought me anything at the store unless it was something I really needed, not because I pitched a fit.
At the time, I may have resented this fact, but looking back, I realize they were teaching me one of life’s most important lessons, saving for and paying for items you want.
Before I got my first job at the age of 16, I earned an allowance by completing chores around the house.
I remember the feeling of accomplishment when I saved and purchased my first name brand handbag.
Since then, I’ve always had a job and earned my own money. I’ll admit, my parents did purchase my first car for me, but I was in my second year of college and needed transportation.
That car was lost to Hurricane Katrina, but a year later, I went to a car dealership, signed a mountain of paperwork and financed my first vehicle.
I was more scared than proud. It’s never easy taking on a monthly note. However, I was never prouder than when I sent in the final payment.
Having been married almost two years now, it is still difficult for me to share financial control.
Too often, I see young children throw a tantrum in a store for a toy or a piece of candy and I watch as the parents purchase it for them.
Again, I’m not a parent, just drawing from my own experiences. However, suffering through a couple of tantrums is minimal compared to the type of adult they might become.
As the Rolling Stones song says, “You can’t always get what you want.”
In my opinion, this nation is moving more towards instant gratification and entitlement, rather than teaching young adults to earn their way in this world.
I am sometimes frustrated when I see adults who are often given things, even when they haven’t earned it. I’m not talking about people going through tough times, but people who are fully capable of taking care of themselves but won’t.
They may be thankful, but there comes a point in everyone’s life when you have to grow up and start earning your own way in life.