In an era of relative economic stability, we find ourselves in a society that has come to believe it has an inherent right to a job. However, this entitled mindset disregards the harsh realities faced by previous generations who endured the hardships of recessions, where having a job was considered a privilege. It is high time we reevaluate our attitudes and recognize the privilege inherent in the expectation of job security.

Ungrateful for Past Struggles
Many of the current generations have grown up in a time of economic prosperity, where they often fail to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations that built this nation. The notion of a steady job, with its accompanying benefits and security, is taken for granted. It is a luxury that many of our parents and grandparents did not have during periods of economic downturns, recessions, and widespread unemployment.

Learning from Historical Hardships
Previous generations lived through economic recessions where the job market was bleak. They faced uncertainty, anxiety, and financial hardships. They understood the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing any available opportunity to make ends meet. The challenges they encountered provided valuable life lessons and shaped their attitudes towards work and resilience.

 A False Sense of Entitlement
Today, however, the younger generation often harbors a sense of entitlement regarding employment. Many expect a well-paying job, with security and favorable conditions, right out of college or university. They overlook the fact that job security is a privilege that must be earned, and economic downturns can quickly change the employment landscape.

 Unrealistic Expectations
The prevailing mindset of job entitlement fails to consider the realities of a fluctuating economy, industry disruptions, and technological advancements that render certain jobs obsolete. This unrealistic expectation often leads to disappointment, frustration, and a lack of resilience when faced with the inevitable challenges of the job market.

Diminishing Work Ethic
The entitlement mindset perpetuates a diminishing work ethic. When individuals believe that a job should be readily available to them, they may become complacent, less motivated to develop their skills, or unwilling to take on positions they consider beneath them. This attitude hampers personal growth, adaptability, and a willingness to seize opportunities that may not align with their initial expectations.

Failure to Appreciate Job Security
The current generation’s lack of appreciation for job security undermines the efforts made by previous generations to establish labor rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. It disregards the battles fought by unions, workers’ rights advocates, and policy changes that aimed to protect employees from exploitation and precarious employment.

A Call for Perspective and Gratitude
It is time for our society to develop a sense of perspective and gratitude. Recognizing the privilege of job security and understanding the struggles of previous generations can instill a greater appreciation for the opportunities we have today. Rather than adopting a sense of entitlement, we should foster a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Embracing the Realities of the Job Market
To address the disconnect between entitlement and the realities of the job market, it is crucial to encourage a proactive approach to career development. This includes fostering a culture of lifelong learning, promoting skills diversification, and encouraging individuals to take ownership of their professional growth. By doing so, we can build a society that is better equipped to navigate the inevitable economic uncertainties that lie ahead.

Australia’s biggest challenge is now the entitlement of our new society, where job security is expected rather than earned, which is out of touch with the harsh realities faced by previous generations.  

Recognizing the privilege of employment and understanding the struggles endured by those who came before us is crucial as it cultivates a mindset of gratitude, resilience, and adaptability, where we can better appreciate the opportunities we have and prepare ourselves for the challenges of an ever-changing job market.